Regional Program Research

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 France’s Abaya Ban in Public Schools: The Argument for Cosmopolitan Conduct as an Alternative Outlook on French Civic Solidarity to Laicite

Instead of reinforcing civic solidarity, the ban on wearing abayas in French public schools based on the principle of lacite undermines civic solidarity as it ends up isolating French Muslims from French society. Instead of cultivating civic solidarity, laicite has created alienation, which has resulted in mass polarization in French culture towards violent unrest. By aspiring to embody cosmopolitan conduct in French social policy, France can develop a genuine foundation for civic solidarity.

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Assessing Denmark’s Electricity Market

Denmark's electricity market is dominated by renewable energy, especially wind power, and a commitment to climate goals. Despite its progress, wind energy's variability challenges grid reliability. To address this, Denmark should expand wind capacity, modernize its grid, invest in energy storage, and collaborate regionally to balance supply and demand, ensuring a sustainable and stable energy future.

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Balancing Act: The EU’s Deforestation Regulation and Its Global Economic Impact

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to reduce global deforestation by restricting imports and exports of goods linked to forest degradation. The regulation has sparked concerns from trade partners in South America and Southeast Asia who argue that it imposes heavy burdens on small producers and could disrupt global trade. The balancing act of economic and environmental impacts is critical as the EU prepares for the EUDR’s full implementation in December.

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The Istanbul Convention: Turkey's Withdrawal from Its Own Women's Rights Legacy

Turkey's controversial withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention raises questions about the nation's stance on women's rights and combating domestic violence. While the government claims to be prioritizing its interpretation of family values and social norms, critics argue this may be a political maneuver. The decision highlights the tension between international human rights standards and national sovereignty, revealing the complexities of implementing global agreements within diverse cultural contexts. 

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Pax Africana: Italy's Ambitious plan for Africa

Meloni, hosting this year’s G7, wanted attending nations to turn south towards Africa. Meloni cleverly leveraged her role as host to sweeten Western economies’ taste of her grand strategy for Africa: The Mattei plan.

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France’s Rise of the Right

France’s far-right National Rally (RN) has captured widespread attention after winning a decisive 31.4% of the vote in the European parliamentary elections.

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Drones in Ukraine: A Revolution in Warfare

In the initial phase of the Ukraine war, combat consisted of uncoordinated skirmishes with limited strategic use of technology. However, as the conflict has progressed, it has evolved into a battleground for intricate and sophisticated drone dogfights.

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90 Seconds to Midnight

In early 2024, The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the Doomsday Clock to 90 seconds to midnight, marking the closest approach to nuclear war since the Cuban Missile Crisis. The world is on a precipice, and we must remain vigilant.

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Italy and Turkey in the Changing Mediterranean Order

As the US and EU focus elsewhere, Italy and Turkey have increased cooperation in the Mediterranean. Despite differing foreign policy objectives, they share common interests in stabilizing Libya and playing a more active role in the Mediterranean’s security.

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Upcoming Elections in Africa

In 2024, the global political landscape is marked by pivotal elections; the anticipated rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the United Kingdom's general election, and India's general election. Africa is also hosting a number of elections this year, which will likely play a seminal role in shaping regional and international politics. Let’s take a closer look at three of the most important elections happening this year on the continent: elections in Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa.

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Russia: Estonia’s Biggest Security Threat

Russia is Estonia’s greatest security threat to Estonia, as driven by its geographical proximity, societal integration challenges with Estonia’s Russian minority, and rising cyber threats.

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George Hahn George Hahn

The Implementation of Protection and Prevention pillars of UNSCR 1325 on Gender-Based Violence in Conflict-Affected Areas

In the 23 years since the declaration of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (the WPS Agenda), national and international implementations have had both successes and failures in upholding the agenda. By evaluating the progress that has been made, we can better understand how to move forward with better solutions for the future.

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