In August, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev announced that another election would be conducted on October 27 after a majority failed to be produced in June. This stagnant state of affairs in Bulgaria’s parliament not only creates political fatigue for Bulgarians nationwide but enables a much desired neutrality for Russia in its war in Ukraine.
Read MoreAn overview of the ongoing controversy around Anastasia Trofimova’s documentary film Russians at War.
Read MoreAt the end of March, a historic visit took place, between Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin. Although Chinese-Russian relations have had a tumultuous relationship in the past, the two powers can now agree on one thing: they want to confront U.S. and Western dominance.
Read MoreAfter applying for membership last year in 2022, Finland has now entered NATO, posing questions for the future of Nordic-Western alliances and the relationship’s potential consequences during international conflicts, such as the Ukraine War. Since 1944, the country’s eastern border with Russia is the second-longest border that Russia has with any country.
Read MoreThe United States and its allies have abandoned Afghanistan after their two-decade-long occupation, leading to the country's descent into a humanitarian crisis and a terrorist-led government. Meanwhile, these nations have shifted their focus to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, with rhetoric about defending values of democracy and political freedom, but to the Afghan people, this rings hollow. The US's current policy towards Afghanistan is focused on containment rather than support for any specific actors, and their cooperation with the Taliban is reminiscent of Reagan's failed policy of "constructive engagement" with Apartheid South Africa.
Read MoreThe European Commission's decision to bring Poland's case to the Court of Justice of the European Union has been complicated by Poland's growing role in NATO leadership and increasing international influence. The ruling right-wing party, Law and Justice (PiS), has gained credibility, while Poland's relationship with Hungary remains a key factor in determining the outcome of the conflict. With upcoming parliamentary elections and Donald Tusk's return to Polish politics, the EU's actions could be its last chance to weaken PiS's public image before the elections.
Read MoreA year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, international sports organizations are reevaluating their bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes. The International Fencing Federation and Wimbledon have recently lifted their bans, allowing athletes to compete under a neutral flag. However, the International Olympic Committee's plan to allow these athletes to participate in the Paris 2024 Games has been met with widespread criticism and calls for reconsideration.
Read MoreIndia and Australia have significantly strengthened their relationship in recent years, with both nations being key members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. As they seek to expand trade and deepen military cooperation, their mutual interests in containing Chinese aggression and maintaining a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region drive the partnership, despite India's complex relations with Russia and China.
Read MoreThe United States and its allies have abandoned Afghanistan after their two-decade-long occupation, leading to the country's descent into a humanitarian crisis and a terrorist-led government. Meanwhile, these nations have shifted their focus to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, with rhetoric about defending values of democracy and political freedom, but to the Afghan people, this rings hollow. The US's current policy towards Afghanistan is focused on containment rather than support for any specific actors, and their cooperation with the Taliban is reminiscent of Reagan's failed policy of "constructive engagement" with Apartheid South Africa.
Read MoreThe Russo-Ukrainian war has been ongoing for almost a year, with no end in sight. The conflict is a result of deep-rooted history and rivalry between Eastern and Western powers, with NATO playing a significant role. While media attention and aid may support Ukraine, it may also be increasing Russian aggression across the border, and scholars suggest that a move away from Cold War ideologies is necessary to focus on peace talks and a cease-fire.
Read MoreThis article looks at the current food insecurity issue in Lebanon, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion incident, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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