Politics
South Sudan: Post civil war instability
September’s peace deal in South Sudan was greeted with apprehensive relief. Now scepticism is rising.
Italy: Likelihood of general elections
The recent regional elections in Abruzzo and Sardinia have highlighted the contrasting political fortunes of the two populist parties that make up Italy’s coalition government.
Kurdistan Region stalls government formation
The last several years have been turbulent for the oil-rich Kurdistan Region. The local elections in September represented an opportunity to introduce some stability.
Sino-Russian alignment in reality: The case of Central Asia
This article presents an assessment of what the Sino-Russian relationship mean for Central Asia and the United States, in the short and long term.
A change in the East Asian balance of power? The implications of the Trump-Kim Summit
Ever since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the United States and South Korea have formed a liberal democratic alliance, in opposition to the communist North Korea. Although the two allies have encountered ups and downs throughout the decades, recent developments gave hope that a fundamental change to the nature of America’s engagements in the Korean peninsula might occur. However, President Trump’s last two summits with Kim Jong-un have made little progress, and questions concerning how to successfully engage North Korea persist.
America and Europe: Growing differences over Iran
The United States’ and Poland’s co-hosted conference in Europe is a controversial event. It has united some American allies around President Donald Trump’s aggressive anti-Iran posturing while alienating some others.
France and Italy: Growing tensions in Europe
France recalled its ambassador to Rome this month, for the first time since 1940, in a move which exemplifies a deepening diplomatic rift with Italy. Discord has been rumbling for months. This article explains why recent relations have become strained and how they could play out during 2019.
Nigeria: soon to be Africa’s largest democracy?
Previous elections in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, have been plagued by violence and election fraud. Amidst a backdrop of heightened insecurity fuelled by political tensions in the region, Saturday’s election will be decisive in defining Nigeria’s role on the global stage. They will also be fundamental in determining investor confidence and characterising Africa’s relationship with democracy.
Irish backstop: PM risks future of the Union
New assurances regarding the backstop will likely secure Brexit, but it would also inflame nationalist passions in Ireland which would threaten the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom
Qatar: Forging Alliances in Lebanon
Following the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in Lebanon, Qatar announced its plans to buy $500 million in government bonds to support Lebanon’s struggling economy. However, this is likely a strategic move for Qatar to increase its soft power in the country, as Qatar seeks to challenge the influence of Lebanon’s long-time financial patron, Saudi Arabia.
