Aleksandra Spalińska
Many leftists have been reluctant to support Ukraine against the Russian invasion. They might take an ‘anti-imperialist’ position against the US; or they may have ties to Russia through political sponsorship. Aleksandra Spalińska believes the Marxist/leftist position has deeper roots. She argues that leftists' perspective on world politics is determined by a phenomenon she calls 'methodological externalism' Read more
Albrecht Rothacher
Starting with Seymour Hersh’s account of the destruction of the Nord Stream pipeline, Albrecht Rothacher argues that it is important to consider how far American interests are shaping the direction of the war in Ukraine. He cautions that in the long term, it could turn out to be a strategic blunder Read more
Katharina Rietzler
'A nasty woman', 'terrible witch', 'abrasive', 'overpoweringly verbose', 'frightening' and 'short of tact and discretion'. This is how the musician, cultural diplomat and intellectual Lady Lucie Zimmern (1875–1963) appears in contemporary accounts. Other observers, however, found her 'an accomplished scholar', 'cultured and charming', and 'brilliant'. Katharina Rietzler and Patricia Owens find that it is the vitriol that has survived Read more
Lena Surzhko-Harned
The Kosovo war helped consolidate the Responsibility to Protect norm. But Lena Surzhko-Harned and Jiřà Nykodým argue that it also created the 'Kosovo precedent' used to undermine international law. Russia has often exploited this narrative to justify its current war in Ukraine Read more
Abhishek Sharma
The concept of an ‘Indo-Pacific’ region is gaining traction. More countries in and beyond the Indo-Pacific region are building closer relations—in opposition to China. Abhishek Sharma argues that North Korea sees opportunity in the region's changing power dynamics to position itself as China's ally Read more
Frowin Rausis
Qatar is basking in the global spotlight as host of the 2022 World Cup. Less prominently, it is the latest country to introduce an asylum law. Frowin Rausis argues that Qatar’s new-found status as a global host, of football and of asylum seekers, serves to showcase the country, and boost its global reputation Read more
