The US-Chinese summit of San Francisco, this 17th of November, marks the first meeting between US and Chinese heads of State since 2017. Though optimists hope for reconciliation and pacification between these two superpowers, this scenario remains unlikely, due to the level of the interests at stake. This is made clear in China’s driving philosophy, … Continue reading The Red Tianxia: Confucianism and Maoism in China’s Foreign Policy
Crisis Unveiled: Gaza’s Descent into Chaos
Escalation and Regional Dynamics The relentless tide of violence in the Israeli-Hamas conflict underscores not just a local crisis but the fragility of the entire Middle East. Rooted in deep-seated historical enmity, the ongoing clashes paint a complex picture of political, social, and religious discord. As diplomatic ties disintegrate, neighboring nations are forced into a … Continue reading Crisis Unveiled: Gaza’s Descent into Chaos
Africa at the Crossroads: Democracy’s Decline and the Rise of New Alliances
Introduction The post-independence journey of democratic governance in West Africa is a complex tapestry marked by triumphs and tribulations. Despite commendable efforts within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the struggle for democratic consolidation faces challenges—political instability, economic hardships, corruption, and contested elections. Issues of governance effectiveness and equitable resource distribution persist, overshadowing … Continue reading Africa at the Crossroads: Democracy’s Decline and the Rise of New Alliances
Unraveling Haiti’s Fragility: A Deep Dive into Historical Roots and Current Challenges
Introduction Haiti currently holds the 10th position on the Fragile State Index (FSI), a comprehensive metric evaluating a state's well-being across various categories. This paper focuses on key FSI indicators, notably State Legitimacy (9.9), Public Services (9.8), Human Rights (8.7), and External Intervention (9.6). While these scores offer a snapshot, a deeper exploration of Haiti's … Continue reading Unraveling Haiti’s Fragility: A Deep Dive into Historical Roots and Current Challenges
Antisemitism and Islamophobia on the Rise in Europe in the Wake of the Israeli-Hamas War
Since the atrocious Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7th, 2023, we have been witnessing a brutal series of Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, which killed more than 10,000 people in four weeks since the start of the conflict. As a consequence, the spread of hate violence based on religion, race, and ethnic … Continue reading Antisemitism and Islamophobia on the Rise in Europe in the Wake of the Israeli-Hamas War
Heroes or Villains? Exploring Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil, and Their Disruptive Utopianism: A Fresh Perspective
Some conflicts may explode overnight, sometimes driven by surprise moves from the players and grabbing the immediate world’s attention. Others brew steadily and slowly, painfully highlighting the lack of political inability or will to manage what seems inevitable. “We’re fucked” is a popular slogan used by Extinction Rebellion, also known as XR. This movement, founded … Continue reading Heroes or Villains? Exploring Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil, and Their Disruptive Utopianism: A Fresh Perspective
Women’s Rights and the Issue of the Veil in a Global Context
Veiling Laws: In recent years, many European countries have passed laws that ban women’s veiling. In 2021, Switzerland voted in favor of banning face coverings in public, such as the burqas or niqabs worn by some Muslim women (BBC News: Switzerland referendum: Voters support ban on face coverings in public. 03/07/21). More recently, France is to … Continue reading Women’s Rights and the Issue of the Veil in a Global Context
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East: International Demands for Ceasefire, Safe Passage, and Humanitarian Aid Amidst Deepening Crisis
In the heart of the Middle East, where the echoes of conflict have become an all-too-familiar melody, a new crescendo of violence reverberates between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. In the midst of this chaos, the world bears witness to a human tragedy unfolding before its eyes. Urgency permeates the air, demanding immediate … Continue reading Escalating Tensions in the Middle East: International Demands for Ceasefire, Safe Passage, and Humanitarian Aid Amidst Deepening Crisis
The Islamic State Will Never Be Up for Negotiations – and For Good
Terrorists are neither easy nor particularly appealing to talk to. Traditionally, states have been unwilling to send their representatives to communicate with the terrorist groupings out of fear that the very fact of negotiation with the violent anti-government actor, daring to break state’s monopoly on the use of force, might undermine government’s legitimacy in the … Continue reading The Islamic State Will Never Be Up for Negotiations – and For Good
Human Rights in the Gaza Conflict: A Struggle for Peace and Justice
Introduction The Gaza conflict has been a longstanding and deeply entrenched issue in the complex web of global conflicts and political challenges. Rooted in historical, religious, and geopolitical factors, the situation in Gaza continues to be a subject of concern for human rights advocates, diplomats, and governments worldwide. This article will shed light on the … Continue reading Human Rights in the Gaza Conflict: A Struggle for Peace and Justice