MENA Policy BriefS
NATO Summit The Hague 2025: Strategic Outcomes and Key Issues
Key Takeaways Defense Spending Surge: NATO leaders agreed on a historic increase in defense spending, pledging to reach a combined 5% of GDP by 2035, reflecting heightened threats, particularly from Russia, and U.S. pressure for equitable burden-sharing. Reaffirmation...
European Democracy Shield Open Public Consultation Policy Recommendations by the Horizon Europe project INNOVADE
This policy brief is prepared as a response to the public consultation opened by the European Commission for further development and fine-tuning of the European Democracy Shield initiative. This brief is prepared by the INNOVADE project consortium, which is funded by...
Between Tehran and Tel Aviv: China’s Strategic Balancing Act in the Middle East
Key Takeaways China’s Dual Engagement Strategy Is Under Severe StrainChina’s long-standing approach of maintaining strong ties with both Iran and Israel—anchored in trade, technology, energy, and diplomacy—faces unprecedented pressure following the 2025 Israel–Iran...
The Rising Importance of the Global South in 2025: A New Pillar of Multipolar Power
Key Takeaways The Global South is no longer a passive actor — In 2025, developing nations across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific are actively shaping global politics, economics, and security, moving from the periphery to the center of...
Trump’s 2025 Gulf Tour: Deals, Diplomacy, and Dilemmas
Key Takeaways Historic Re-engagement: President Trump's 2025 Middle East tour represented a significant U.S. re-engagement with key Gulf allies—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—focusing heavily on economic investment, security cooperation, and technological...
China’s National Security in the New Era: Anxious Power, Ambitious Vision
Key Takeaways China's 2025 national security white paper outlines a comprehensive and centralized vision of security that expands well beyond military defense to encompass political, economic, technological, environmental, and societal domains. The white paper is...
Xi Jinping’s May 2025 Visit to Russia: Geopolitical Significance and Strategic Implications
Key Takeaways: Geopolitical Alignment: Xi Jinping’s May 2025 visit to Russia highlights deepening Sino-Russian cooperation amid heightened geopolitical tensions surrounding the Ukraine war. Xi’s prominent role in Moscow’s Victory Day commemorations reinforced mutual...
Mentoring-naar-werk in de asielopvang resultaten en inzichten uit de uitvoeringspraktijk
Inleiding Mentoring-naar-werk is een instrument dat opgang maakt als het gaat om de activering van personen van buitenlandse herkomst; het heeft de laatste jaren sterk aan populariteit gewonnen. Binnen het arbeidsmarktbeleid is mentoring een innovatief instrument: het...
Collision Course in Kashmir: Can India and Pakistan Step Back from Conflict?
On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack targeting tourists in Kashmir’s idyllic Pahalgam Valley shattered the fragile peace between India and Pakistan, swiftly plunging the two nuclear-armed rivals into their worst diplomatic and military crisis in years....
Comrades, Partners, Allies: How Xi Jinping Is Reshaping Southeast Asian Ties
Key Takeaways Xi Jinping’s April 2025 Southeast Asia tour marks a strategic deepening of China’s neighborhood diplomacy, with visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia showcasing Beijing’s evolving model of personalized, high-level engagement with the Global South....
Great Power Competition in the Information Age: A Hararian Analysis of U.S.-China Rivalry
Key Takeaways Information as Power Yuval Noah Harari’s Nexus argues that power stems from the ability to construct and sustain shared information networks—often based more on narrative coherence than on empirical truth. In the digital age, AI systems increasingly...
Around the World in 80 Days: Trump’s Return and the Rewriting of Global Order
Much like Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, Donald Trump has embarked on a whirlwind journey—only this one spans not continents for sport, but policies, alliances, and power plays with real global consequences. In just 80 days since reclaiming...
Fear of Falling Behind: Root Causes of Trump’s Renewed Protectionism Against China
President Donald Trump’s second term has been marked by a renewed protectionist stance rooted in concerns over the United States’ economic and technological standing relative to China. This stance builds on long-brewing trends: China’s dramatic rise in manufacturing...
