For decades, Libya’s politics only had one face: that of Muammar al-Gaddafi, a military colonel, who had seized power in the late 60s and had since then clung onto that power like flies to a honey jar. He was a dictator to his peoplebut a necessary ally for many countries, also in the West. They were motivated mostly by his ... Read More »
According to analysts, Ethiopia might be at a critical juncture in its political history as key events have followed each other in rapid succession over the past few weeks. Amidst widespread anti-government protests, Prime minister and coalition leader Hailemariam Desalegn announced his sudden resignation, prompting the government to declare a six-month state of emergency. Although experts say Desalegn’s resignation had ... Read More »
This February is the one-year anniversary of Irish Travellers gaining ethnic minority status in Ireland. Simultaneously, The Independent reported that gypsy people were the least tolerated minority in Europe. Respect for minorities is a fundamental aspect of European values, however, according to the Independent, many minorities are openly disliked. The EU’s open borders guarantees the free movement of people, but in ... Read More »
While most people know about the fighting in the Syrian Civil War between troops loyal to president Baschar al-Assad and the rebels, mainly lead by the Free Syrian Army, there are other actors that are involved in this longstanding conflict. Al-Assad is backed by Russia and Iran while the US supports opposition groups through military means. One of these groups ... Read More »
Rodrigo Duterte, the President of the Philippines, has become notorious for his rowdy rhetoric and supercharged war on drugs. Last month, however, he struck a remarkably progressive tone on a wholly different issue. At an LGBT gathering in his hometown of Davao City on December 17, Duterte declared his support for marriage equality, saying that “If that is the trend ... Read More »
Although the Republic of Ireland is a modern, western European country, with liberal values and an improving economy its female reproductive rights can be compared to those in countries such as Haiti, Somalia, Brazil, Iran, and Uganda. Ireland has the strictest abortion laws in Europe, apart from Malta. Abortion is considered illegal and is punishable with a 14-year prison sentence. ... Read More »
Katrina, Wilma, Irma and Sandy, the list goes on and on… No, these are not the latest victims of sexual harassment by Harvey Weinstein. On the contrary, these women themselves have wrecked some of the greatest havoc in the last couple of decades, as they were among the most destructive hurricanes in human history. Is it a coincidence that they ... Read More »
Although Venezuela has been characterized by political turmoil in much of recent history, many claim it is currently experiencing its lowest point in the century. The land gifted with the largest petroleum reserves is now caught up in the middle of a crisis that comprehends every aspect of life in the country. The situation in Venezuela encompasses much more than ... Read More »
Humanitarian intervention has been a controversy in the field of international relations since the end of Cold War. The controversy mainly emerges because the principle of humanitarian intervention clashes with the principles of non-intervention and sovereignty which emerged with the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. Even the definition of humanitarian intervention is up for debate by scholars but the lack ... Read More »
China, the once communist nation, is turning into a capitalist country. According to the Financial Times, the Chinese government is even willing to privatize its education and health system. In order to establish this, China asked the British Financial minister, George Osborne, for help. The question is why China explicitly chose Great Britain as guidance in its transformation from communism ... Read More »
Checks&Balances Checks and Balances is the magazine of the Study Association Clio from the program "International Relations and International Organization" at the University of Groningen. Topics include international politics, ethics, conflict and development