A Snapshot Dump for the European Energy Crisis
By Zeynep Önal
Despite high tension and insecure socio-political atmosphere, the Europe has overcome the last winter. Russia’s Ukrainian invasion, Putin’s aggression and economic black mills have revealed the Europe’s weakness on specific themes such as food security and energy security. Especially, the energy security factor has attracted the attention as the biggest vulnerability of Europe in front of Russia. The European Union’s dependence on Russia in energy has been the most controversial topic. In this short piece, we will have a look at the current status and remarkable highlights of the European Union’s energy agenda. However, firstly, what does energy security means and why it is important for the Europe will be elaborated.
EU accession: the question on Western Balkan integration
By Jordy Benooit
Get ready, it’s happening! But don’t hold your breath.
The declaration made by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, on August 28, 2023, that "enlargement is no longer a dream"1 represents a significant development in the longstanding effort to integrate the Western Balkan countries into the European Union. This region has been a priority for EU integration since 20032, yet the current accession process has proven ineffective over the past two decades. Are we about to write a new chapter on European integration, or are we adding another paragraph to our list of broken commitments?
Non-Religious Spiritual Practices and the Remedy for Women
By Layla Brener
Societally, believing in astrology and especially daily horoscopes has become incredibly polarizing. Most people either swear by it or find it childish and fake. Noticeably, women make up an overwhelming percentage of advocates for astrology and other non-religious spiritual practices. Examples of these practices include Tarot card readings, manifestation, affirmations, reiki healing, and meditation, among many other holistic forms of self-care. Non-religious spiritual practices, NRSP for short, will be an umbrella term for "Holistic spiritual practices aimed at attaining wholeness and well-being of body, mind, and spirit…" (The 'gender puzzle' of alternative medicine and holistic spirituality Keshet and Simchai). Non-religious spiritual practices strengthen women in the West by removing gender prejudices present in religion and prioritizing both physical and mental health.
The War on Terror and its ‘regimes of truth’
By Sebastian Berchesan
Following 9/11 the word ‘terrorist’ came to be used as a stand-alone term with no need for explanation. Post-structuralist theory would use this as an example that the mainstream political discourse nowadays tends to get dominated by universalist assertions based on subjective notions, often ‘produced’ rather than ‘discovered’. In this context, language can be seen as the core aspect in the formulation and preservation of what philosophers such as Foucault call ‘dominant discourse’ based on pairs of opposite terms that will always favour one to the detriment of the other. The ‘War on Terror’ showcases how such public speech can propagate certain political attitudes even at the heart of consolidated democracies, denouncing its dangers.
Why the UK Should not Rejoin, for now
By Jordy 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.
Will Globalization Be A Tool For Global Equality?
By Maia Brener
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. This nonbinding treaty, which has currently been signed by 192 states around the world, is one of the most important documents in the field of human rights. It outlines the thirty universal human rights. Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Article 2 ensures this equality by stating that everybody has the right to freedom from discrimination. These rights are indivisible and interdependent. They can only be enjoyed to the fullest extent when all of them are in use. If only some are granted and others are restricted, then the people are not fully free.
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
By Clare Vecino Prieto
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.
Critical Feminism: Political Movement and Theory
By Sebastian Berchesan
Abstract:
Among most significant theories and movements in contemporary International Relations, Feminism occupies a popular place nowadays, challenging the previous complete absence of women from politics and IR studies. The beginnings of this shift can be traced back one century ago, during a period when some of the biggest social and ideological changes occurred. While the first emancipation movements appeared in liberal democratic political systems, the widespread of equal political rights between men and women took place under the communist doctrine. This represents the starting point of one main branch of Feminist studies nowadays – Critical/ Marxist Feminism. The present article analyses the premises of Critical Feminism both as a political movement and IR theory, overlooking at the main differences between the arguments of Marxist feminists and liberal ones.
The European Green Taxonomy: A Technical Tool or A Political Agenda?
By Ece Ucar
Abstract:
The EU Green taxonomy is one of the measures undertaken as part of green transformation actions following the announcement of the Green Deal. This financial instrument, which also ensures the influx of green finance into the EU, was developed by the Union specifically for the categorization of production and investment. However, there are significant obstacles to the implementation of this technical tool, including greenwashing, politicization, and the harmonization of technical capacity across Member States.
The Nature Restoration Law
By Emelie Teumer
Abstract:
The proposed Nature Restoration Law is intended to become a comprehensive law for all member states of the European Union. The restoration of ecosystems is at the core of this proposal. Currently, this proposal is under discussion. Parties, committees as well as member states have several distinguished concerns. The Nature Restoration Law is expected to pass before the end of this legislative period.
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 five 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.
The Unseen Capital of Culture 2025
By Emelie Teumer
Abstract:
A multitude of countries with different cultures and regional characteristics - and yet one Europe. European values unite us and create a European way of life.
Promoting the European way of life is one of the most important legislative proposals of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission. This includes upholding the rule of law, combating all forms of discrimination, and Europe's cultural diversity. Stand Up For Europe follows these Key Legislative Proposals in many activities and projects.
Whether it is breathtaking architecture, stirring music or amazing works of art, unique cultural experiences can be found in every country. Promoting and enabling togetherness is supported by a number of European Union initiatives, such as the European Capital of Culture.
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.
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.
The Central African Republic: How Peacekeeping Has Failed But Peacebuilding Is Still Needed
By Maia BrenerAbstract: The Central African Republic is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of Central African States. The country has been in a state of civil war since 2013 when a coalition of rebel groups known as the Seleka overthrew the government. The conflict in the Central African Republic has had devastating effects on the country’s population. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, and the country’s economy has been severely harmed. As, the conflict has led to a deterioration in the rule of law, with widespread human rights abuses being committed by all sides that are involved in the conflict. |
The Unspoken Apartheid: How the Chinese Government is Conducting an Ethnic Cleansing of the Uighurs |
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Goulash CosmopolitanismVictor Orban’s ‘Hungary for Hungarians’ Migration PolicyBy 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.
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