China’s rise over the last several decades has at times been accompanied by turbulent relations with other states and the multilateral system more broadly.
As Owen Robinson writes, this has led to several efforts by the Chinese Government to transform its image on the global stage and with individuals on a smaller scale. … Continue readingThe Emperor’s New Groove? China’s Reimagined Image
At the close of 2020,the UNHCR predicted that the number of displaced persons would, for the first time in history, reach 82.4 million people. The twenty-first century has seen many factors that have contributed to the number of peoples displaced; a global pandemic, climate change, economic crises, a surge in nationalist foreign policies, harsher border policies and domestic as well as interstate conflict. Many people have been left uprooted and unable to stay in their own homes, sometimes even their own country. … Continue readingTHE WORST IS YET TO COME IF WE DON’T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY – AN UPDATE ON DISPLACEMENT CRISES AND ATTITUDES TO MIGRATION ACROSS THE WORLD
As we enter another year, it is imperative that we reflect on previous significant events in order to anticipate what the coming twelve months may bring. While much of 2021 has been overshadowed by COVID-19, the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants, and the rollout of various vaccines, significant geopolitical rumblings have brewed and will continue to rumble well into 2022. The following issues may define the upcoming year in international affairs and even have impacts into 2023 and beyond.
… Continue reading2021 – THE SEQUEL | WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2022
It has long been recognised that electric vehicles will play a key role in achieving low-carbon economies. Their role warrants particular emphasis as world leaders prepare to assemble in Glasgow for COP26 with the intention of reaffirming emission reduction targets.
However, as Jeremy Yves demonstrates, the rise of electric vehicles comes with a range of environmental and social problems which may counteract their purported benefits and require greater consideration.
This article is the third in a series of articles focusing on environmental policy and politics in the lead up to the COP26 Summit. … Continue readingThe Green Promises of Electric Vehicles
For over a week in July this year, South Africa was wracked by its worst violence since the end of apartheid in 1994. Riots in the country’s Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces left at least 342 people dead, with at least 3407 arrested. The trigger of the unrest was the jailing of former President of South Africa and African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma for contempt of court. … Continue readingBRING ME MY MACHINE GUN: SOUTH AFRICA’S WORST POST-APARTHEID VIOLENCE
The ongoing situation in Afghanistan has thrown into sharp focus the way in which women and girls often face the consequences of war and conflict in a more pronounced and protracted way. Although some mechanisms for protection do exist, the increase in global conflicts over the past decade merits a global effort to further strengthen and reinforce the rights of refugee women and girls, who face unique challenges to their safety and rehabilitation.
… Continue readingFRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN
In August 2018, a bipartisan group of 16 US senators cited “the dangers of China’s debt-trap diplomacy” stating that “it is imperative that the United States counters China’s attempts to hold other countries financially hostage and force ransoms that further its geostrategic goals.” Is China providing debt to African countries as a means of obtaining valuable geostrategic assets or are they engaging in a mutually beneficial relationship that is in their economic and geostrategic interest? … Continue readingCHINESE LENDING IN AFRICA: A BLESSING OR A TRAP?
As many countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom continue their vaccination campaigns and move closer to becoming post-Covid societies, it has become increasingly clear just how stark the divide between developed and developing nations is, and how COVID-19 is no longer an equal threat to everyone, but instead a something that developed nations no longer need to worry about, while the rest of the world is left to suffer. … Continue readingGlobal Vaccine Inequality: ‘And the Weak Suffer What They Must’?
BY HAMAH HOSEN- In the past 9 months, Sudan has been characterised by civil unrest, mass demonstrations, and power struggles. Fast forward to the current, the African Union has lifted its suspension of Sudan, Mr. Bashir has finally been removed as the leader and is … Continue readingSUDAN- A NEW CHAPTER?
“There’s a lot of guilt in that. Some cocoa farmer worked very hard to pay his taxes so I can go to school.” Those are the words of Dr George Ofori-Amanfo, an associate professor of paediatric cardiology in an American hospital. But America isn’t Dr … Continue readingTHE WEST IS STEALING THE WORLD’S DOCTORS