Postmodernism in International Relations
Critical in nature and identified as a cultural movement against modernism, postmodernism rejects universal and definite truths, challenging reason itself. It views existence to be fragmented and irregular while condemning science and technology.
Maryam Yasmeen unravels this complex theory and its application to the discipline of international relations.
The Geopolitical Importance of the Suez Canal
Summaiyya Qureshi explores the geopolitical importance of the Suez Canal, a widely used route in the marine commercial business that reduces trade costs significantly.
The Suez Canal plays a vital role in linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas, making it simpler to export and import commodities from Asian countries to European and African countries, and vice versa.
Remembering the First Chechen War
The first Chechen War (i.e. the Russian-Chechen War) was fought between the Russian Federation and the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria over the control of Chechnya.
Also known as the first Chechen campaign, this war of independence started at the end of 1994 and continued till August 1996. The bloody encounter resulted in thousands of deaths and led to the de facto liberation of Chechnya from Russia.
Operation Noble Anvil: NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia
Operation Allied Force (or Operation Noble Anvil), was the aerial bombing campaign that NATO conducted against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War. The bombing began on March 24th, 1999, and continued for nearly 5 months until August 1999.
The NATO airstrikes were in response to the Serbian forces’ attempt at ethnic cleansing of the Kosovar Albanians; the cause of which was an ingrained resentment of Kosovo’s autonomy and ability to work against Serbian interests.
David vs Goliath: The Epic Military Mismatch Between Palestine and Israel
While the mainstream media is cognizant of the military discrepancy between Israel and the Palestinians, the consequences of this discrepancy are almost never commented on.
The Controversial Oil Deal Between Pakistan and Russia
The Ukraine-Russian war has completely altered the global economic landscape. Prices of energy have rampantly increased, embargoes have been placed upon Russia, and chaos has erupted across the world.
Amidst these turbulent times, Pakistan’s economy is maybe suffering the most. To keep its foreign reserves from falling further, Pakistan must seek out discounted energy imports. A deal with Russia would most certainly be welcomed as a respite for the energy-strapped nation.
A Guide to the US Midterms 2022
In the 2022 US midterm elections, Republicans were able to secure the 218 seats needed to control the House of Representatives against the Democrats’ 212 seats. The Senate will remain with the Democrats, however, bringing the US to a political standstill.
Although Republicans now have hold of the House, it would still be a challenge for them to pass any legislation without the Senate Democrats and the President.
Fall of the Berlin Wall: A Landmark in European History
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was celebrated exuberantly with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 by the free world. Ayesha Javaid reveals what caused the Berlin Wall to be built, and between its construction and eventual dismantling, the key events that occurred.
Applying Lederach’s Conflict Transformation to the Israel-Palestine Issue
John Paul Lederach’s concept of conflict transformation provides a set of lenses through which one can draw attention to specific aspects of a conflict, and bring the overall meaning of a conflict into sharper focus.
Asra Zahid applies the model to the Israel-Palestine situation, with each of the three points of inquiry of the model bringing a specific aspect of conflict into focus.
The Convoluted Role of MNCs in Global Politics
The global economy is significantly shaped by multinational corporations (MNCs). Studies have revealed that MNCs exhibit political influence on foreign policy-making in addition to their economic activities.
Hamra Tariq discusses how MNCs can now directly influence foreign policy, and even make an impact on the bilateral relations between various countries.
Operation Condor: US Interference in Latin America
Maryam Yasmeen provides a comprehensive description of the Latin American post-war political culture. Latin America is a region with a history of constant foreign interference, particularly by the US.
For instance, the US’s Operation Condor aimed to install military dictatorships in eight Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, among others.
Black Feminism in Latin America
Prominent in political and social contexts, Latin American feminism is defined by the marginalization of native populations, colonialism, and the enslavement of African people.
In Latin America, different forms of discrimination are often connected to gender-based violence.
China-Nicaragua Relations: Reaffirming the One China Policy
China and Nicaragua (a state in Central America) first established diplomatic relations in 1985, but those were severed in 1990 after Nicaragua’s recognition of Taiwan.
In 2021, Nicaragua cut ties with Taiwan and pivoted to China, reaffirming the One China policy. The reopening of the Chinese Embassy in Nicaragua is a landmark diplomatic switch in the bilateral relations between the two.
Understanding the Regional Security Complex Theory in South Asia
The regional security complex theory (RSCT) is primarily based on the notion of security dynamics and regional models. According to Barry Buzan and Ole Waver, most threats travel more easily over short distances than over long ones, and security interdependence is normally patterned into regionally based clusters.
Asra Zahid analyzes South Asia through the lens of the regional security complex theory at four levels: local, regional, interregional, and global.
Saudi Arabia-Iran Conflict: Threats & Consequences
While Saudi Arabia and Iran have always been caught in a power struggle, recent events have emboldened them to retaliate against each other.
Amna Asif notes that there are several issues that prevent the two countries from coming to a consensus and aligning themselves with each other.
They span the whole gamut of issues from religion to Western alliances.
Will the Growing China-New Zealand Relations Sideline the US?
Some believe that PM Jacinda Ardern’s visit to the US indicates the inclination of New Zealand towards the US instead of China.
However financial interests between China and New Zealand indicate otherwise.
Since signing the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in 2008, China has become New Zealand’s top financial collaborator, with goods and services exports reaching a whopping $21.5 billion in 2021.
Popular Conspiracy Theories About the September 11 Attacks
On September 11, 2001, just hours after the attacks, the first 9/11 conspiracy theories surfaced online. Since then, especially with the emergence of social media, they have grown in size and scope.
These conspiracy theories have continued to circulate and reached a much broader audience as a result of the emergence of new conspiracy movements online.
For instance, QAnon adherents hold the conspiracy theory that the US “deep state” was behind the attacks, among other conspiratorial viewpoints.
