Why the UK Should not Rejoin, for now
By Joordy Benooit
April 2023, a pivotal moment in the Brexit saga. A majority of Brits, for the first time in seven years, would support their countries' return to the European Union. In those seven years they have seen three prime ministers resign, their economy in a perpetual state of crises, living standards in a freefall, and their country subjected to international ridicule and marginalisation. The British have had enough. To reverse the negative effects of Brexit, Brexit itself needs to be reversed and the UK must rejoin. Based on that premise, I argue that it is in the greater interest of the Union that the UK is kept out, for now.
Crisis Diplomacy in the European Union: Managing Conflict and Mediation Efforts: The Bosnian War
By Clare Vecino Prieto
Crisis diplomacy plays a vital role in managing conflicts and promoting peace in the European Union (EU). As a supranational organization with a commitment to peace, stability, and the rule of law, the EU has developed robust mechanisms and strategies for crisis management and mediation. This article explores the EU's approach to crisis diplomacy, examining its efforts in conflict resolution and highlighting the significance of its mediation initiatives.
Moldova: Over 30 years of politics in between East and West
By Sebastian Berchesan
Abstract:
The Republic of Moldova, although being a relatively young independent state in the region of Eastern Europe, it has a complex history of positioning itself between the West and the East. As a former Western Soviet country, after gaining independence in 1991, it maintained significant links to Moscow while also showing aspirations to get involved in the process of European integration. This article aims to analyse the developments and the determinants of this process in the Post-Soviet context. It takes into consideration the historical factors that led to the current situation in Moldova, the existing links to Romania, Russia, the Post-Soviet Institutions and the European Union, capturing a comprehensive picture of the current situation in the country.
The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union:
A Presidency Marked by National Elections and Difficult European Challenges.
Abstract:
The Spanish Presidency in the Council of the European Union comes at a crucial juncture, as the country faces both internal and external challenges while simultaneously preparing for national elections. As the rotating presidency from June to January 2024, Spain must address significant issues, propose effective solutions, and balance its domestic political landscape
during this critical period.
Second Round in Turkey’s Election: A Third Term with Erdoğan
By Zeynep Önal Aytaç
Abstract:
After an intense election campaign and resultless first round, Turkey once again voted for its new president and reelected incumbent president Erdoğan for the new term. Now, it is clear that Erdogan has secured his third term as president and 30 years as the leading actor in Turkish politics. Since the ambiguity has been solved, the recent inquiry is what is expected for the country for upcoming years. Before coming there, here is a short review of the second round.
Greece Legislative Elections: A Big Yes to Mitsotakis
By Zeynep Önal Aytaç
Abstract:
Long-waited Greece Legislative Elections took place on May 21. Greeks voted for their parliament and gave the green light to Mitsotakis for four more years to lead the country. Despite the great victory Mitsotakis's New Democracy failed to reach the sufficient majority to form a single-party government. Now, Greece is waiting for the second election on June 25 to finalize the race.
First Round in Turkey's Presidential Election
By Zeynep Önal Aytaç
Abstract:
Turkey has experienced one of the most important elections on the 100th anniversary of the republic. Under rising competitive authoritarianism, democratic backsliding and economic crisis, the main opposition block united its powers against Erdogan for this existential election. On the other side, Erdogan and his ultra-Islamist, nationalists partners have employed populist right rhetoric and benefitted from state sources which they have enjoyed for the last 20 years. However, the presidential race could not be finished in the first round. Neither Erdogan nor his main rival Kilicdaroglu reached half of the votes, so Turkish people will go to the ballot box one more time and make their final choice on May 28.
Goulash CosmopolitanismVictor Orban’s ‘Hungary for Hungarians’ Migration Policy
By Sebastian BerchesanAbstract: Following the return to power of Viktor Orban in 2010, Hungarian politics has taken a nationalist turn that led to the current illiberal path the country is following. The European-wide migration crisis of 2015 has shifted the Hungarian public’s attention towards immigrants, presenting them as a serious threat to the internal stability and the traditional values of the country. Since then, the rhetoric of the Orban-led government focused on two main directions: keeping non-European migrants out of the country and strengthening the relations with the ethnic Hungarians living abroad. While closing the doors to migrants who could represent a substantial and reliable workforce, the nation’s economy shows worrying signs of recession. In this context, Prime Minister Viktor Orban is calling for the Hungarians born and living outside of the state borders to join the nation’s political cause by enabling them to easily get citizenship and vote during elections. While taking on this double approach, the Hungarian leader aims to maximise his political support while delivering a simple but essential promise: a Hungary for Hungarians. This article analyses the premises of the strategy behind the Hungarian Migration Policy while questioning its sustainability in the long run. |
Kuwait's Invasion: The United Nations Authorization for the Use of Force
By Clara Vecino Prieto
Abstract:
On 2 August 1990, Saddam Hussein's Iraq invaded Kuwait. The international response to the Iraqi invasion marked a turning point in the UN Security Council's authorisation of the use of force. The international community jointly condemned the invasion. As a result, the UN demanded the immediate withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait. In the absence of a response, the Security Council passed two resolutions, 678 and 687, which would mark a new era in the authorisation of the legitimate use of force. Therefore, throughout this article, we will first look at the causes that led Iraq to invade Kuwait, followed by an explanation of the UN Security Council's action, and finally, analyze that action to understand the extent to which the Security Council changed the way it acted in terms of collective security.