Category · 46 questions
International Relations
Sovereignty, diplomacy, war, and whether the rules-based order is holding.
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46 entriesAfghan-Taliban peace talks: What's next?
In 2020 we've seen continuation of Afghan and Taliban peace talks, in a region that has seen difficulties and been defined by tribalism for generations. So what is next in the Afghan-Taliban peace talks?
Are dictatorships effective for development?
International development is a difficult task in the best of times. Some people have argued that it is easier when the government is totalitarian. Often, what is required to 'develop' a nation is painful for the population. Is it better when they have less say?
Are NGOs a form of neocolonialism?
Nongovernmental organizations, more commonly known as NGO further thousands of great charitable causes around the world. However, critics argue they are just another form of neocolonialism.
Can Europe afford to stand up to China?
The question examines if Europe has the economic resilience and political will to confront China's growing influence, considering the potential risks and benefits.
Can incrementalism work?
Incrementalism is when changes occur gradually. Most often referring to the policy of social change happening in degrees. The use of the term incrementalism is first attributed to Lindblom (1959) and then Wildavsky (1964). According to them, people break down complex problems into manageable steps. They simplify the process. From its inception, there has been a debate on whether incrementalism works to create change or if it actually detracts from change.
Can interdependence theory of internatinoal relations explain the geopolitical system?
Can interdependence theory account for how the modern geopolitical system works? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that interdependence theory can explain the geopolitical system, and that it cannot.
Could the US and Chinese economies really 'decouple'?
Could the deeply intertwined economies of the United States and China actually separate? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that the US and Chinese economies could decouple, and that they could not.
Does humanitarian intervention work?
Humanitarian intervention, or the military involvement in a foreign nation to protect human rights, has been a hotly debated topic for the past 75 years. Since the end of World War II, human rights and international peace have become paramount to the foreign policies of many countries. However, there is no consistent methodology for how to address human rights abuses, genocide, and conflict abroad. The challenges of sovereignty, international policing, and the efficacy of intervening have plagued the diplomatic minds in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
Does the West still value human rights in light of its dismissal of Khashoggi's death?
The West used to be the loudest voice advocating for human rights. But Western governments' evasive stances on the horrifying death of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi government dissident, suggest this is no longer the case. In the light of huge economic links and political turbulence, are human rights still valued in western civilization?
Has the Good Friday Agreement been a success?
The Good Friday Agreement is a set of agreements, concluded on April 10th 1998 and ratified by popular vote on May 22nd 1998, that secured the devolved government in Northern Ireland. The agreement was the result of a long period of political uncertainty and extreme violence in Northern Ireland, known as ‘The Troubles’, which was a period of conflict that ran from the 1960s to, generally agreed, the Good Friday Agreement.
How should the West deal with Vladimir Putin?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been in power for two decades. In that time he has rebuilt Russia's military, imprisoned and killed political opponents at home and abroad, annexed Crimea, gone to war with Georgia and Ukraine, deployed troops to Syria, and plundered the country. An increasingly authoritarian figure, Putin continues to divide Western countries, how should they deal with him?
How will the coronavirus affect globalization?
World leaders now describe Covid-19 as the 'silent enemy'. Several have called the pandemic a 'war'. For the first time in history, every nation on Earth is battling a common foe. What this will mean for globalisation remains unknown. Global connectivity is, on the face of things, being eroded, as free movement stops and people 'stay and shelter'. Yet, the world is also increasingly united, as triumph depends on cooperation.
How will the coronavirus affect the European Union?
Are diverging policy responses from EU members states causing diplomatic ties to break down? Or conversely, is the shared trauma of the COVID-19 outbreak fostering brotherhood amongst its nations? What will the EU look like once the cure for the pandemic has been found?
Is BDS anti-semitic?
BDS stands for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. It is a non-violent, Palestinian led political campaign that advocates for and promotes various forms of finanical protest against the state of Israel. The objective of BDS is to pressure Israel into abiding by international law, which includes ending the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, granting Arab-Palestinians Israeli citizenship, and allowing displaced Palestinian refugees the right to return to their cultural and ancestral homeland. It’s often compared to and seeks to emulate the South African anti-apartheid movement from the 1980s. However, the movement has been accused of being ant-semitic due to the nature in which it targets the world’s only Jewish state, and how those attacks affect Jewish people in Israel and abroad.
Is India a global superpower?
A world superpower is usually defined as a country that is capable of projecting its power and influence on a global scale. India's broad range of quality of life among its citizens and booming economy have put the country in a unique position in the world. It competes with leading superpowers in creating new technology and defense, yet most rural areas are still underdeveloped. Impoverished citizens often live in poor sanitation and without healthcare or clean water. Should India be considered a global superpower based on its greatest accomplishments, or are its domestic issues too severe?
