Turkish President Erdogan's grand vision of becoming a leader of the Muslim world is taking a more radicalised form in domestic politics as well. First conversion of two former Byzantine churches, namely the Church of St. Saviour in Chora and Hagia Sophia, into Mosques. And now annulation of Turkey's ratification of Istanbul Convention. This convention was established by The … Continue reading Erdogan and His Grand Vision – Increasing Internal Crisis in Turkey
The Declaration of Matera: A Call to Action on Food Systems in the Pandemic
On 29th June 2021, the Italian city of Matera, famous for its Sassi named UNESCO World Heritage site, has hosted the meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers of G20, the international forum that brings together the world’s major economies since 1999. In addition to this meeting, for the first time in G20 history, a joint session … Continue reading The Declaration of Matera: A Call to Action on Food Systems in the Pandemic
Manipulation of Public Consciousness as a Strategy in Information Wars
Scientia potentia est (knowledge is power), so goes the famous Latin saying. This is particularly true in the 21st century, where knowledge and information are currencies with ever-appreciating value. But like any other instrument of power, knowledge can be manipulated as either a force for good or a dangerous weapon. Exploiting information and psychological manipulation … Continue reading Manipulation of Public Consciousness as a Strategy in Information Wars
Recalibrating our Multilateral System of Governance
Glass Ceilings in Cracked InstitutionsFor the first time in history, a woman and African citizen is currently serving as the leader of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Dr. Okonjo-Iweala assumed her post on the 1st of March, immediately being catapulted to the forefront of international news for the historic and glass ceiling-shattering nature of her … Continue reading Recalibrating our Multilateral System of Governance
Sport’s Global Call for Solidarity: The Refugee Olympic Team
In the framework of UN-led refugee protection, inclusion, and equal opportunities initiatives, sports has been playing an increasingly more important role. It has been recognised as instrumental in conveying strong universal values of respect, solidarity and equality, and enabling personal engagement, professional enhancement and, eventually, social and economic upward mobility. In the last few decades, … Continue reading Sport’s Global Call for Solidarity: The Refugee Olympic Team
About Water Security and the Construction of the GERD
Water is of critical importance to human survival. However, access to water for various uses can create contention between countries and is a "matter of life and death", especially when such access affects by transboundary factors. A contemporary example is the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a project running since 2011. The GERD is a source of interstate … Continue reading About Water Security and the Construction of the GERD
Sun Tzu v. Chanakya 2020 – Pitting One Supreme Leader Against Another
May the best Supreme Leader win.
Nagorno-Karabakh: A Perennial Dispute
When an armed conflict broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh between Artsakh Armenian forces and Azerbaijani forces on 27 September, few expected that this conflict, which concerns a small area of the Caucasus, would become the first war scenario to be decided by drones rather than directly by humans within 44 days. It is not known how … Continue reading Nagorno-Karabakh: A Perennial Dispute
China’s Belt and Road Initiative – An Alternative to Western Globalization
The Belt and Road Initiative, often called the New Silk Road, conjures up distant and exotic images that are still reminiscent of the fairytale descriptions in Marco Polo's Milione. The allusion, which is not insignificant, refers to historical periods in which international trade was monopolised by the caravan routes that developed between the Far East … Continue reading China’s Belt and Road Initiative – An Alternative to Western Globalization