The Asian Century Crumbles
Kishore Mahbubani once said, “If you want to see the past, go to Europe. If you want to see the future, come to Asia.” That future has not arrived. Until a rival idea emerges, the present belongs to America and its universal values.
Did Public Diplomacy Kill the British Council?
The focus on public diplomacy organisation and objectives must be rejected. Instead, we need to integrate a culturally-informed understanding of foreign groups, organisations and dynamics into the core of decision-making.
International Regimes as Concept
Though “regime theory” is a misleading term, in a world where there is no centralized political authority, the concept of an international regime remains useful enough to be kept in the analytical toolkit.
Why History Repeats Itself in Eastern DR Congo
The reason DR Congo continues to be characterized by a plethora of institutions, tariffs and jurisdictions in its eastern borderlands involves the international community’s flawed attempts to coerce powerful protection rackets into an ideal-type post-war state.
Unpacking Rwanda’s Involvement in DR Congo and the International Response
Censuring Rwanda for its involvement in DR Congo could put its prominent UN peacekeeping contributions at risk. Rwanda has shown some willingness to negotiate a withdrawal of M23 from Goma.
Ukraine’s New Political Colours?
Ukraine has been dominated in recent years by a corrupt elite whose heavy handed tactics have made it difficult for an effective opposition to organize. The key question is how will this new minority Parliament govern?
Afghanistan: China’s New Frontier?
Recent Chinese actions may be seen as part of an experiment of a Pax Sinica through which China would lead a secure and prosperous region. Afghanistan offers a test ground for this regional strategy.
“The Trouble With Aid”
A recent BBC documentary tackled the question “does humanitarian aid sometimes do more harm than good?” but missed an important opportunity by failing to ask whether we expect too much of aid in the first place.
After 2014: The U.S./NATO Missions in Afghanistan
Keeping insurgent groups at bay after transition increases the chances of Taliban exhaustion and eventual acceleration of reconciliation – a political solution that will be decisive for Afghanistan’s future.
Congo in Context
Holding governments to account, not only for colonial legacies, but for the continued indirect imperialism currently being imposed on the people of Congo, is the only way justice and autonomy for the region and its people can be achieved.
