Diplomacy

,

Observers of the 2023 TPNW Meeting - Why Should We Care?

,
Observers of the 2023 TPNW Meeting - Why Should We Care?

This article explores the importance of observing states attending the Second Meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in November 2023. It focuses on Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia to argue how the TPNW discussions can foster the nuclear disarmament discourse in countries concerned with nuclear deterrence. It advocates for the state parties to promote the humanitarian approach and the relationship between the TPNW and NATO to bring observers closer to the Treaty’s disarmament goals.

,

Myanmar’s Crisis: Deciphering Stakeholders and the Probability of Dialogue

,
Myanmar’s Crisis: Deciphering Stakeholders and the Probability of Dialogue

Myanmar's Juntas celebrated the 8th anniversary of signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in the country's capital, Nay Pyi Daw, on October 15. However, this anniversary occurred against the backdrop of the February 2021 military coup, which cast doubt on the validity of the NCA, sparked armed conflict in minority ethnic areas, and expanded conflict theatres into Burman-dominated regions. The military's repressive actions against pro-democracy individuals and organisations have fueled armed resistance movements nationwide. Simultaneously, international initiatives to mediate dialogue remain elusive. This article attempts to decipher the complex and dynamic web of stakeholders and assess the existing efforts for dialogue.

,

A Bridge To Cross the Gulf: The Saudi-Iran Deal

,
A Bridge To Cross the Gulf: The Saudi-Iran Deal

In March 2022, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced a shocking diplomatic agreement. Even more surprising was the revelation of Chinese brokering. Reflective of a quickly transforming Middle Eastern theatre, the agreement is indicative of several regional and international shifts. Whilst not a complete revision of the region’s fundamental power balance or imbalance, the announcement highlighted the increasingly multipolar outlook of Gulf leaders and a general trend to declining US regional influence. Despite not ensuring anything close to lasting peace between the two rivals, any cooling of relations will change the playing field dramatically. 

Nicaragua: Democracy on the Brink

Nicaragua: Democracy on the Brink

After a long-lasting revolution started in 1961, decades of armed conflict and the complex establishment of democracy since the late 1980s, Nicaragua once again faces an uncertain future. The repression carried out by the ruling Ortega-Murillo family has grown exponentially since the 2018 protests, spreading to almost all sectors of society and reaching unprecedented proportions. Its last move was expelling and stripping the citizenship to more than 200 political prisoners.

, ,

One year of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine: How the country has changed

, ,
One year of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine: How the country has changed

On the 24th of February, the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is marked. The war has awakened the Ukrainian nation more assertively than it was after the start of Russian aggression in 2014. The Ukrainian Army is actively upgrading, taking advantage of NATO’s ammunition provision and training support. The country continues undertaking overdue reforms, particularly addressing corruption. Finally, Ukraine revives its national identity, uniting people from all over the country and resisting the enemy. This article analyses the main changes that have taken place in Ukraine since its Russia’s full-scale invasion.

, , ,

Putin "cannot remain in power" – Were Biden’s words a blunder or intentional?

, , ,
Putin "cannot remain in power" – Were Biden’s words a blunder or intentional?

On the 26th of March 2022, the President of the United States of America (USA), Joe Biden, visited Warsaw to rally North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries in support of Ukraine [1]. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the end of February, the Western world had started sanctioning the aggressor rather than getting involved militarily [2]. Biden addressed the US allies in a very long speech that contained words described as surprising by some and alarming by others. This article aims at providing an alternative view of the two main narratives that address Biden’s statement that Putin cannot remain in power.

,

Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine: How did we get here?

,
Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine: How did we get here?

On February 24th, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Although evidence detected by United States (US) intelligence services revealed that the Kremlin was planning an invasion [1], the attack nonetheless came as a shock to the whole world. The war in Ukraine is the largest invasion in Europe since the Second World War which has already caused the deaths of thousands and forced millions to become refugees. In light of these devastating developments, it is essential to look back and ask how we got here. For many in the West, Moscow’s actions seem unprecedented. Unfortunately, the Kremlin’s revisionist plans have long been clear for Russia’s immediate neighbours. However, alarms raised about Vladimir Putin’s imperial ambitions were willfully refused until the Kremlin’s tanks crossed Ukraine’s border.