The Linear Mindset in the UN Engagement with Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste is portrayed as a successful case of UN intervention. However, this perception of Timor-Leste as a success is misguided and plays an important role in regards to the use of UN peace instruments and also in regards to the very credibility of the UN itself.
Should Islam Become More Tolerant to Alcohol?
How does a religion which begins with a revelation from God that happens in one place, and at one historical moment, and given to one particular people, deal with change and development across time and cultures?
The Petraeus Scandal
David Petraeus was thought to be a possible Republican US presidential or vice presidential candidate. This affair has ruined such opportunities, but it will not stop him from being part of the discussion of future national security issues.
Civil Resistance, Transformative Nonviolence and the State
The two forms of nonviolent political action; civil resistance and transformative nonviolence, have different attitudes towards the state. Civil resistance enhances state institutions whilst transformative nonviolence aims for new forms of social and political organisation.
Women’s Voices and Women’s Votes: Gender and the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election
Regardless of who will run in 2016, the 2012 presidential election reaffirms the importance of women’s votes in U.S. elections. Moving forward, both parties would do well to pay particular attention to women’s voices inside and outside of government.
Did BLACKSEAFOR Ever Have a Chance?
At the operational level, the Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group has been relatively successful. Nevertheless, the goal to serve as a security confidence building mechanism never had a chance to succeed given the nature of the region’s geopolitics.
Ukraine’s Parliamentary Elections: A Difficult Road Ahead For The Region’s Party
The Ukrainian Parliamentary elections of October 2012 were contentious and preliminary reports suggest that the OSCE and other observers were not satisfied that the process was free and fair.
Conservative Euroscepticism: The Etiology of an Obsession
Conflict between those Conservatives who will push things to the limit but then pull back, and those for whom no such limit now exists could destroy, or disable, the Party.
What Do We Really Know About Boko Haram?
If the US gets involved in fighting Boko Haram, it could galvanise the support of anti-US movements. However, there are several conflicting narratives on Boko Haram. What is known about the sect is speculative, which highlights a need for empirical research.
Iran’s Syria Gamble: Losing the War, Losing the Peace?
If the Syrians manage to build a free future of their own, it will almost undoubtedly be one without Assad, rendering Iran the great loser both of the war and of the potential peace.
