Articles — International Relations Review

Poland’s Rise is Threatening the Current Model of the European Union

Poland’s Rise is Threatening the Current Model of the European Union

The 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.

Sports Competitions Reevaluate Participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes a Year After the Invasion

Sports Competitions Reevaluate Participation of Russian and Belarusian Athletes a Year After the Invasion

A 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.

Neoliberal Narratives: Pedro Castillo and the Peruvian Constitution’s Impeachment Trap

Neoliberal Narratives: Pedro Castillo and the Peruvian Constitution’s Impeachment Trap

The impeachment of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was seen as a democratic triumph by mainstream media, but widespread protests and repudiation from other Latin American governments tell a different story. Deep-rooted inequities, a constitutional clause, and political instability have led to Peru's uncertain future, with impeachment being weaponized by the Peruvian Congress to maintain the neoliberal status quo.

Of Factions and Friends

Of Factions and Friends

India 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.

Japan’s Sanction on China Semiconductor Industry

Japan’s Sanction on China Semiconductor Industry

The U.S. and Japan, once rivals in the semiconductor industry, are now cooperating to counter China's rise in the sector. The two nations are working together on export controls, with the U.S. banning chip exports to several Chinese companies and Japan recently agreeing to similar measures, though potential limitations and countermeasures from China may affect the effectiveness of these efforts.

FESPACO: The Power of African Voices

FESPACO: The Power of African Voices

The 28th Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) took place from February 25 to March 4, 2023, celebrating African cinema and providing a platform for African filmmakers. With this year's theme being "Culture of Peace," the festival showcased films that highlighted social issues and amplified African voices, such as Apolline Traore's "Sira" and Moussa Sene Absa's "Xale, les blessures de l'enfance."

Qatar Fifa 2022 World Cup: A Game of Sports Diplomacy Mixed with International Scrutiny

Qatar Fifa 2022 World Cup: A Game of Sports Diplomacy Mixed with International Scrutiny

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.

Honor and Shame: On the Word “a’aib” in Arabic

Honor and Shame: On the Word “a’aib” in Arabic

This 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.

Preventing the Domino Effect: Moldova Fights to Protect Its Sovereignty from Russian Interference Amid Continued Violence in Ukraine

Preventing the Domino Effect: Moldova Fights to Protect Its Sovereignty from Russian Interference Amid Continued Violence in Ukraine

With 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.

Venezuela’s Economic Recovery: Why Are the Poor Becoming Poorer?

Venezuela’s Economic Recovery: Why Are the Poor Becoming Poorer?

Venezuela'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.

Humanity in Civil Conflicts: Understanding the Casamance Conflict

Humanity in Civil Conflicts: Understanding the Casamance Conflict

The 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.

If You Stand With Ukraine, You Must Also Stand With Afghanistan

If You Stand With Ukraine, You Must Also Stand With Afghanistan

The 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.

Kosovo-Serbia License Plate Dispute Gives Insight into Russian and Western Ties in the Region

Kosovo-Serbia License Plate Dispute Gives Insight into Russian and Western Ties in the Region

Tensions 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.

The Origins of Poland’s Feud with the European Union

The Origins of Poland’s Feud with the European Union

Poland'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.

The Unlikely Challenge to the Spanish Housing Market

The Unlikely Challenge to the Spanish Housing Market

As 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.

Immigration by Sea: A Comparison of the Immigration Experience Between Cubans and Haitians

Immigration by Sea: A Comparison of the Immigration Experience Between Cubans and Haitians

There 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.

How Widespread Corruption Brought About the Energy Crisis in South Africa

How Widespread Corruption Brought About the Energy Crisis in South Africa

South 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.

Nuclear Weapons: The Unfortunate Solution to South Korean National Security

Nuclear Weapons: The Unfortunate Solution to South Korean National Security

South 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.

Impact of Italy-Libya Relations on Human Rights in the Migration Crisis

Impact of Italy-Libya Relations on Human Rights in the Migration Crisis

Within 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.

The Political Propensity for Peace

The Political Propensity for Peace

Recently, 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.