Implications of the Second Trump Administration (2025–2029) on Global Geopolitics
Executive Summary Security Realignments: The second Trump term will likely strain traditional alliances. In Europe, NATO’s cohesion could be undermined by U.S. demands for burden-sharing and hints of disengagement, prompting the EU to bolster...
European Defence Readiness 2030: A New Blueprint for Strategic Autonomy
ReArm Europe – Scaling Investment for Credible Deterrence The EU aims to massively boost defense spending and cooperation to build a credible deterrent by 2030. Recommendations: Launch €150B SAFE loan program for joint EU arms procurement. Ease...
Culture’s Role in Navigating Technological Change: The KT4D perspective on recent developments in European AI policy
The policy brief published by KT4D suggests that examining culture allows for a deeper understanding of societal responses to AI development. Rather than applying only the current proposed risk assessment framework which greatly underestimates...
NATO at a Crossroads in Trump’s Second Term
Introduction President Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025 has brought a series of abrupt policy shifts that are reverberating across the NATO alliance. In a matter of weeks, longstanding U.S. approaches to European...
India and the EU: Strategic Realignment in the Era of ‘America First’
Key Takeaways EU’s Strategic Response to Trump’s Policies: Trump's second-term "America First" agenda and confrontational stance toward European allies have forced the European Union to reconsider traditional alliances and strategically deepen...
The Transactional Turn in U.S. Foreign Policy: Trump’s Ukraine Policy Shift and Its Implications for Asia-Pacific Alliances
The recent recalibration of U.S. policy on Ukraine under President Trump represents a profound departure from the longstanding American commitment to robust military and economic support for Kyiv—a commitment that has historically underpinned...
Trump’s Gamble: Is the U.S. Trading NATO for a Russia-China Split?
The second Trump administration has ushered in a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in its approach to Russia. By deprioritizing full support for Ukraine and seeking a diplomatic resolution with Moscow, Trump’s...
The End of an Era: What the US Retreat from European Security Means for the World
Key Takeaways The US is stepping back from European security: For the first time in decades, Washington has signaled that Europe must assume primary responsibility for its own defense, reshaping NATO and altering the continent’s security...
The New U.S.-China Trade War: Strategic Motives, Domestic Consequences, and Global Ramifications
Key Takeaways: Strategic Motives: Trump’s tariffs, aimed at reducing reliance on China and boosting domestic industry, mark a return to protectionism with broader economic and political implications. While the administration frames tariffs as a...
The Age of AI in U.S.-China Great Power Competition: Strategic Implications, Risks, and Global Governance
Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing (QC) are at the center of the escalating strategic competition between the United States and China. These technologies are reshaping military capabilities, economic dominance, and...
Europe at the Crossroads: Navigating Political and Economic Turbulence Amid Trump’s Return
Key Takeaways Transatlantic Turbulence: The return of Donald Trump as U.S. president signals renewed challenges to U.S.-EU relations, including protectionist trade policies, skepticism toward NATO, unpredictable approaches to the Ukraine...
South Korea’s Democracy Tested: Impeachments, Power Struggles, and a Nation in Flux
Key Takeaways Unprecedented Martial Law: President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law—later annulled—ignited South Korea’s most severe political crisis since democratization, calling into question the scope of presidential emergency...
The Geopolitics of Dependence: NATO, China, and Critical Raw Materials
Introduction Critical raw materials (CRMs) underpin contemporary defense, energy, and technological capabilities. They lie at the heart of advanced military systems, support the expansion of clean energy infrastructures, and enable cutting-edge...
Israel Amid Regional Upheaval: Evaluating Strategic Shifts Since October 7, 2023
The Middle East is undergoing one of its most transformative periods in recent history, characterized by an unprecedented cascade of political, military, and societal shifts. This period of upheaval has reshaped power dynamics and alliances,...
A New Chapter for Syria: Analyzing the Collapse of Assad’s Regime
Key Takeaways A Historic Turning Point: The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime ends over five decades of authoritarian rule in Syria and opens the door to a new era of hope and uncertainty for the nation and the broader Middle East. The...
