Science, Technology and Security in the Middle East
The technological dependence of Arab countries has enhanced their vulnerability to outside interference and reduced their internal, national integration.
Interview – George Butler
Reportage artist, George Butler, talks to us about his work drawing the news in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, as well the future for young Syrians and his Hands Up Foundation.
Review – The Left Case Against the EU
An important contribution to the left debate over the European Union that mercilessly shatters many of the arguments presented by ‘remain and reform’ advocates.
Were ‘Ancient Hatreds’ the Primary Cause of the Yugoslavian Civil War ?
Rather than ‘ancient hatreds,’ the primary causes of the Yugoslav Wars were competing groups’ need for societal security and the elite exploitation of structural anarchy.
Recent Posts
Sketchy Depictions – Gendering of Female Politicians in Editorial Cartoons
As shown by an analysis of editorial cartoons, depictions of female political leaders are gendered based off their political credibility at the time.
Elite Choices, Path Dependency and the Arab Spring
Structural and demographic factors have been favoured as explanations for the Arab Spring, but more careful analysis and research points to the impact of national elites.
Human Rights Movements in the Middle East
After decades of activism and the recent protest movements, there has been little progress in changing state action to comply with international human rights law.
Huawei in Central and Eastern Europe: From Strategic Partner to Potential Threat
Huawei’s battle for CEE cannot be isolated from the PRC’s inroads into the region which are characterized by embedding capitalist forces into a Leninist governance model.
Unmasking ‘Religious’ Conflicts and Religious Radicalisation in the Middle East
When one discusses conflicts that may have a religious background, it is mandatory to question when and under what circumstances does a conflict qualify as a ‘religious’.
Interview – Abbey Steele
Abbey Steele talks to us about the Colombian conflict, forms of displacement, the practice of ‘subcontracted state-building’, her fieldwork in Colombia and women in IR.
Narratives, Emotions, and the Contestations of the Liberal Order
Scholars should look at narratives in order to explore developments in world politics and because they might make them mindful of the nature of their own narratives.
Environmental (In)Security in the Middle East
Environmental issues are interlinked with social and political struggles across the region, and water and food security are areas in which countries have common interests.
Economic (In)security and Economic Integration in the Middle East
Although strategic plans like ‘Vision 2030’ acknowledge problems, it remains to be seen whether the GCC states can address increasing inequality, unemployment, and a decline in oil wealth.
Returning Rohingya: What Does the “Voluntary” in “Voluntary Repatriation” Mean?
To examine the voluntariness of voluntary repatriation for Rohingya refugees, a new definition of voluntariness based on acceptable alternatives and capabilities is used.
Interview – Andrew Hom
Andrew Hom tells us about the temporal turn in IR, different understandings of time, how time is political, and some of the best advice he has received during his career.
Debunking the Concept of “New Terrorism”
Contemporary religious terrorism is not a “new terrorism,” but instead displays similar features to previous forms of terrorism.
Introducing Regional Security in the Middle East
The Middle East occupies a unique strategic position. Hence, we can understand why it has attracted the attention of great powers and empires throughout history.
