Stories Archive | Page 27 of 86

Analyses

The history of the Islamic Republic of Iran—established in 1979 following the revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi—is marked by a dense sequence of developments that have progressively altered its political and institutional configuration. These changes, however, have only sporadically been recognized by Western analyses, which have instead tended to perpetuate a more functional and instrumental stereotype based on the image of a monolithic, highly verticalized religious autocracy. While such a characterization was broadly accurate during the first decade of the Islamic Republic, it has undergone a profound transformation since 1989.

International Affairs
The Russian Factor in China’s Imperative of Stability
Seán Golden 10 July 2023

China’s foreign policy faces complexity due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It seeks access to resources and markets for its development and aims to challenge the dominance of the US, EU, and NATO. China cannot support Russia nor back NATO’s leadership. It seeks stability through diplomacy and maintains strict political control. However, Putin’s invasion and NATO’s response create strategic headaches for China, affecting its carefully promoted multipolar world order. China’s stability seems more secure than Russia’s, but uncertainties remain amid the changing global landscape.
Society
The Myth of a US Colorblind Constitution
Hussein Ibish 6 July 2023

The US Supreme Court has issued another shocking but unsurprising ruling that arbitrarily dispenses with precedents and upends long-settled law at the expense of the historically disempowered: now African American and Latino students will be deprived of “affirmative action” programmes considering race in university admissions. However, the assumption there was a shared originary understanding of the Constitution is false since the Constitution has been aggressively colour-conscious throughout its history, mainly at the expense of minority groups
International Affairs
Prigozhin’s March and Putin’s Lack of Action
Enrico Osvaldi 30 June 2023

Putin’s lack of reaction to Prigozhin’s June 23 “march for justice” may signal more than just an attempt to avoid a bloody conflict on the streets of Russia. The outward temerity of the Russian response could indicate that a real blow was dealt to Russian morale, however this could indicate more repressive measures to come from the Kremlin.
International Affairs
Armenia’s Growing Isolation:
Room for Compromise on Nagorno-Karabakh?
Claudia De Martino 30 June 2023

Armenia struggles with its international standing as its increased isolation may mean that it will not be in a position to negotiate with its neighbor Azerbaijan over any future conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
International Affairs
The Return of Poland’s Anti-Government Opposition
Fabio Turco 19 June 2023

On June 4th almost half a million peopled gathered throughout Poland in defense of democracy, to protest a recent law passed by President Andrzej Duda approved, which permits parliament to establish a commission in investigate electoral integrity with sweeping powers that could imperil political opposition.
Society
India’s Digital Revolution at the Mercy of Authoritarianism
Maria Tavernini 16 June 2023

Ever since demonetization, which enabled a rise in digital payments and debit cards, India has been rapidly moving toward a digital-first economy. Over the past decade, the country has set up a wide range of digital platforms whose number and scope have recently grown to include every aspect of life.
Society
Israeli Rallies for Democracy Reach 23rd Week
Manuela Dviri 12 June 2023

Israeli rallies began in November, after Netanyahu’s victory and the formation of a new government through a coalition of six right-wing parties. At a press conference held on January 4, Minister of Justice Yariv Levin announced the government’s plan to reform the judicial branch that would empower the executive branch to override it.
International Affairs
In Lebanon There is no Alternative to the Rule of Law
Nicole Hamouche 9 June 2023

The enormity of Beirut’s port blast and of the extortion of the Lebanese population of their deposits and life savings account for the default of the rule of law in this former enclave of liberty and democracy in the Middle East. Insidiously, Lebanon is becoming a police state, where freedom of expression and basic human rights such as access to education and health are being denied.
International Affairs
Rached Ghannouchi’s Arrest: the End of the Tunisian Exception
Alessandra Tommasi 1 June 2023

Twelve years after the Arab Springs, the curtain is closing on what has been the only Arab democracy: the so-called Tunisian exception. On May 15, Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to one year of prison as part of a crackdown on dissent that has become more acute since early 2023, but started at least one year ago according to Andrew March.
International Affairs
China Plays Go while NATO Plays Chess
Seán Golden 29 May 2023

Chess pursues the elimination of pieces; Go the encirclement of territory. Against US containment policy, China is expanding where there is space to expand.