ADMM and ADMM-Plus 2024: ASEAN’s Blueprint for a Secure and Resilient Region
Introduction The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has long been recognized as a cornerstone of regional security and cooperation in Southeast Asia. Amidst a rapidly evolving global order marked by geopolitical rivalries,...
Trump’s Hardline Cabinet: Implications for America’s Future with China
Key Takeaways: Hawkish Cabinet Appointments: President-elect Donald Trump has appointed a predominantly hawkish group of individuals to key cabinet positions, signaling a strategic pivot toward a more confrontational U.S. policy on China. Marco...
America First, Again: How Trump’s Return Could Reshape U.S.-Asia Relations
Key Takeaways Economic Competition: Trump is expected to bring back tariffs on China, pushing for economic independence. This could disrupt supply chains and impact economies across Asia. Tech Rivalry: The U.S.-China tech competition is likely...
BRICS in Transition: Aspirations and Challenges from the Kazan Summit
Key Takeaways Ambitious Expansion and Global Influence: The 2024 BRICS Summit underscores the bloc's ambition to challenge the Western-led global system by advocating a more equitable and multipolar world order. The inclusion of 13 new partner...
Assessment of China’s Rise and Great Power Competition: A Review of Global Strategic Trends Out to 2055 Report
Introduction The Global Strategic Trends Out to 2055 (GST7) report, published by the UK Ministry of Defence's Development, Concepts, and Doctrine Centre (DCDC), presents an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical, economic, and societal...
Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: A Fragile Balance on the Brink of Regional War
Executive Summary The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has entered a dangerous new phase, raising the possibility of a regional war in the Middle East. This escalation, rooted in longstanding regional power struggles, has been...
China-Africa Relations in Transition: The 2024 FOCAC Summit and Its Implications
Key Takeaways Financial Commitment: China pledged $50 billion in financial support over the next three years, signalling a shift from large-scale infrastructure projects to more diversified investments in green energy, industry, and digital infrastructure. Green...
The Beijing Declaration and Beyond: China’s Strategic Role in the Israel-Palestine Issue
The question of Palestine has consistently been at the center of international diplomatic efforts, drawing attention from major global actors seeking to sway the region's stability. Historically dominated by Western nations, especially the United States, the narrative...
How do the results of the EU Elections affect the European Green Deal?
As King Charles of England expressed at COP 28, while the world is drifting into uncharted waters due to global warming, concerns about the future of the European Green Deal, one of the most critical moves in combating climate change, have materialized due to the...
The 2024 Shangri-La Dialogue: Strategic Rivalries and Cooperative Futures
The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is held every year in Singapore to discuss security and defense related issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Sponsored by IISS, the forum draws defense ministers, military chiefs, and other top brass from around the world. These delegations...
Un nouvel horizon : les jeunes auront le dernier mot lors des Élections Européennes de 2024
Introduction Dans une décision historique, la Belgique a ouvert les portes de la démocratie plus largement que jamais en permettant aux citoyens âgés de 16 ans et plus de participer aux élections européennes (EE24). La loi initiale promulguée en décembre 2023...
Beyond Grey: Kenya and Namibia’s Roadmap Against Financial Crime Challenges
Background On February 23, 2024, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) categorized Kenya and Namibia as high-risk countries for anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) regulations, enlisting them on the “FATF Grey List” due to...
Xi Jinping in Europe: Strategic Autonomy and the Shifting Alliances in EU-China Relations
In early May of 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping undertook a significant diplomatic visit to Europe, the first since the global pandemic began. His five-day itinerary included visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary. Each stop on the tour was imbued with meaning and...
Een nieuwe horizon omarmen: De jeugd zal het laatste woord hebben bij de Europese verkiezingen van 2024
Inleiding In een baanbrekende beslissing opende België de deuren van de democratie breder dan ooit door het mogelijk te maken voor burgers van 16 jaar en ouder om deel te nemen aan de Europese Verkiezingen (EE24). De oorspronkelijke wet die in december 2023 werd...
