The Paradox of Russo-Chinese Relations
Even as Russia and China have been presenting a united front on a whole host of global issues in recent months, the underlining sense of mistrust that has long pervaded the bilateral relationship is becoming more acute. Competition in Asia is likely to persist.
IR ♥ ID
The proliferation of IR works dealing with identity has led some to charge that the concept has become devoid of analytical meaning. This view is mistaken. Concepts needn’t be overly coordinated in order to be useful.
Space Diplomacy and an International Code of Conduct
Existing space warfare capabilities make a Code of Conduct essential to affirm responsible behavior and to facilitate appropriate responses if states act irresponsibly. With one Cold War receding in the rear-view mirror, it makes little sense to invite a new one.
A Short Note on the Use of Game Theory in Analyses of International Relations
Game theory has the possibility of generating new explanations for international interactions and informing the findings of other theoretical approaches.
The Cold War is Sustained Through Pyongyang: The East-West Divide in Northeast Asia
Though frustrating for the U.S., South Korea and Japan, the geopolitical reality is that northeast Asia remains mired in a Cold War-esque East-West divide between the Continental and Oceanic powers.
Syria as Proof of the Unipolar Illusion
Unipolarity is ending quicker than most imagined. If unipolarity was as prevalent now as it was in the 1990s, Russia would likely not challenge the United States over Syria.
Scotland, Independence and the European Union
An unusual situation exists where there seems to be no formal mechanism within the EU over what would happen if Scotland separated from the UK and sought EU membership.
Syria: A Litmus Test for Chinese Foreign Policy
Chinese officials appear consistent in supporting a peaceful transition and a political outlet in Syria. China may be passing the test of ascending to international leadership.
The Massacres at Houla and al-Qubeir: The Work of Terrorists?
The claim that Al Qaeda is responsible for Syrian massacres is outlandish. Yet, terrorists were responsible, in the form of Shabiha militants, at the command of the Syrian regime.
Papua New Guinea: Will an Election Restore the Country’s ‘Disorderly Democracy’?
Papua New Guinea has in fact been one of the few post-colonial states to maintain an unbroken record of democratic government, with national elections held on schedule and governments changing by constitutional means. Recent events have threatened to undermine its record.
