US Ratification of UNCLOS III?
U.S. ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty will eventually happen, not for any foreseeable political change of heart, but for the all too sadly foreseeable continued disappearance of the Arctic ice in an arena in which the United States has no say – but will need one.
What Makes a Failed State? Examining the Case of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe, unlike its neighbour Botswana, has emerged as a predatory state; clinging on to state power has become the main objective of the political elite is to cling on to state power.
Has Kofi Annan Failed in Syria?
One can see why some would argue that the Annan plan has failed. However, it is important to retain a realistic perspective about how much a third-party mediator can hope to achieve given the circumstances.
Regulatory Regionalism? Russia’s Common Economic Space
Russia has a role to play as the regional leader of the Eurasian Union, and perhaps of the former Soviet space. Putin pragmatically recognises the importance of the Soviet Union’s legacy.
The Essentially Misunderstood Nature of Political Islam
This essay rejects the notion that Islam is radical and suggests that portraying it as such is a direct consequence of America’s misconceptions about the scope and reach of Islamic values.
Is Human Progress Inevitable?
Modernisation, development and globalisation are not inevitable and ‘hard work’ to ensure neoliberal globalisation in the global south has not created progress.
Egypt Goes to the Polls
The high expectations that accompanied Hosni Mubarak’s resignation last year have not come to pass. Egypt’s current Presidential election will be critical in determining whether Cairo’s future will bring democracy or merely democratic window-dressing.
Will Sino-U.S. Relations Eventually Lead to War?
The relationship between the US and China can be seen as one of opportunity and a cause for concern. Flashpoints like Taiwan, energy acquisition and military capabilities could lead to conflict if left unresolved.
Norbert Elias, Process Sociology and International Relations
The influence of social theory on the study of IR has been profound in recent years. Norbert Elias was unusual amongst sociologists of his generation in placing IR at the centre of sociological analysis.
Review – The Wars of Afghanistan
Peter Tomsen has provided a comprehensive account of Afghanistan’s recent conflicts and illuminates aspects of this history in ways that only he could really achieve.