The Role of CSRD and CS3D in Tackling with Climate Crisis
“Europe is the fastest-warming continent in the world” says the new report published by European Environment Agency. A rise in average global temperature of more than 1.5 degrees Celsius between February 2023 and January 2024 is a clear indicator of future increase...
Embracing a New Horizon: Youth Will Say the Last Word in The European Elections 2024
Introduction In a landmark decision, Belgium opened the doors of democracy wider than ever before by making it possible for citizens aged 16 and above to participate in the European Elections (EE24). The initial law enacted in December 2023 allowed the youth to vote...
Crossroads of Power: Navigating the 2024 US Election’s Impact on Transatlantic Relations
Crossroads of Power: Navigating the 2024 US Election's Impact on Transatlantic Relations by Ilaria Gallo April 09, 2024 | 17 min read 1. Introduction 2024 takes on an influential character as the electoral process is underway in more than 80 nations, including the US,...
Unveiling the Chessboard: Macron’s Gambit, NATO’s Dilemma, and Putin’s Warning Amidst the Ukraine Crisis
Unveiling the Chessboard: Macron’s Gambit, NATO’s Dilemma, and Putin’s Warning Amidst the Ukraine Crisis by Laura Scotto di Clemente March 19, 2024 | 12 min read 1. Macron’s controversial stance on Western troop deployment to Ukraine: a closer look and its...
Beyond the Carnage: Implications of the ISIL-Claimed Attack in Moscow
Beyond the Carnage: Implications of the ISIL-Claimed Attack in Moscow by Laura Scotto di Clemente & Onur Sultan May 17, 2021 | 12 min read Introduction On March 23, a devastating incident unfolded as ISIL launched an attack on the Crocus Show Center in...
Facing the Future: Navigating Egypt’s Deepening Socio-Economic Challenges
Background Egypt suffered mighty consequences from food rising prices, which rose by 72% in the last fiscal year, pushing the cost of living over the reach of many. Inflation is slowing down from historic peak of 38.0% in September but still remains high. The official...
Strategic Show of Strength: Unpacking the Largest NATO Exercise since the End of Cold War
Introduction The illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 shook the international community, challenging the very foundations of European security. In response to this violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, NATO quickly strengthened its...
Governance, Growth, and Geopolitics: Insights from China’s Two Sessions
The National People's Congress (NPC) of China functions as the paramount organ of state authority, operating as a single-chamber legislature endowed with extensive capabilities, including amending the Constitution, legislating, supervising governmental activities, and...
Between Ballots and Battleships: Dissecting Taiwan’s 2024 Electoral Aftermath
Within the intricate mosaic of Asia-Pacific geopolitical dynamics, Taiwan stands out not just as a sovereign entity but as a central hub, pivotal to the strategic frameworks of global heavyweights such as the United States and China. Positioned strategically along...
The growing importance of artificial intelligence in corporate sustainability reporting
Excessive use of raw materials, pollution of air & soil, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels and negative implications of climate change demonstrate that unsustainable business activities endanger the Earth’s habitability and in turn the profitability of future...
The Admiral’s New Role: Analysing the Geopolitical Implications of China’s Defense Ministry Shift
The appointment of Admiral Dong Jun as the People's Republic of China's (PRC) Minister of National Defense represents a critical juncture in the nation's military leadership and strategic direction. Dong's ascension to this role, notable for being the first naval...
The role of AI in response to climate-related security problems and the European Green Deal
The relationship between climate change and security is becoming more conspicuous as the intensity and frequency of climate-related environmental disasters affect fragile countries especially. Climate change increases the likelihood of mass migration and social...
After COP 28 Climate Summit: Is it a victory for the future of the EU Green Deal?
The EU Green Deal is the most comprehensive and effective policy package to respond to the adverse impacts of climate change. On the other hand, geopolitical tensions, high inflation, rising populist political discourses and energy crises create an inconvenient global...
