Review – Obama and the Middle East
As Barack Obama prepares to enter a second term Fawaz Gerges assesses his first term in relation to the Middle East, examining the major themes and historical constraints of Obama’s foreign policy.
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.
What Can Africa Expect from a Romney Administration?
Aside from reforms to foreign assistance, Africans should not anticipate any major shifts. US policy toward the region is driven by strategic priorities and limited by financial constraints—factors that would change little if Romney took office.
Walter Russell Mead, Anklebiters, and Romney’s Vision of the Future
Romney has been quite vocal in his push for energy independence in North America by 2020. This has more to do with generating domestic economic growth than America’s national security.
Russia, America, and Syria
Moscow and Washington strongly disagree over many issues. Their differences over Syria, however, do not amount to a Cold War-style proxy war between them. Regional actors are more at odds in Syria than the U.S. and Russia.
No Turkish Syrian War
Turkey will not be an instrument by which the Assad regime is deposed. It will neither directly attack the Assad government nor be the leader of an intervening coalition. If there is intervention, it will have to be an American initiative.
Doubts about a New Space Race
For a new space race to occur, the US-China military rivalry in space must escalate to a general rivalry in prestige exploratory programs. But, as history has shown, the gulf between aspirations and reality is wide.
Noopolitik in the Arctic
The Arctic Game is much more significant than a mere geopolitical race between a fractured NATO, Russia and China. It will reveal the maturity, or lack thereof, of all its players.
The Lukewarm Response from the International Community to the Crises in Guinea-Bissau
Since the most recent coup in April, Guinea-Bissau has continued to seek new international partners. But only time will tell if growing foreign investment in Guinea-Bissau will help it escape failed statehood.
BAE/EADS Merger is a Mistake
BAE Systems is trying to tie up with Airbus’ parent, EADS, to create the world’s largest aerospace company. This merger may yield several problems for the airliner and defence industries.
