The Reemergence of Geopolitical Alignment On September 1, 1961, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, 25 heads of state hailing from four continents—from Cuba in the West to Indonesia in the East, gathered to formally establish the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Born ideologically of the movements for anti-colonialism, non-interference, and pacifism, it would morph into an explicit geopolitical position … Continue reading The Revival of Strategic Competition in West Africa: Western Intransigence and Eastern Assertiveness
Author: Freddie Mallinson
How Air Pollution Acts as a Force Multiplier for Aggressive Behavior, and What Can Be Done About it
By now, we are well aware of the catastrophic effects of greenhouse gas emissions and corrupt industrial practices. We are pumping pollutants into our atmosphere at least 10 times the rates at which humans did 250 million years ago when the largest extinction event in Earth’s history nearly wiped out all life on Earth. Low-altitude … Continue reading How Air Pollution Acts as a Force Multiplier for Aggressive Behavior, and What Can Be Done About it
It’s the Politics, Stupid: US Public and Elite Opinion on Defending Taiwan
U.S., Japanese and Australian forces conduct trilateral military drilling exercises in the South China Sea. Photo Credit: U.S. Navy Analyzing the political trends makes one thing clear: if the United States chooses not to forcefully defend Taiwan, public or elite opinion won’t be the culprits standing in the way. The Status Quo: Strategic Ambiguity Joe … Continue reading It’s the Politics, Stupid: US Public and Elite Opinion on Defending Taiwan
Iraq’s 2021 Parliamentary Elections: A Glimmer of Hope for the End of Sectarianism
Shi’ite Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is emerging as a kingmaker in the bitter contest to form a new governing coalition and select a new Prime Minister. Photo Credit: NYT. “No to America, and no to Iran. Iraq is for Iraqis” – So an unnamed protestor told a CNN reporter in January 2020, just one of hundreds … Continue reading Iraq’s 2021 Parliamentary Elections: A Glimmer of Hope for the End of Sectarianism