The Geopolitics of Climate Change: China and the US Strategies in Focus at COP28
The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, scheduled for November 30 to December 12, 2023, in the United Arab Emirates, marks a significant juncture in the ongoing global effort to address climate change. Amidst this crucial summit, a pivotal...
The role of EU in COP 28 – Can EU be the forefront fighter in the war against climate change?
Climate change has turned into a real climate emergency or crisis. July 2023 was recorded as the hottest month in 120.000 years, while geopolitical confrontations are getting exacerbated in different regions like Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Gaza and others. The United...
The Biden-Xi Dialogue: Balancing Competition and Cooperation in a Fragile World
Introduction At the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco, a significant meeting took place, drawing considerable attention in the realm of international politics. This was the dialogue between President Joe Biden of the United States and...
The US and Israel’s War with Hamas
Introduction The situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip is tense. Although there have been numerous attacks in Israel, the present situation appears to be much more extensive than in the past. Coming to the aid of its ally, the United States has sent military forces...
Decoding the BRI’s Second Decade: Ideology, Governance, and Geopolitics
Introduction As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) marks its 10th anniversary, its context has evolved significantly within the geopolitical and economic landscape. Initiated in 2013 with the objective of fostering global economic development and international...
Lebanon Treads a Narrow Path to Avoid Regional War
As Israel’s assault on Gaza rages on, the prospect of a regionalization of the fighting grows. Lebanon, in particular, remains the most likely point of escalation, even if the country cannot afford it. Two weeks into the unfolding crisis in Palestine-Israel, and...
Latest Gaza War to Reshuffle Cards in the Middle East
Background On October 7, 2023, in the next day of the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, the world woke to the news of another terrorist attack where militants of Hamas and Islamic Jihad infiltrated borders around Gaza from land, air and sea to seize...
Gabon Coup
Background Omar Bongo was president of Gabon for four decades. In 1967, following the death of Leon Mba, he rose to the seat of power for the country with France’s backing. Throughout his tenure, various measures benefited Omar Bongo in securing his power. Under...
Book Review: Nomad Century: How to Survive the Climate Upheaval
A great upheaval is coming. It will change us, and our planet. In the global south, extreme climate change will push vast numbers of people from their homes, with large regions becoming uninhabitable; in the planet’s more comfortable north, economies will struggle to...
Moldova Independence
Background The breakaway region of Moldova, known as Transnistria, is a small region that borders Ukraine on the east and the Dniester River on the west. The river separates the region from the rest of Moldova. From 1924 to 1940, this region held autonomy before...
Niger Military Coup
Background The Sahel region of Africa has the fastest growing population in the world. Poverty, food crisis, and armed conflict threaten the area as the number of refugees of internally displaced people reaches over 4.1 million. The conflict in Ukraine exacerbates the...
Japan’s Defense Buildup and NATO Involvement
Background In 2007, India, Japan, Australia, and the United States formed the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Quad for short, to counter Chinese influence. Since March 2021, the frequency of meetings has increased showing a revived effort to bring security to...
The New EU Security Paradigm: Climate and Security Nexus
The risks posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events and losses in biodiversity, have forced security policy-makers to change their traditional security paradigms that mostly rely on power struggles among major powers. More than one billion people are...
French Unrest: Police killing of Nahel Merzouk
Background In 2017, former president of France, François Hollande In 2018 and 2019, France experienced a unique wave of protesters called the Gilet Jaunes. This group of protestors ranged far and wide in their grievances with some protesting tax raises and others...
China’s Rising Power in the Middle East: A New Geopolitical Landscape
The Middle East, a region rich in energy resources, is strategically important for global powers. As the world's largest oil importer, China has steadily increased its influence in the area. This influence is driven by China's energy needs and diplomatic efforts, as...
Shangri-La Dialogue 2023: Charting a Path Towards Security and Stability in the Indo-Pacific
The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defense summit, convened in Singapore from 2nd to 4th June 2023, marking a pivotal moment for policymakers, ministers, and experts to gather and deliberate on the most critical security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific...