Is Narendra Modi a terrorist?
A terrorist is defined as someone who uses unlawful violence and intimidation against a civilian population to advance a political objective. India’s Narendra Modi has been accused of using terror to further his political interests. Did Narendra Modi use acts of terror in Kashmir? Did he enable terrorism during the 2002 Gujarati riots? Or is he innocent of all terror accusations?
Is religion the primary motivation and recruitment behind ISIS?
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) is a terrorist militant organization seeking to establish itself as state and as a self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate. Under the ideology of Salafism, a conservative interpretation and movement of Sunni Islam, and describing its efforts as a jihad, many point to how religion is at the core of ISIS. However, many others argue that the Islamic State's primary motivations are more political, using religion as a veil to increase its legitimacy and as a recruitment strategy.
Is the BJP dangerous?
Founded in 1950, modern India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic, with 28 states and 8 union territories. At the 2019 election, almost 614 million people voted, a record 67.1% voter turn out. The Bharativa Janata Party (BJP) was re-elected with a single-party majority, the first since 1971 to do so. With its alliance partners in the National Democratic Alliance, it won 353 of the 543 seats in the lower house or Lok Sabha. Since then many have speculated that the BJP is creating a dangerous political and social environment.
Is the United States exceptional?
American exceptionalism is the belief that America is the greatest and freest nation on earth, destined to guide mankind to true freedom. The supporters of this idea adduce America's unique history and establishment, as well as its values, ideals, and strength.
Is Tony Blair a war criminal?
The Chilcot Inquiry into former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair's invasion of Iraq argues the invasion was unnecessary and against the UN's recommendations. Many argue this disregard for international law makes Tony Blair a war criminal, and he should be tried in an international court for war crimes.
Is Western liberalism obsolete?
In a 2019 interview with the Financial Times, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Western liberalism "obsolete". He is not alone. The death of the West's ideological mainstay, is being discussed by everyone, from former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, to Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, and high-profile journalists including Edward Luce and James Traub. Authoritarian China is ascendant. Free trade, the rule of law, freedom of movement and tolerance are in trouble around the world. So, has the cluster of ideas known as Western liberalism had its day?
Should Catalonia become independent?
Catalonia is a region in the northeast corner of Spain and is home to Barcelona, the region’s capital. The question of Catalan independence has been a part of Spanish politics for at least three centuries. Since the 1970s, Catalans have been in conflict with the Spanish government and within themselves about becoming an independent country. The question of Catalan independence is central to Spain’s politics and has been polarizing public opinion even further since the 2010s. The demand for Catalan independence has risen greatly in the past few years, to the disappointment of the Spanish government. Is the Catalan drive for independence justified, and is independence feasible?
Should Julian Assange be extradited?
Following the Ecuadorian government's withdrawal of asylum, Julian Assange was arrested and removed from the country's embassy in London. He faces charges in the US of conspiracy to break into a computer, relating to Wikileaks' publication of more than 250,000 classified military documents and diplomatic cables in 2010. Should Assange be extradited to the US to face these charges? Was he doing a public service? Will he get a fair trial? Should he be sent to Sweden to face sexual assault charges instead?
Should Puerto Rico become a US state or independent?
Puerto Rico, one of five American territories, has limited power and rights under its territory categorization. Some mainland Americans argue Puerto Rico should become the 51st U.S. state. Activists in Puerto Rico go one step further—full independence.
Should Scotland seek independence?
Although they were once thought to share a common destiny, the relationship between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom has recently been under debate. Since the failed independence referendum in 2014, the country's politics have revolved around Scottish nationalism and the nation's future with the rest of the Union. Should they seek to end their more than 300-year long union with England and the rest of the UK?
Should the Cold War be considered a war?
The Cold War was a time of geopolitical hostility between the United States and the Soviet Union. This conflict spanned about 45 years until the Soviet Union dissolved in the early 90s. However, no physical fighting ever occurred, there was only a consistent state of friction between these two nations.
Should the UK have remained in the EU?
Now that Brexit has happened, the UK has officially left the European Union. As the transition period continues and the effects of the decision to leave the EU begin to be felt, we will begin to be able to evaluate whether it was the right choice. Is the UK really stronger upon leaving the EU? Or would it have been better off to remain united?
Should the US maintain the embargo against Cuba?
