International Relations and the Human: A Commentary
The International itself came about as an outcome of encounter, a world coming together through relations between the West and the rest of the world.
Interview – Ruth Blakeley
Ruth Blakeley explains her research exposing the UK’s involvement in the torture of terror suspects, and discusses drones, human rights research and international law.
Review Feature – Organised Crime in Mexico
This review feature examines two books that address developments in organised crime in Mexico, the roots of violence, and the challenges faced by the new government.
Aquaman: a New Year Parable In Race and Ethnicity
The recent Hollywood adaptation of Aquaman provides an important metaphor for racial conflict, and a timely talking point in modern society.
Recent Posts
Australia on the United Nations Security Council 2013-14: An Evaluation
While Australia did have a chance to exert some influence and produce resolutions, the state’s time at the forefront of the Council was not entirely successful.
Risk Theory vs. Securitisation: An Analysis of the Global Surveillance Program
Risk theory’s analysis of global surveillance networks provides a superior alternative to securitisation theory, but it continues to remain underdeveloped.
Creating A Terrorist: Evan Kohlmann v. Sami Osmakac
The expert report in the trial of Sami Osmakac is critically flawed and ultimately unfit to serve as testament to the defendant’s status as a “homegrown” terrorist.
An Ethical Dilemma: How Classical Realism Conceives Human Nature
Classical realism’s understanding of human nature renders an imperfect depiction of reality that fails to incorporate progress or metaphysical development.
Recrafting International Relations through Relationality
International Relations must be reconceptualised to prioritize the relations that constitute units rather than to proceed from the assumption that units are self-evident.
“Sanctions Are Coming”: Fear and Iranophobia in American Foreign Policy
Iran’s characterization as a great threat in the Middle East is largely a result of institutionalized “Iranophobia” within American foreign policy.
Globalisation, Agency, Theory: A Critical Analysis of Marxism in Light of Brexit
Despite an increasing degree of economic integration, Marxist theory must consider geopolitical competition in the relationship between capitalism and the state system.
Emergency Powers and Executives: An Ever-Present Danger of Abuse?
History and more recent events have shown that a risk of abuse of emergency powers always looms, even with well-meaning executives, because reduction is not eradication.
Contesting Impunity in Colombia
Impunity has been key to determining the Colombian peace process. The question remains whose perception of impunity in the context of negotiated peace will prevail?
The ‘China Factor’ in India’s Maritime Engagement with Southeast Asia
China and India’s rise as major naval powers does not preclude the possibility of both developing a more cooperative dynamic in protecting the maritime ‘global commons’.
Public Diplomacy: China’s Newest Charm Offensive
Though much remains uncertain due to China’s unique political system, trust remains a crucial ingredient for the success of its various endeavours abroad and ultimately, its public diplomacy.
