Every representative political system depends on trust. The same is true for relations between polities. Yet, very little research has been done to understand why it is that we trust others and what those findings could mean for International Relations.
The green economy is not just a current “buzz concept”. It represents a profound change in perceptions. Sadly, the opportunity to lock in a paradigm shift in international policy was lost at Rio+20.
After a failed effort by the EU in 2011, the international community will once again take up the issue of a Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities at the UN in October. Diverging national interests threaten to derail the talks.
Chinese officials appear consistent in supporting a peaceful transition and a political outlet in Syria. China may be passing the test of ascending to international leadership.
The conflict in Syria has gone beyond the point of no return. The rules of the game are Hama Rules; the regime views the contest in terms of us or them.
In the inaugural post of “Throwing BRICS,” Siphamandla Zondi argues that South Africa’s dual identity is an ingrained ambiguity ensuring that the BRICS will remain a major priority in its foreign policy.
U.S. ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty will eventually happen, not for any foreseeable political change of heart, but for the all too sadly foreseeable continued disappearance of the Arctic ice in an arena in which the United States has no say – but will need one.
One can see why some would argue that the Annan plan has failed. However, it is important to retain a realistic perspective about how much a third-party mediator can hope to achieve given the circumstances.
While South Sudan is clearly facing great problems and even grave danger at the moment, there is still room for optimism. The people are resilient and determined, they are proud of their new nation, and they have a remarkable capacity for hope.
The UN mandate to achieve a political solution that will afford Western Sahara its long denied right to self-determination is a farce and everyone knows it.
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