Politics
The Murder of Giulio Regeni and the Egyptian-Italian Partnership
Four agents of the Egyptian secret services have been formally accused of the murder of the Italian student Giulio Regeni. Notwithstanding the widespread outrage among the Italian population, the government’s
Israel Continues to Gain Alliances Through US Deals
The strengthening of former diplomatic ties and the establishment of new ones, have poised Israel for greater security amongst its regional counterparts. As Israel’s evolving role in global politics is continuously being shaped by the policies of the countries around it, the ardent support by the US has allowed for this nation to gain more legitimacy in the eyes of its former enemies.
Poland: Heading Towards ‘Polexit’?
Conflicts between the Polish government and the EU have raised concerns over their future relationship. Poland, once a shining example of post-communist recovery, has damaged its international reputation through controversial reforms and political battles with the EU, most recently attempting to block the EU budget. But are we heading towards ‘Polexit’?
Somalia – A Triple Threat to Instability?
Internal and external forces have ominously converged in recent weeks, threatening the tentative state of stability in Somalia. Domestically, President Mohammed Farmaajo’s efforts to manoeuvre his path to re-election in 2021 are sparking considerable internal strife, while internationally, a hurricane of potentially harmful geopolitical winds is circling around Somalia.
Reality of Post-Communist Transitions Risks Entrenching EU-Central Europe Divide
Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, and his Polish counterpart, Mateusz Morawiecki, argue that new powers handed to the European Commission, allowing the EU to withhold payments of the €750bn Covid recovery package from member states that fail to meet EU standards on the rule of law, are a politically motivated attempt to target their countries.
Belarus: Democratic awakening in stalemate
While Belarusian strongman Lukashenko has held onto power since the highly contested August 2020 presidential election, public discontent with the regime has persisted in the face of police brutality and human rights abuses. As the West increases sanctions on Belarusian officials and the Kremlin’s support transforms into pressure, it is critical to assess whether Europe’s last authoritarian stronghold will survive in 2021.
Forever War: The Unfulfilled Peace in Colombia
Despite the signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrilla organization in June 2016, Colombia continues to struggle with armed violence by far-left guerrilla groups including the ELN (Ejército de Liberación Nacional) and FARC dissidents, as well as by right wing paramilitaries and criminal cartels. The causes of this continued violence are numerous and range from the attitude of the Duque administration towards the peace agreement, to the situation in neighbouring Venezuela.
Latin America – Russia’s Game in 2021: an Outlook
Latin America is at a turning point and there will be a lot at stake for Russia’s influence building in the region in 2021. The instability created by an unprecedented recession and an increased political polarisation in what promises to be a hectic electoral year as well as a more active US foreign policy after Trump’s neglect will probably increase Moscow’s appetite for the subcontinent.
Italy: Will the Government Fall (Again)?
Amid a global pandemic and with 209 billion euros to be spent to counter the effects of the economic downturn (-9.9% GDP), the Italian government is facing yet another crisis. Will this lead to the third change in the executive in less than three years? Or will the majority find a compromise before it is too late?
Denmark’s Delayed #MeToo Movement and the Myth of Gender Equality
Three years after the rest of the world was rocked by #metoo protests, Denmark is now experiencing its own gendered paradigm shift. A combination of factors contributed to the postponement of #metoo in Denmark; mainly, a cultural disdain for political correctness. However, the fact that #metoo is still relevant, several years after its peak, shows that the movement is resilient, and its accomplishments will likely stick around for years to come.
