Intellectual Property Rights: A Political Theory Perspective
In debates over intellectual property, as in debates over freedom of expression, healthcare, global trade, even democracy itself, political theory can be of help, because it draws our attention to the differences, as well as the similarities, between people’s interests, and reminds us that conflict, as well as cooperation, can be morally justified.
Why Libya is Not (Yet) Kosovo: The Time for a Ground Option has Arrived
Unfortunately, the events of the Libyan conflict have thus far only reinforced the lesson that there is no such thing as a “cheap” military solution to a political problem. To continue to operate under this seductive myth will only compound the error. By breaking the Libyan regime, the international community has bought its problems.
“Shooting yourself in the foot”: The Anti-Boycott Law
In this bastion of democracy amongst an otherwise hostile terrain of authoritarian regimes and despotism, how do we reconcile natural democratic values of expression with this draconian law? Human rights organisations have begun to battle, but as the years unfold it remains to be seen how such a law will pan out and how Israel will maintain its democracy.
Iran Continues to Outmaneuver the United States in Iraq
Iran has outmaneuvered the United States in Iraq at every turn. It has done this through its tremendous foresight as to the direction Iraq was heading at different moments, as well as its keen understanding of its American adversary. These past successes have, in turn, given Iran the upper-hand vis-à-vis the United States as Washington and Tehran battle to define the future of Iraq.
China’s New Authoritarianism
China’s inability or refusal to democratize has been a constant source of political consternation for the West. Yet, China is becoming a democracy of sorts, albeit laced with an authoritarian edge.
COSTS NOT FORGOTTEN
In the past I have complained about the fecklessness of America’s allies, citing most especially their failure to carry a fair share of the global security burden. More recently, I have softened my complaints somewhat, recognizing that the allies are merely pursuing the most attractive political option available to them.
After the Spring
The notion that democracy in the region is in the interest of the US and its NATO allies was and continues to be an illusion and a fabrication. It becomes a dangerous fantasy when taken up by some liberal circles and champions of humanitarian intervention. This fantasy could kill a million people and destroy an entire country, as in Iraq, and might yet do the same in Libya, Syria, Lebanon and Iran.
An Old Chinese Proverb Says…Beware Chinese Generals Offering Advice
Direct military contacts are a great idea, generally. If both parties can look past military posturing and develop personal relationships they can prove useful and save lives in times of conflict. However, top level exchanges with point scoring press conferences are not useful and should be avoid. Case in point…
The Relevance of Constructivism to Foreign Policy Analysis
For a long while, no logical connection was developed between the major IR theories and the study of FPA.The relationship can be investigated in three ways: through the role actors and bureaucracies play in shaping foreign policy, the process of decision-making, and the effect of international system on the conduct of foreign policy.
Leal’s Execution was Legal (Sort Of), But That Doesn’t Make it Right
The international community watched with muted anger Friday afternoon as Texas executed Mexican national Humberto Leal Garcia after the Supreme Court refused to stay his sentence. Little doubt remains that in doing so, the United States violated the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and this is not the first such occurrence.
