John Gray and the idea of progress
The political thought of John Gray offers an unflinching vision of the world, a world divided by refractory ways of life, stressed by the looming conflicts over natural resources and scorched by irreversible patterns of global warming. Gray’s vision of the world is none too cheerful, and prescribed throughout his numerous analyses of today’s most pressing problems is a sobering dose of realism. Gray has repeatedly emphasized that many of our greatest problems are incurable and that the best we can hope to achieve is to minimise their symptoms
Rising Extremism: The Debate Over U.S. Arms Sales to Iraq
A US sale of Apache helicopters to Iraq would at best have no substantive effect on the short-term ability to combat al Qaeda. At worst, it would contribute to increased extremism in the region.
Outer Space Development: Including Everyone in the Process
The first phase of outer space development has already taken place, involving satellite telecommunications industries, television, cell phones, the Internet and a multitude of goods and services linked to these space technologies. The vast majority of people around the world still think of outer space as an elite field for government astronauts and scientists. So, why not expose more people to outer space development?
Presidential Elections in Tajikistan: Emomali Rahmon’s Fourth Term at the Helm
It is likely to be business as usual in the next seven-year term for Rahmon. Barring catastrophic events such as a palace coup, he may well serve it in full and pass the baton to an anointed successor.
After Iraq, What Will the US Learn?
Although a downturn in the economy has taken some attention away from the Iraq war in the US, very soon a period of reflection will begin. The war continues, but after 5 years and over 4000 deaths it is apparent to everyone except Vice-President Dick Cheney that the US will begin to pull its troops out in the next administration, especially if one of the democrats wins the presidential race. Even now, political struggles to shape the “the lessons of Iraq” have begun.
Britain in Europe: A (Further) Response to John Redwood
I believe in appreciating the EU for what it is: a uniquely well developed form of interstate cooperation focussed around a single market. Yet Europe could be made to suit us still better. Rather than playing on people’s fears of a power hungry EU that is the stuff of fiction, let us begin this task.
Victims, Agency, and Human Rights
The existing conceptualization of victim paradigms held in international law fails to provide a nuanced understanding of victim agency. Does the concept of ‘burdened agency’ have the potential to address this problem?
Gender Quotas and Women’s Political Empowerment
Despite growth, women continue to constitute only 19% of all parliamentarians worldwide. Quotas are a diverse set of measures that can reach the political agenda for both feminist and non-feminist reasons, leading to diverse effects on the election and empowerment of women. Whilst necessary, more systematic research is needed in order to determine their impact on women as a group.
Spies and the Spied Upon: The Continuing Need for Human Surveillance
Technological surveillance certainly receives the headlines, however, there’s nothing more effective and powerful than intelligence collection through a living, breathing human being.
Syria’s Drowning Dream
The Arab World is faced with tremendous odds in its journey towards democracy, internally and externally, and the price has been heavy. These challenges are undermining the future stability of the region.
