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Regional Program Research
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.
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.
The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Russia-North Korea Relations
The Russia-Ukraine War has strengthened Russia-North Korea ties, leading to military and economic cooperation, mutual sanctions evasion, and heightened concerns about regional security and destabilization of international peace efforts
From the Fringe to the Forefront
A far-right wave washing over Europe: Fears of immigration, economic instability, and the erosion of national identity.
Redesigning Dayton: Drawing Inspiration from Ohrid to Enhance Bosnia’s Governance
Visiting Bosnia and North Macedonia this summer showed me the impacts of decades of ethnic segregation and hate among ethnic groups. This experience pushed me to analyze the reconciliation process in the two countries.
1939 to 2022: Why the West Rebuked Appeasement to Save Ukraine
In 1938, Nazi Germany annexed Austria, and France and the UK pursued appeasement, sacrificing Czechoslovakia. Despite these efforts, war erupted in 1939. The failure of appeasement still echoes in the collective memory of Western diplomacy.
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.
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.
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.
Another Yanukovych? - Georgia’s Foreign Agent Law and it’s Implications for Peace in Europe
Many Western analysts have drawn comparisons between the ongoing protests in Georgia and the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests in Ukraine. While there may be various similarities, there are some important distinctions.
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.
Georgia’s Foreign Agents Law: a Brief History of NGOs in the country
By passing the Foreign Agent Law, Georgia is not choosing to become a pro-Russia satellite nor is it choosing to abandon its aspiration of becoming a EU and NATO member. Georgia is choosing its sovereignty and its stability.
Emmanuel Macron: The Newest Governmental Gambler?
With a tumultuous tenure in office, Macron’s latest gambit has thrown French politics into upheaval, and may yet end poorly for the French President.
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.
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.
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.
The State of Abortion: Poland’s Path to Democratic Reconstruction
Though the latest United States Human Rights Report praises the government’s recent strides toward reform, there continue to be obstacles to accessing sexual and reproductive health services.
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.
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.
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.