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
Trump has pulled out of the Paris Agreement, the Iran deal, even his own nuclear summit before backtracking, and he has now finally pulled out of the UN Human Rights Council. He seems to think that pulling out is the ultimate power move in international … Continue readingUS WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: IS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CORRECT?
In the inaugural two months of Pivot, we have published 17 articles from 15 different authors. Our readership spans the globe with readers from the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. As we move forward, it is my hope that Pivot can continue to further expand … Continue readingPRESSING ONWARD: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S UPDATE
By Alex Readman – O Egyptians, In January 25, 2011, when you wanted to change the world, you did. When you want something, you always do it. President Sisi January 11th 2014 (prior to his presidency) Promising religious plurality, government accountability, liberal economic reform and … Continue readingHIGH HOPES: THE SISI PRESIDENCY AND REFORM IN EGYPT
Through history and in the 21st century, the Pacific (Oceania) remains a region which the great powers of the world have largely neglected. Unlike Africa which possesses natural resources under the earth; the Americas which hold vast swathes of land more than suitable for agriculture, … Continue readingTHE PACIFIC AND CLIMATE CHANGE: WILL AUSTRALIA LEAD OR RETREAT?
The death of Fidel Castro last November was a moment of monumental significance in Cuban history. After news broke of the revolutionary’s death, Fidel Castro’s brother Raul Castro announced that he would be resigning his position as the country’s leader, ending the nearly six-decade era … Continue readingCUBA AFTER THE CASTROS: WHERE TO NOW?
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
By Georgia May – “The safety of the people shall be the highest law” – Marcus Tillius Cicero Another year, another school. Another week, another grieving community. Another day, another political shun of those who desperately beseech the truth: that the United States has a … Continue readingANOTHER DAY – ANOTHER DEATH
“Anyone can make war but only the most courageous can make peace” Donald J. Trump North Korean-United States summit, June 12th 2018 The summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore brought together two polarising and unpredictable figures. When Kim Jong-il died in 2011, … Continue readingDON’T BE BLINDED BY OPTIMISM: THE SINGAPORE SUMMIT AND FUTURE IMPLICATIONS