PIVOT

France’s fight against Islamism: Sécurité, Égalité, Fraternité?

No society can abandon state coercion or punishment completely. Criminal activity is often a threat to liberalism, and it needs to be punished lest liberalism destroy itself entirely. But while France is steering clear of Polish or Hungarian-style illiberalism (which is religious, socially conservative, and enforced for its own sake), it is pushing the boundaries of what have traditionally been considered appropriate limits on liberalism in the West. … Continue readingFrance’s fight against Islamism: Sécurité, Égalité, Fraternité?

TECHNOLOGY: THE TOOL TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES?

Developing and transferring technology has been at the forefront of climate action, spearheaded by the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) signed in 1992. The treaty’s implementation is evident in the drive towards renewable energy and utilising technologies to promote redacting carbon emissions. … Continue readingTECHNOLOGY: THE TOOL TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES?

Auf Wiedersehen, Mutti | Germany’s Leadership Debacle

All things must come to an end, and soon so too will Angela Merkel’s term as German Chancellor. Most young Germans do not remember a time when the affectionately known ‘Mutti’ was not in power. Yet, following this Sunday’s German federal election, Merkel’s 16 years at the helm will be left to the history books. With such a major figure closing the door on her political career, one major question remains: who will succeed her? Ryan Attard discusses the likely outcomes of this weekend’s election and what it means for the future of German politics. … Continue readingAuf Wiedersehen, Mutti | Germany’s Leadership Debacle

FRAGILE DREAMS: PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEE WOMEN

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

The Suez Crisis: The Sun Finally Sets

It is widely believed that following the end of the Second World War, there were only two global superpowers: the United States and the Soviet Union. This is not true. There was a third superpower, wounded by the Second World War, but still maintaining a … Continue readingThe Suez Crisis: The Sun Finally Sets

Une Élection pendant la Pandémie? | Trudeau, pourquoi?

“Do you know that political rule about not calling an early election during a major pandemic that is infecting and killing millions? Well, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau definitely does not.” Ryan Attard takes a look at the current state of Canadian politics and what it means for Monday’s federal election. … Continue readingUne Élection pendant la Pandémie? | Trudeau, pourquoi?

MIAS Recap: Sports Diplomacy Event

On 11 August 2021, the Monash International Affairs Society hosted an illuminating panel discussion on the world of sports diplomacy and its myriad possibilities as a branch of Australian diplomatic strategy in the Indo-Pacific. In this article, Jerry Nguyen-Schlenker, Winuri de Alwis and Arshiya Merchant review this highly stimulating event and delve deeper into the ideas it presented. … Continue readingMIAS Recap: Sports Diplomacy Event

CHINESE LENDING IN AFRICA: A BLESSING OR A TRAP?

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?

For the Love of Humanity: The Innocent Faces of Afghanistan

Content warning: violence, warfare, distressing images At the podium of one of his characteristic rallies, Donald Trump told his audience in Alabama: “Can anyone even imagine taking out our military before evacuating civilians and others who have been good to our country and who should … Continue readingFor the Love of Humanity: The Innocent Faces of Afghanistan

Global Vaccine Inequality: ‘And the Weak Suffer What They Must’?

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’?