PIVOT

Understanding Arab Investment In The Sporting World

The Qatar FIFA World Cup, the LIV-PGA golf merger, the UAE’s global investment in soccer, plus the vast swathes of top-level athletes heading to the Saudi Pro League are just some examples of emerging Arab investment in sport. In response to this investment there has been global criticism – ugly spats between former footballers, online abuse and public condemnation aimed at anybody implicated from athletes, and coaches to entire organisations (ie: FIFA). This criticism has contended that these states are seeking to distract the rest of the world from their poor human rights records, in a phenomenon known as sport-washing. … Continue readingUnderstanding Arab Investment In The Sporting World

The French Police Force: Liberté, Égalité, Brutalité

On June 27, 2023, Nahel Merzuok, a French citizen of Moroccan and Algerian descent, was shot and killed by a police officer in Nanterre, a suburb of Greater Paris. This harrowing incident ignited a wave of protests and riots that swept across Paris and the … Continue readingThe French Police Force: Liberté, Égalité, Brutalité

SPAIN’S ELECTION RESULTS AND THE RISE OF EUROPE’S FAR-RIGHT

When the Popular Party led the votes in Spain’s local government elections this May, it was predicted to dominate in the July general election. And then the party went even further to form a coalition with the ultra-conservative Vox party, prompting talks about the first … Continue readingSPAIN’S ELECTION RESULTS AND THE RISE OF EUROPE’S FAR-RIGHT

CHINA IN THE PACIFIC: MAKING NEW FRIENDS

In April 2022, the People’s Republic of China and the Solomon Islands signed a security pact that sparked a widespread response from the West. This pact entailed boosting the national security capacity of the Solomon islands via access to Chinese police, armed forces, military personnel … Continue readingCHINA IN THE PACIFIC: MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Unravelling the Complexities: Understanding the Current Israel-Palestine Conflict

Conflict has broken out across the Gaza strip after a coordinated assault via land, sea, and air by terrorist organisation Hamas on Saturday. The Israeli government has “declared war” in response to the attack, which has seen over a thousand civilians killed and counting. While … Continue readingUnravelling the Complexities: Understanding the Current Israel-Palestine Conflict

The World Cannot Forget: Afghanistan and Ineffective Disaster Management

This article was written in collaboration with an Afghan national and law graduate from the University of Herat. I would like to thank them for their insight and representation. Their names have been anonymised due to ensuring their safety and freedom of speech. Significant developments … Continue readingThe World Cannot Forget: Afghanistan and Ineffective Disaster Management

What’s the next destination: Sustainability and Tourism in Vietnam

Planning your next trip? Want to take a scenic boat ride along the beautiful Ha Long Bay? Hike the scenic summit of Sapa? Visit the historic sites of the culturally rich Hoi An? Vietnam is a beautiful country to visit and has much to offer … Continue readingWhat’s the next destination: Sustainability and Tourism in Vietnam

What does a First Nations foreign policy really mean?

In his election victory speech, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese committed, ‘in full’, to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. The Statement proposes a suite of reforms, including the constitutional recognition and empowerment of Australia’s First Nations by allowing them to have a say in the … Continue readingWhat does a First Nations foreign policy really mean?

LESSONS UNLEARNT – PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AFTER COVID-19

In May of this year, over three years after its international debut, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) was no longer a ‘public health emergency of international concern’. While acknowledging the continued severity of the risks associated with COVID-19, Dr. Tedros, WHO’s … Continue readingLESSONS UNLEARNT – PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AFTER COVID-19

The Dialectics of Discontent: A Glimpse of Reality through Societal Phenomena in Post-COVID China

In the heart of Shandong province, Zibo’s streets are filled with a smoky allure. Barbecues have become a symbol of cultural resistance against the societal pressures of post-Covid China. This ‘BBQ City – Zibo‘ phenomenon contrasts sharply with ‘Runology,’ a term encapsulating the yearning of … Continue readingThe Dialectics of Discontent: A Glimpse of Reality through Societal Phenomena in Post-COVID China