Increased Militarisation of Space – A New Realm of Security
Abstract The military use of space is not new, yet it has developed and become more advanced today. Major powers, such as the US, China, and Russia, now have their own military units specialized in space operations, indicating that space has become a new war-fighting...
Generative AI – Astonishing but no reason to be afraid
1. Introduction Generative AI (GenAI) is a form of artificial intelligence that can create novel content such as audio, data, codes, or images. It will drastically change how we approach digital content in the future, and a range of jobs are executed.[1] GenAI gained...
Cultural aspects in multicultural mentoring-to-work relationships
Sirppa Kinos (Turku University of Applied Sciences, Finland)Ilse Van den Berckt (Eudres, University of Applied Sciences Leuven-Limburg, Belgium)Roza Pambukhchyan (University of Turku, Finland)Marja Kiijärvi-Pihkala (LAB University of Applied Sciences, Finland)Olga...
Two Major Earthquakes Hit Türkiye and Syria – An Evaluation of Crisis Management Efforts
Two Major Earthquakes Hit Türkiye and SyriaAn Evaluation of Crisis Management Efforts by Onur Sultan* and Jannis Figura** February 21, 2023| 17 min read 1. Introduction On February 6, 2023, a series of earthquakes struck southern Türkiye and northern...
Western weapon supplies to Ukraine in 2023 and potential Russian responses
1. New forms of Western weapon supplies to Ukraine in 2023 In my previous article, I discussed that Ukraine mainly needs three weapon systems to continue the fight against Russia in 2023. These systems are modern fighter jets, long-range artillery, and tanks (Hooker,...
Why is giving an old frigate to Ukraine such a bad idea?
Ukraine’s deputy Foreign Minister Andrij Melnyk called on Germany in a series of tweets to provide a class 212A submarine and a 32 years old decommissioned frigate Lübeck to Ukraine. Even though it was an important call, the issue was not covered as extensively as...
An assessment of the European microchip industry and its expansion strategy
Abstract The microchip industry will probably grow from $575 billion in 2022 into a trillion-dollar industry by 2030. The main obstacles are limited production capacity and unstable production chains. Europe’s strengths in the microchip industry are the presence of...
The Defrosting of the Arctic region and the interventionism of the European Union
Introduction The Arctic region presents itself as a complex geopolitical chess game. Given the emerging concerns of climate change and its consequences, the region has gained significant relevance. The Arctic Circle Zone is composed of a number of states, such as...
US-China Relations: Adrift Between Conflict and Tianxia
US-China Relations: Adrift Between Conflict and Tianxia by Mats Radeck[i], Fatih Civrillioglu[ii] October 18, 2022 | 8 min read Introduction On August 2, 2022, Nancy Pelosi visited the island of Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) to underscore America’s...
The potential directions of the Ukraine War in spring 2023
Abstract The Ukraine War slowed down over the past months due to the harsh weather conditions and the high casualties on both sides. Russia and Ukraine will likely launch new offensives between February and April 2023. While Russia’s battlefield destiny lies in its...
International criminal justice and the war in Ukraine
Abstract The international crimes committed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine can be prosecuted under the current international law framework except for the crime of aggression. Prosecution of the latter is the only judicial way to prosecute the Russian...
Japan: Proactive in the Light of Current Issues
Introduction Following World War II (WWII), just as Germany did, Japan disarmed itself. Since then, the country has prioritized economic development over political and military disputes, and it has determined a foreign policy strategy that fosters stability in its...
Digitalisation for integration of migrants: Necessity more than an opportunity
Digitalisation entered almost every part of human life with the pace of technology’s advance, fuelled by the pandemic and lockdown. Internet connectivity has unlocked new and faster modes of communication, and we are now more connected than ever before. Digitalisation...
South Sudan’s Vulnerability to Floods
South Sudan’s Vulnerability to Floods by Jannis Figura December 28, 2022 | 7 min read 1. Introduction Climate change is a global phenomenon, but its negative impact mainly affects poorer countries due to their dependence on natural resources and lacking coping...
