Essays

Terror in the Maghreb

Paul Knight • Aug 26 2009 • Essays

Terrorism in the Islamic Maghreb (lit. “the West”) has been given relatively little attention in the post-9/11 era, in spite of a new journalistic and academic obsession with terrorism spanning nearly a decade. Terrorism in North Africa has been relegated to secondary importance, overshadowed by terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Occupied Territories. Terror in the Maghreb is nonetheless on the rise, and has been shown to have intimate links with violence in other regions of the Islamic world such as Iraq.

The Role Played by ‘spoilers’ in Peace Processes

Daniel Gray • Aug 25 2009 • Essays

Peace processes are very often lengthy and difficult, many cease-fires negotiated to end civil wars often result in a return to violence, sometimes worse than before. This essay will examine the role of those actors who ‘actively seek to hinder, delay, or undermine conflict settlement’ for a range of reasons and through a variety of methods.

Did the Creation of NATO Prevent the Establishment of Europe as a ‘third force’ Between East and West During the Cold War?

Alistair Law • Aug 24 2009 • Essays

There was never sufficient political will for an independent European security identity to be pursued in the early years of the Cold War. European states actively put their trust in the United States to act as guarantor for the continent.

Nuclear Non-use: Rational Deterrence, Prudence or a Long-lasting Taboo?

Aura Sabadus • Aug 23 2009 • Essays

The subject of this essay asks how the issue of nuclear non-use lends itself to constructivist understandings, namely to the interpretation of ongoing processes of social interaction determined by shared ideas.

In the Post-9/11 Era is “The Responsibility to Protect” Irrelevant?

David Sykes • Aug 20 2009 • Essays

The responsibility to protect individuals from violations of their human rights around the world has been a movement increasing in intensity since the end of the Cold War. Since 9/11, the responsibility to protect has perished, and its corpse is now being used as a disguise for self-interest and self-security

A Liberal Structure for Realist Uses: International Development and the Question of Whose Interests Are Being Met?

Andrew Blencowe • Aug 15 2009 • Essays

International development is merely another tool in the proverbial toolbox of statesmen and global actors. It is an effective way to create the conditions necessary to best secure one’s interests.

Does Foreign Aid Benefit the Poor? Discuss Using Any Case in Africa as Illustration

Pamela-Suzanne Dawson • Aug 13 2009 • Essays

In 2009, there is an estimated 1.4 billion people worldwide living on less than US$1 per day or in other words, in “absolute poverty”. Every year, at least 15 million children perish from starvation, a problem that would cost a mere US$13 billion to fix, yet these figures have been increasing over the past five decades.

Institutional Duality: NATO’s Role In The Neo-Neo Debate

Alistair Law • Aug 13 2009 • Essays

This paper will examine the development of NATO throughout the post-Cold War era within the framework of the ‘neo-neo’ debate. Following a brief outline of the two theories, the activities of the alliance will be considered thematically, with conclusions drawn as to the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective in offering explanatory accounts.

The Status of Middle-Eastern Palestinian Refugees Outside of Israel-Palestine

Paul Knight • Aug 9 2009 • Essays

The issue of Palestinian refugees is both an important and highly emotional matter in Middle-Eastern politics, representing one of the most divisive and enduring problems of 20th and 21st century Middle-Eastern affairs.

Remember the Western Sahara? Conflict, Irredentism, Nationalism and International Intervention

Pablo de Orellana • Aug 7 2009 • Essays

Almost 35 years have passed since Spain left its former colony to its sad fate of blood and war. As all parties stand now, the conflict is far from being resolved. This paper is an attempt to discern the motives and forces behind the Western Saharan conflict from the 1975 crisis to the present.

Please Consider Donating

Before you download your free e-book, please consider donating to support open access publishing.

E-IR is an independent non-profit publisher run by an all volunteer team. Your donations allow us to invest in new open access titles and pay our bandwidth bills to ensure we keep our existing titles free to view. Any amount, in any currency, is appreciated. Many thanks!

Donations are voluntary and not required to download the e-book - your link to download is below.