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.
The Muslim Brotherhood and The Egyptian Revolution
In August 2010, the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Muhammad al-Badie set forward a new Muslim Brotherhood policy. Badie departed from the historic position that the group was still in the base-building stage and openly called for jihad and revolution.
Understanding the Implications of South Sudan’s Independence
Doubt and bitterness prevail amongst many non-Southern Sudanese on the eve of independence, but history is not destiny. The question is no longer whether secession should have happened or not; it is how the marginalised people of North and South can finally get on with their lives, instead of being sucked into open wars and micro-conflicts.
After Osama bin Laden: Is there a Future for Al Qaeda?
Those that believe that the popular uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East and bin Laden’s death have weakened Al Qaeda’s grip on the Arab psyche presuppose that it exercised such a grip in the first place. What seems to be most clear is that Osama bin Laden and his legacy will continue to haunt us from beyond the grave for some time yet.
The growth of Salafi-Jihadism in Gaza and consequences for the peace process
Hamas is currently treading a very risky line. For the Salafi-Jihadists, Hamas has de-legitimised itself as an Islamic group and as a leader of the resistance against Israel. Rather ironically, Hamas will be better off in the short term continuing to simultaneously straddle positions of moderation and extremism – basically maintaining the status quo.
The Arab Spring: The Initiating Event for a New Arab World Order
The self-immolation of Mohammed Bouazizi instilled enough courage in the Arab people to demand the democratic and human rights that they deserve. If the present protests on the Arab streets are sending tremors across the world, then in the near future, an unexpected political event in the region will be potent enough to hit globally with the force of a tsunami.
Scaling down climate action
International climate negotiators have sought a top-down “grand solution” to climate change that is not easily attained, for all kinds of reasons. Indeed, over the past few weeks, several actors have taken promising steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These have not exactly been below the radar, but they do suggest that more-and-more groups recognize the need for diverse kinds of climate action.
The Dragon’s Teeth: The Growth of China’s Military
The massive expansion and technological maturation of PLA land-based aerial and ballistic forces indicates the rise of a “Fortress China” doctrine in Beijing. China sees national defense and regional security as a function of its own ability to control its local periphery.
Please America, Don’t Default
The raising of the US national debt ceiling authorizing America to borrow money on global financial markets has become one of the most under-reported topics of our time. What was usually a minor issue has become a game of “Russian roulette”. The stakes could not be any higher. Forget American decline, global chaos would result.
The Lebanese Cabinet Wears Hezbollah (And Iranian) Colours
Looking ahead there are two major concerns for Lebanon. Firstly, if a new government cannot kick start the ailing economy and publicly support the Lebanese people by providing much needed water and electricity projects, then Hezbollah’s influence will grow, as Iranian money will finance vital social programmes, as witnessed already in the south of the country.
