U.S. Foreign Policy Failures in Iraq
The Gulf War may be considered a military triumph par excellence; however, a destabilized Iraq must also be considered a disastrous outcome for the U.S. Foreign Policy establishment.
‘Greed’ and ‘Grievance’ as Motivations for Civil War: The Libyan Case
The Arab Spring provides new opportunities for the study of civil wars. The wave of protests has led to two violent rebellions: the Libyan revolutionary war and the Syrian civil war.
Zealotry and Pragmatism: Hamas, Hizbullah, and Syria
Hamas’ and Hizbullah’s responses to the Syrian crisis resulted from the interplay between strategic and ideological considerations, reflecting the concept of Islamist ‘actorness’.
The Unfinished Revolution in Egypt
Tackling socio-economic issues, such as poverty and inequality, is not only desirable in principle, but is actively required for the functioning of Egypt’s newly developing democracy.
Realism Today
Realism takes an explanatory rather than a normative approach, and Realist concepts provide a pragmatic framework for the effective analysis of current international issues and events.
The Political and Economic Dimension of the War in Afghanistan
With increasing globalization, the spread of ideas is limitless and states’ borders become porous, which therefore permits radical ideas and beliefs to infiltrate other countries.
Exploring Mercenaries
The centuries-old mercenary profession lives on in the modern era, and the current use of private military contractors, while at unprecedented levels, does not signify a new type of war.
Jumping the Loaded Gun: How Promoting Democracy Fails to Achieve Peace
The West’s democracy promotion has achieved an outcome antithetical to its purpose: an increase in the violence of and destabilization within low-income and conflict-affected states.
Political Islam: A Threat to the Political Stability of Current Regimes in the Middle East?
Political Islamism has become mainstreamed to such an extent that no regime in the region can avoid engaging with it.
Bashar al-Assad: A Machiavellian Prince?
The differences between Machiavelli and Bashar al-Assad in their approaches are stark. When compared, Bashar al-Assad cannot be considered a true Machiavellian realist.
