War – What is it good for?

Veteran American journalist Bob Woodward’s latest book “War” examines the current spate of conflicts around the world and highlights the worrying implications of Donald Trump’s simple minded narcissism in dealing with them.

Gradually, then suddenly

Ernest Hemingway observed in The Sun Also Rises that bankruptcy occurs gradually and then suddenly, and this should also be treated as a rule of geopolitical affairs.

Tales of Taiwan

Taiwan has evolved from its autocratic origins to rank as the most democratic nation in Asia, as well as the most economically dynamic, but these attributes have increased China’s determination to crush the former and absorb the latter, the same motivations as Russia’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine.

After Assad

With its Russian and Iranian allies stretched and distracted elsewhere, a swift assault by rebel forces has brought about the humiliating fall of Syria’s brutal Assad regime.

A world on the move

Global migration flows have risen to record levels since the pandemic, driven by economic opportunity and conflict, and are facing a widespread policy backlash.

Why sanctions don’t work

Economic sanctions have long been used as a nonviolent foreign policy tool to influence the behaviour and policies of targeted states. While they are often effective in prompting policy changes in democratic countries, they frequently fall short in altering the course of authoritarian regimes.

A kick up the pants

If populist attacks on traditional multilaterial institutions catalyse much-needed engagement, reform and revitalisation, they might unintentionally offset some of the damage their own rhetoric does to the legitimacy of those bodies.

Chain, chain, chains

Trump’s return has normalised and supercharged authoritarianism around the world, making it the rule rather than the exception.

UN blues

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly comes at a time when trust in the rules-based international system, capitalism, and democracy has waned dangerously low. Middle powers like Canada and Australia, with proven legitimacy and exemplary records for multilateral cooperation on security and human rights challenges, must therefore do more to redouble support for multilateralism.

Who will defend Europe?

Keir Giles’ “Who Will Defend Europe?” is a well-written and insightful examination of Europe’s parlous security situation, threatened by Putin’s aggression to the East and Trump’s ill-considered isolationism from the West.

Europe holds its breath

The spectre of a second term for Donald Trump is horrifying enough but whatever its result, the US election may widen rifts between the United States and Europe, given long-standing concerns about trade, defence, and geopolitical cooperation.

Smoke and ashes

In his new book ”Smoke and Ashes,” Amitav Ghosh takes the reader through a broad, yet deeply personal exploration of opium’s history, its trade and consumption, as well as how it shapes the world we live in today.