The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar drew over 1.5 billion viewers and faced controversy over bribery allegations, migrant worker exploitation, and criminalization of homosexuality. Despite using the event to foster international relations, Qatar's imposition of cultural values contradicted its efforts to build ties and exposed the need for better governance by FIFA.
Read MoreThis article discusses the concept of honor and shame in Arab societies, with the term "a'aib" representing shame and its impact on women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and taboo subjects. This socially constructed idea perpetuates negative psychological effects and reinforces honor-based social conduct.
Read MoreWith war still raging in Ukraine, the neighboring country of Moldova is facing increased threats from Russia continuing its attempt to spread control. Recent destabilization plots, continued chaos with the Transnistria region, and the global energy crisis have required the Moldovan government to double down on state security.
Read MoreVenezuela's economy shows signs of recovery, driven by increased oil production. Still, the poor are left behind as the wealth gap grows, and access to foreign currencies remains limited for the majority of the population. The country's infrastructure for the rich expands while impoverished households suffer from food insecurity, water shortages, and lack of basic services.
Read MoreThe Casamance conflict has resulted in devastating realities for communities, however, different policies such as the Kampala Convention offer hope for a united future to resolve deep divisions at the Senegal border and refocus on supporting displaced people.
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 MoreTensions between Serbia and Kosovo remain high as Serbia allegedly violated an agreement reached in November 2022 to stop issuing license plates with Kosovo cities' denominations. The issue represents the larger conflict of Serbia's refusal to recognize Kosovo's independence, which is complicated by the involvement of Russia and the West in the region.
Read MorePoland's ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) has been attacking the independence of the Polish judiciary since they came to power in 2015. The European Union has repeatedly taken action against Poland, including triggering Article 7 of the Treaty on the European Union and imposing daily fines for Poland's refusal to suspend the functions of the Disciplinary Chamber for the Supreme Court, which was ruled unlawful by the European Court of Human Rights in 2021.
Read MoreAs landlords in Spain decide to list their units on Airbnb rather than renting them out to locals, limited supply skyrockets rent. In Spain's already strained housing market, the effects of Airbnb have forced the Government to intervene.
Read MoreThere has been an increase in undocumented immigrants from the Caribbean traveling by boat to the US. While Haitian and Cuban immigrants face many dangers and risks during their journey across the sea, they also have different experiences and treatments once they reach the US. Cuban immigrants have historically received "special treatment" in the US, while Haitians have not. This article examines the reasons behind this disparity and how policies have changed over time.
Read MoreSouth Africa is facing its worst energy crisis in over three decades due to corruption and aging infrastructure. The country's economy and politics are under threat, and the government's main task is to restore energy security. The energy crisis is largely due to the mismanagement of Eskom, the state-owned energy provider, and the reluctance of some officials to support the building of clean energy infrastructure. The crisis has led to protests and riots, and urgent action is needed to address the issue.
Read MoreSouth Korea is facing a dilemma about whether to possess nuclear weapons due to North Korea's continuous military advancements and nuclear pursuits. The failure of South Korea's conventional deterrence system and the actions of China and Russia have increased the urgency for South Korea to bolster its national security, even if it means breaking prior agreements.
Read MoreWithin the EU, Italy has been on the forefront of combating irregular migration to Europe through the Mediterranean. However, concern over grave human rights violations in Libya have led to calls for Italy to discontinue partnership with Libyan authorities.
Read MoreRecently, Japan’s new policy pertaining to military investment has been met with a slew of concern, as many continue to hypothesize whether it will pose a threat to global peace. The Japanese government’s own perspective toward the maintenance of peace in today’s world, itself, raises questions about how reliable interdependence is moving forward.
Read MoreChina and the United States have a complicated history of diplomacy, with several near-misses that could have reshaped the power balance of East Asia at enormous costs.
Read MoreMore than three decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Left-Wing leaders have once again been swept into power across Latin America. In his famous essay "The End of History" (1989) Francis Fukuyama asserted that socialism had become an obsolete ideology in international politics, however, with neoliberalism in crisis and western hegemony on the decline could the second resurgence of the "Pink Tide" prove him wrong?
Read MoreThe people of Chile must now prepare for yet another pivotal election which will play a key role in determining the fate of the nation's fundamental law.
Read MoreA blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijani protestors has caused a humanitarian crisis for Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has brought this issue before the International Court of Justice and is requesting Azerbaijan ensure free movement along the corridor.
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 MoreNATO members are divided over the admittance of Finland and Sweden, with Turkey opposing their inclusion due to perceived support for militant political organizations. To address these concerns, both countries have lifted their arms blockades on Turkey and agreed to work on creating mechanisms to subjugate the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and extradite terrorist subjects.
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