Tag "Political instability"
The International Law of War and Russia’s ‘Special Military Operation’
Moscow has refused to call its actions in Ukraine a ‘war’, instead suggesting that it is simply conducting a ‘special military operation’. Such an unyielding position is inherently steeped in the international law of warfare. By refusing to issue an official Declaration of War against Kyiv, the Kremlin is cherry-picking jus ad bellum norms in order to paint its actions as a “[humanitarian] intervention by invitation”, feeding into its perception of Ukraine as an unviable state, whilst also seeking to avert a myriad of unfavourable domestic implications which would be triggered by a State of War.
Italy’s Presidential Election: What Comes Next?
On 29 January 2022, after eight rounds of voting, Italy re-elected Sergio Mattarella as President of the Republic. To many, this result came as a surprise, because Mattarella himself had clearly expressed his intention to step down based on moral grounds: while not expressly forbidden by the Constitution, the re-election of an incumbent head of state should be avoided–as then President Antonio Segni put it in a speech delivered in 1963 and recently cited by Mattarella–because the sheer possibility of it may create incentives for the incumbent to engage in acts meant to favor his or her re-election, de facto calling into question the impartiality of the President.
The Netherlands Struggles to Find Political Stability as Polarisation Increases
Amid the pandemic, Dutch politics have become increasingly tumultuous. Its parliamentary elections in March touted the largest number of parties on the Dutch ballots since the 1940s. Additionally, a public awareness of a myriad of socio-political issues and a relatively high voter turnout possibly reflect a more diverse political landscape. Yet, the fallout from last year’s childcare benefit scandal, and renewed discussions about political transparency have impaired ongoing formation talks.
Mali’s “Fresh Start” is Becoming a Pipe Dream as Colonel Malick Diaw is Elected Head of Interim Legislature
The Malian coup d’état, that came to fruition on the 18th August last year, was motivated by a need to end the corruption and bad governance that had brought the country to standstill and to address the instability that continues in the north of the country. In the aftermath, the Comité Nationale pour le Salut de Peuple (CNSP) followed through, conducting consultations with key stakeholders to develop its charter for transition. It vowed to return the country to civilian leadership within a “reasonable timeframe”. Nevertheless, as the CNSP has become comfortable in its position of power, cracks are beginning to show. Army personnel dominate the interim government and even with ECOWAS bearing down, the hope of a more transparent and democratic government is beginning to dissipate.
Sri Lanka: economic and political fragility
The Sri Lankan democracy has recently been burdened by a presidential coup. President Sirisena has overstepped his constitutional limits to sack the sitting Prime Minister and unilaterally appoint a new one. Instead of seeking parliament’s approval, he dissolved the House and announced snap elections for January 2019.
The Week Ahead: 17-23 June 2018
This week: Germany CSU vote on migration policy. Turkey elections.
Spike in protests a symptom of deeper issues in Honduras
On 17 December, Honduras’ electoral tribunal declared incumbent President Juan Orlando Hernandez the winner of the presidential elections. Resulting allegations of electoral fraud and public protests are however signs of deepening political instability in Honduras, a country already affected by widespread corruption, crime and poverty.
The Week Ahead: 19 – 25 November
Zimbabwe turmoil. Honduras elections. Nepal elections. UK budget. All in The Week Ahead.
Are emerging markets still a good investment?
Is the era of the BRICS over? In this debate, GRI asked two of its top analysts about the future of emerging economies.
Kashmir riots highlight the risk of growing instability
The death of Hizbul Mujahideen’s leader in a gun battle with government forces in Kashmir sparked days of clashes. The insurgency is likely to continue, exploiting the India-Pakistan stalemate.