In 1962 the US introduced a trade embargo, ‘El Bloqueo’, on Cuba, in response to the Cuban revolution. The embargo is an attempt to force regime change in a one-party state. Congressional support is needed to repeal the divisive measure, which has been written into statute.
Should the US recognize Palestine as a state?
Should the United States formally recognise Palestinian statehood? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that the US should recognise Palestine as a state, and that it should not.
Should there be a world government?
Since the dawn of history, the idea of world government fueled the ambitions of ancient Kings, Japanese emperors, the Chinese utopia "Da Yitong (大同), Great Unity", the Romans, religious utopians and humanists. Should humans unite ? Is violent world domination likely to be ? Is it inevitable ?
What are Armenia and Azerbaijan fighting over?
What lies behind the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan? This entry maps the explanations — a dispute over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, a proxy war between Russia and Turkey, and an escalation of long-standing ethnic tensions.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dual citizenship?
What are the trade-offs of holding two passports? This entry maps the advantages and disadvantages of dual citizenship — among them expanded political, travel and property rights, set against dual taxation, dual obligations and bureaucratic complexity.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?
Proponents of globalization say it improves citizens' lives via the distribution of jobs, capital, and technology across borders, promoting peace through deeper economic ties between nations. Others claim the globalized movement of goods and people has fuelled inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and deepened economic inequalities.
What are the options on a second Brexit referendum?
Theresa May’s Brexit deal contains little to please Brexiteers or Remainers. As it stands, it will be very difficult for Brexit to end in a way that is satisfying for anyone. Should there be a second referendum on Brexit, so that people can vote with a better understanding of their options?
What are the positions on nuclear weapons?
Nuclear weapons have been inciting fear, controversy, and awe since their creation. With the recent push to ban these weapons gaining popularity across the world, many new positions have sprung up as a response.
What are the solutions to the Israel Palestine conflict?
What started as intercommunal violence between Israelis and Arabs in the 1920s evolved over the course of the twentieth century into a full-blown civil war and open conflict. After much bloodshed and the dawn of a new century, what would a solution to the Israel-Palestine situation look like? Is peace even a possibility for one of the world's longest-running conflicts?
What are the solutions to the Syrian crisis?
The Syrian crisis is part of a wider conflict the origins of which can be traced back to the Arab Spring of 2011. The dissatisfaction of some of the countries in the Arab world with their corresponding governments had led to many anti-government protests demanding a better standard of living in countries such as Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. Some of these countries were successful in creating significant regime change. However, and 9 years later with over 6.5 million nationals displaced and over half a million deaths; what solutions are there to a crisis happening in a country which has become a political playground for many belligerents?
What is Taiwan's political status?
Is Taiwan an independent country or a part of China? This entry maps the deeply contested debate over Taiwan's political status, setting out the opposing positions that it is a sovereign nation, and that it is part of China.
What is the future of NATO?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was formed in 1949 as a Western military alliance to deal with the growing threat of the Soviet Union. However, since the break-up of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, it has struggled to define itself in the 21st century. This has led some to speculate whether the military alliance has a future?
What is the future of the European Union?
The European Union has faced a litany of challenges, from the Eurozone crisis, the migrant crisis, and Brexit, this has led many to speculate whether the days of the European political and economic union are numbered.
Where is Kim Jong-un?
In April 2020 the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has not been seen in public for over two weeks and his whereabouts remain a mystery. While nothing has come out of the famously secretive state to suggest he is anything but well, others claim he is fighting for his life, or even dead.
Which theory of international relations best explains the international system?
International relations scholarship offers a number of perspectives to explain the causes of war, international trade, and the overall behavior of the nation-state. Which theory gives us the most accurate representation of the international system?
Why did Labour lose the 2019 UK general election?
On election night 2019, Labour supporters watched in horror as the count revealed Labour's worst election performance in recent history. In the wake of the party's worst night "since 1935", Labour members and analysts attempt to dissect what went wrong. Was it the party's stance on Brexit? An unpalatable leader in Jeremy Corbyn? Or a misguided election strategy?
Will China Become the next Super Power?
There are many factors that contribute the the abilities of a country-technology, people, the power of the government, exports, imports, and so on. America is just one of the countries battling for dominance, and right by their side is China. The question is, who will emerge victorious? Will China become the next superpower?
Will China's rise as a global superpower be peaceful?
China will surpass the United States economically and is making huge military and technological progress. Will China's rise to global superpower status be peaceful? Or will China's rise not be peaceful due to its authoritarianism and territorial disputes?
Will Germany become the new finance hub after Brexit?
Would Frankfurt inherit London's financial crown after Brexit? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Germany will become a new finance hub after Brexit, and that it will not.