States are again fighting for their sovereignty… but against international institutions. Yet, will disregard of the changing international system lead to boom or bust for many nations? With the resignation of Brexit Secretary David Davis and the looming resignations of other Brexiteers from the Government, … Continue readingWESTPHALIA IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: THE COMPLEXITIES OF STATE SOVEREIGNTY
Since Britain voted to leave the EU two years ago, evergreen discussions about the identity and independence of the Kingdom’s four constituent nations seem to have assumed a new vigour. This is particularly relevant in Northern Ireland where Mary McDonald, the leader of nationalist party … Continue readingA POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE… BORDER? EXAMINING THE MISGUIDED HOPE THAT BREXIT WILL CATALYSE REUNIFICATION
By Hamah Hosen – Taking inspiration from the Roman poet Horace, President Erdogan of Turkey and the Justice Development Party (AKP) aims to seize the day by announcing the move for snap elections on June 24th. Amidst the situation in Syria, the looming economic woes, … Continue readingCARPE DIEM: THE CALL FOR TURKISH SNAP ELECTIONS
With sectarian violence, nuclear proliferation and nationalism currently the focus of the international news cycle, the economic and cultural partnerships of states well beyond our borders are not often addressed. This is evident with the intricate and perplexing dimensions of Italian-Israeli relations. Yet, from the … Continue readingIT ALL STARTED WITH AN ARTICHOKE: THE ITALIAN-ISRAELI ARTICHOKE WAR
“I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating U.S. nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. … Continue readingUS ABANDONS THE IRAN DEAL: WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE REGION?
By Harrini Ratnanesan – Eurovision… Is it X-Factor on steroids? Just a mass gathering of Europeans in whacky costumes? Or is it some kind of weird religious-like festival where your friends worship SBS coverage with a cultish fervour? The last thing many would consider Eurovision … Continue readingGLAMOUR, MUSIC & POWER: THE POLITICS OF EUROVISION
The British people voted to leave the European Union a little under two years ago. This sudden and somewhat surprising departure is the equivalent of a spoiled child threatening to leave home because their parents will not give them more pocket money. They both have a … Continue reading“SHAKE IT OFF” – WHY THE EU SHOULD JUST LET THE UK GO
It’s the break-up to end all break-ups. Since voting to leave the European Union (EU) with an underwhelming majority, the British public has been treated by Brussels and many economists as a recalcitrant spouse who has naively ended an indispensable union. Yet, Donald Tusk and … Continue readingTHE BREXIT BREAK-UP: WHY BRITAIN NEEDS TO LEAVE ITS’ NEEDY LONG-TERM LOVER BEHIND