Features

Protectionism is a practice of economic policy often involving but not limited to a slew

Established in 1945 as a response to World War II, the United Nations (UN) aims to maintain international peace and security while addressing global challenges like poverty and inequality. It comprises six organs, with the General Assembly (UNGA) serving as a forum for all member states, and the Security Council (UNSC) wielding significant power through binding resolutions. However, the UNSC’s veto power held by five permanent members often leads to paralysis in decision-making, prioritising national interests over global consensus. This outdated and undemocratic structure hinders the UN’s effectiveness. Despite these flaws, the UN has achieved notable successes, such as eradicating smallpox and stabilising post-conflict nations, underscoring the need for reform to enhance its role in promoting global cooperation and security.

Exploring the intricate relationship between peace and war reveals their definitions, manifestations, and implications. It discusses the transient nature of peace and the evolving forms and motivations of war, such as during the Syrian Civil War. The pursuit of peace is paved by the need for genuine desire and trust among conflicting parties – the delicate global balance between peace and war requires ongoing diplomatic efforts and international cooperation.

Israel’s current war in Gaza has left many bewildered, with more than 29,000 casualties, crimes under international law plaguing both sides, and no end in sight. In this state of confusion, a look back into how everything came to be, and where the convictions of the Israeli and Palestinian people, may help make sense of it all.

After all, what better way is there to create a better future than by understanding the past?

In the current landscape, there is a prevailing norm urging individuals to take action on global issues, from humanitarian crises to wealth inequality. But how effective is this current approach? For individual action to yield results, the solution may lie with collective activism, where the individual takes on a new role — one that is revitalised and realising of their potential.

In the ever-shifting landscape of international relations, North Korea’s foray into satellite capabilities has thrust the world into a realm of uncertainty. From allegations of espionage to geopolitical manoeuvres, the launch of its first spy satellite last year has set the stage for a complex dance of power dynamics. As the global community grapples with the implications, the balance of power teeters, and alliances take unexpected turns. In this article, we dissect the multifaceted consequences of North Korea’s surveillance capabilities, delving into the geopolitical intricacies that could reshape the world order.

The coup that took the West completely by surprise: with over hundreds of millions of dollars in aid invested and thousands of military personnel from the USA, France and the EU deployed, American diplomats had described Niger as “imperfect”, but “more stable than others in the region”.
Mere hours after that statement, the Nigerien presidential guard would overthrow democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. This may just be the coup that tips West Africa into war and cements the Sahel region’s epithet — the ‘Coup Belt’. What does this mean for Niger? How did the West get blindsided? But more importantly, what insights have the coup revealed about the importance of nation-building, and the failure of international relations? The IAS Gazette finds out.