The recent events in Ukraine have shattered the security architecture of Europe, as the world watches Russia defy all warnings from the West concerning the sovereignty of its smaller neighbour. In this article, Matthew argues that despite the shocking nature of Putin’s attack, it has not come out of nowhere: the invasion is “the latest chapter in Russia’s increasingly ruthless and reckless raucous resurgence
With Xi Jinping’s growing grip on absolute power in China, the country seems to be transitioning from a one-party authoritarian state to a personal dictatorship, firmly under Xi’s thumb. This may sound like splitting hairs, but the ramifications are crucial. In this article Matthew demonstrates how Xi’s grip on absolute, and perpetual, power will affect the West, looking at three major sticking points: The Climate Emergency, the stability of Sino-Western relations, and the Taiwan question.
The last piece of this three-part series focuses on the mistreatment and detainment of immigrants in the United States. The ‘American Dream’ is founded on principles of providing opportunities for a better lifestyle, yet under the Trump administration, tens of thousands of migrants are detained and mistreated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Anas Adam tackles the Kafala system in Lebanon, the country’s sponsorship system for migrant domestic workers. He breaks down the system and its practices, arguing that it amounts to modern day slavery, enabling abuse and gross human rights violations. He concludes by considering change, addressing the responsibility of home countries, and examining the realities of reform at a time when Lebanon is on its last legs.
The West must find the seemingly elusive balance between punishment of Lukashenko and protection of the people. If possible, there is a chance for a democratic Belarus. But should the sanctions misfire, it is difficult to see things changing for most Belarussians
With the political landscape being dominated by COVID-19, globally we have seen previously pressing issues being relegated to the ‘political backburner’. Evan Lewis examines how the pandemic has affected the movement for legalizing abortion in Argentina. He looks at how attitudes in this majority Catholic country are slowly changing and asks, with the increase of domestic violence as a result of the Virus and subsequent lockdown, whether this change will be too late for many.
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