What North Korea Wants
Maurice Strong takes a yet to be seen objective approach to the North Korea debacle. In acknowledging the political incentives that would amp the DPRK to develop its nuclear technology, he asserts the military expansion to be more of a strategic chess move than toying with its nuclear neighbors and foes. Is there a fix-all solution to nuclear proliferation on the Korea peninsula? Strong toggles through ideas of diplomacy and difficulties that lay ahead.
Iran and the EU3: Stick it Out
Iran’s suspicions that the EU3 were trying to transform this temporary suspension into a de facto permanent suspension by dragging out the talks, led them to repeatedly threaten resuming nuclear activities unless new proposals were tabled. The EU3 thus submitted new proposals in August 2005 which, however, were rejected by Iran.
“Perfect Storm” or Manufactured Hunger? Understanding the Global Food Crisis
Marco Rossi discusses the economic and political policies behind the global food crises including the impact of energy markets on food prices, the consequences of food aid on developing economies, global climate change, and the overarching economic philosophy which tolerates poverty and inequality for the sake of profit.
Uzbek Bloody Friday
When Uzbek soldiers fired on protestors this past May, it drew international attention from media groups, NGOs and governments around the globe. The incident, however, was only the latest of what has been a pattern of violence and oppression by Islam Karimov’s totalitarian regime. Meanwhile, as the incident has cooled relations with the US and Europe, China and Russia are approving of Karimov’s use of violence.
Northeast India and Southern China: A point of conflict or of regional integration?
Northeast India is a relatively secluded sub-state region that has of late started acquiring significance at the international level as a potential site of major conflict between China and India, or as a potential bridge between them.
China’s ADIZ: A New Phase of the Pacific Arms Race
This paper offers an in-depth analysis of the history, status, and implications of the recent air defense identification zone (ADIZ) disputes in Northeast Asia involving China, South Korea, Japan, and the United States. The interests and actions of all parties are considered in light of the larger political and economic trends in the region, as well as the legal basis for claiming an ADIZ. Strategies to re-frame and deescalate the conflict and avoid military confrontation are suggested.
Climate Change, Sea Level Rise and Conflict Resolution of South Talpatti/New Moore Island
What happens when rising sea levels submerge an island at the center of an international territorial dispute? Ishak Mia argues that it may lead to conflict resolution.
One Billion Rising, and more
Tags: Civil rights, Economic justice, Europe, Gender and sexuality, Hate crimes, India, Street theater, Women’s rights
India as Superpower?
India’s quest for security appears to be expanding beyond her own borders on a global scale. Can it be regarded as a welcome prospective trend? India’s upcoming military base in Central Asia may as well be an exercise in sharing United States security concerns around the world. Beginning is apparently being made at oil rich Tajikistan. Is India looking forward to be a superpower in another decade’s time? Is India changing her policy of peaceful co-existence? All these are pointers worth considering. India is already playing a predominant role in the South Asian context. Where will this new road to security end for India?
The UN’s Intellectual Challenge Today
The future is here, the world is changing, and the United Nations must as well. In view of that, the United Nations Intellectual History Project (UNIHP) nears completion. It identifies three types of challenges for the UN: Intellectual, participatory, and personnel. Louis Emmerij, co-director of the UNIHP, brings us this synopsis of the project and what it means for the UN.