Category: International Relations & Diplomacy
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From Apollo to Artemis:
Q: Does the shift from the state-led Apollo program to the Artemis program represent a decline in U.S. state capacity or a strategic adaptation? A: While Apollo demonstrated state-led mobilization, Artemis exercises capacity through market-shaping, coordinating private innovation, and managing interdependencies. Conclusion: This shift reveals a reconfiguration of state capacity, proving that modern power is…
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Strategic Engagement
Main Question: How can young professionals successfully enter and influence the highly competitive United Nations ecosystem? Argument: Entry requires a “Show Up” mindset that pairs professional-grade language skills with strategic branding, where personal experiences are packaged to fill specific policy gaps. Conclusion: Real influence is achieved not through seeking prestige, but by focusing on a…
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Meloni-Trump
Main question: What elements led to the breakdown of the Meloni-Trump partnership and what are the risks for Italy’s Atlanticist vision? Argument: The crisis stemmed from Italy denying the use of Sigonella airbase for Iranian operations and Trump’s harsh attacks on Pope Leo XIV, which Meloni declared unacceptable Conclusion: Geopolitical reality and core cultural values…
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European Economic Sanctions against Russia
In the world of international diplomacy, sanctions have emerged as the weapon of choice for nations seeking to punish, pressure, or paralyze their adversaries. This article briefly summarizes the ethical background of economic sanctions, viewed as a punitive tool of statecraft. Building on insights from the field of applied ethics, it explores the moral and…
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Who Speaks for Mercosur?
Main question: Who gets to speak for Mercosur in the EU–Mercosur deal? Argument: In Brazil and Argentina, the deal is filtered through elite mediation, not neutral state interest. Agribusiness, export coalitions and investor-confidence politics shape how integration is framed. Conclusion: The agreement is as much about representation and power as it is about trade.
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Tianxia, All Under Heaven
– What is the Chinese concept of Tianxia? Can be useful in the international system? – Tianxia aimed to represent a civilised society governed by rituals, mutual benefit, and shared values, and it survives to this day in Chinese vision of international relations. – Tianxia can thus provide an interesting lens to historic and contemporary…
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The Gulf Cooperation Council Explained
Main question: Why do Gulf states cooperate within the GCC despite internal rivalries and regional instability? Argument: The GCC functions as a framework for security coordination, economic integration, and regime survival, driven by shared threats rather than deep unity. Conclusion: The GCC shows that regional cooperation can persist even with limited integration, but remains constrained…
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Taiwan’s Big Brother
Main question: Does Taiwan prefer partnership with the U.S. or China? Argument: Shifting opinions and geopolitics in East Asia affect Taiwan’s confidence and trust with the U.S. Conclusion: Taiwan still prefers U.S. partnership due to their decades’ long relationship.
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The new narrative of Europe after the MSC
Main Question: What role must Europe play following the shifts in global stability highlighted by the Munich Security Conference? Argument: Discrepancies in values with the USA and threats from Russia necessitate that Europe pursues “European Sovereignty” through independent security and military integration. Conclusion: Europe must urgently implement its own crystal-clear security guarantees and standardized armaments…
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Unfinished Revolutions
main question: how different mena questions developed post arab spring, how did this manifest politically and legally through out the region, what are major on-going/ recent/ past developments actively shaping the countries