Learning from experience: Comparing disaster management in the Philippines and Europe
Learning from experience: Comparing disaster management in the Philippines and Europe
EU Green Deal, Corporate Sustainability and Decarbonization of Global Supply Chains
EU Green Deal, Corporate Sustainability and Decarbonization of Global Supply Chains by İlyas Gülenç December 20, 2022 | 7 min read Introduction Achieving the net-zero target by the year 2050 is critical to curb the catastrophic impacts of climate change for...
The Political Crisis in Pakistan
Background A political crisis has erupted in Pakistan, following months of unrest since the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April. Khan lost a no-confidence motion in the parliament and quickly called for his supporters to take to the streets. Since...
Lebanon and the Janus-faced Border Deal
Introduction When a large amount of ammonium nitrate exploded in the port of Beirut in August 2020, it left a swath of destruction in the city. The incident caused, among others, 218 deaths, thousands of injured, and millions of dollars in property damage....
COP 27, EU Green Deal, and the Birth Pain of a New International Order
COP 27, the EU Green Deal, and the Birth Pain of a New International Order by İlyas Gülenç* November 22, 2022 | 6 min read Introduction Ending up the fossil fuel addiction of the global economy, which is the main reason for global warming, is a challenging task...
India’s Dilemma over Ukraine
Introduction The war on Ukraine has clearly transformed the political environment in Europe, but it has also divided the world. In this turbulent time, India has positioned itself as neutral, balancing between Russia and the West. While India has not officially...
Disputes in Government: Nuclear Test for Scholz’s ‘Zeitenwende’
Background In 2011, the German government, run by Christian Democrats (CDU) and Liberals (FDP) and headed by Angela Merkel decided to phase out nuclear energy in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The move was met with great approval from the public and...
Dissecting the New Swedish Migration Policy
A new political era awaits Sweden as Ulf Kristersson (Moderate) has officially been elected the new Swedish Prime Minister with the support of the right coalition bloc consisting of the Swedish Democrats, the Moderates, the Christian Democrats, and the Liberals. The...
Reskilled and Integrated, but How? Navigating Trauma and Temporary Hardships
Abstract Immigrants are often pressed to show how they will contribute to a host country, thus proving through their conditions of entry and human capital whether they will be perceived as an asset or burden, and this is juxtaposed with the host country’s institutions...
Global Supply Chain After the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)
Strengthening his position in the Congress after winning the elections for the third time, Xi Jinping raised the Taiwan issue in the Congress. His harsh words and constitutional amendments have stoked up fears of a large-scale military operation against Taiwan. A...
When the clock strikes midnight!
At Midnight this Monday, President Aoun becomes Mr. Michel Aoun, a Lebanese citizen. This transition is the ancient Greeks’ greatest gift to humanity, a peaceful transition of power that does not involve familial inheritance. I was always struck by that almost magical...
The Implications of Nord Stream-1 Explosion within the Context of the EU Green Deal
The Implications of Nord Stream-1 Explosion within the Context of the EU Green Deal by İlyas Gülenç October 18, 2022 | 8 min read Introduction The latest sabotage attacks damaging the Nord Stream-1 pipeline, which carries one-third of the imported natural gas...
The New Global Order in the Making
The New Global Order in the MakingGeopolitics Task Force Brief by Onur Sultan[i], Mats Radeck[ii], Jeremy Alan Garlick[iii], Olena Snigyr[iv], Charles Joseph Sullivan[v] October 5, 2022 | 10 min read Background On August 29, 2022, the Ukrainian military...
Iran: The Beginning of a Feminist Revolution
Iran: The Beginning of a Feminist Revolution by Mats Radeck[i] and Avin Khodakarim[ii] October 5, 2022 | 10 min read For about four weeks, the people of Iran have been taking to the streets and were met by the extraordinary force of the Islamic regime. Often,...
Book Review: The Dictator’s Learning Curve
Dobson's (2012) book takes on a somewhat different task to provide us with insights from dictatorships. While the works of political scientists on this subject, such as Levitsky & Ziblatt's How Democracies Die (2019), or John Keane's The New Despotism (2020),...
