Foreign Policy

New Zealand and the Quest for a Coherent Foreign Policy

New Zealand (NZ), a remote nation of just over five million people, might seem poised for a simple foreign policy. Yet, the reality is anything but simple. This analysis traces the roots of NZ’s foreign policy to understand the challenges it faces today. Despite its geographic isolation, NZ’s structural proclivity for coalition governments, dangerous reliance on China and a complicated relationship with Australia have all tragically tamed the fighting spirit of the country’s once famous and much adored eccentrically progressive foreign policy.

Brexit: Four Years On — The World Still Feels the Fallout.

Four years after the United Kingdom’s historic break from the European Union, the effects of Brexit have rippled far beyond borders, reshaping political landscapes and economic realities in ways both foreseen and unforeseen. Whilst the numbers tell one story, the real tale lies in the flame of populism that Brexit has kindled—a fire now steering democracies across the globe. This brief uncovers the profound implications of Brexit, not just for the UK and the EU, but for the future of political messaging worldwide.

The Quandaries of an Intervention in Haiti

Amidst Haiti's turbulent history of economic woes and gang violence, a fresh wave of crisis grips the nation as governance falters and the prime minister remains marooned in Puerto Rico. International aid efforts stall against the backdrop of logistical hurdles and security risks posed by gangs controlling vital infrastructure in Port-au-Prince. The entrée of over 600 Kenyan policemen has done little to salvage the situation. More Kenyans are expected to arrive in the coming weeks and months along with police and soldiers from the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad and Jamaica for a total of 2,500 personnel.

Decoding ISIS-K and its Resurgence

ISIS-K is rapidly pursuing violent operations to acquire regional influence, staunchly imposing its stringent interpretation of Sharia law. In March of 2024, a large shift in strategy occurred when the group attacked a Moscow concert hall, killing 143 civilians. This has raised questions about the prospective intentions of the terrorist outfit.

Houthi Rebel Attacks in the Red Sea

The Houthis are an anti-Sunni Yemeni rebel group. Since November 2023, The Houthis have launched numerous missile and drone attacks on commercial Israeli ships in the Red Sea targeting as a response to the intensifying war in Gaza. The US has responded with self-defense strikes, which was met with mixed responses from the Middle East, Europe, and regional powers.

Greece and Turkey Sign Commitment To Friendly Relations

Poor Turkish-Greek relations are influenced by centuries of ethnic divisions and conflicting land claims, which has resulted in the countries fighting two major wars against one another. Recently, a sudden and unexpected break in tensions between Greece and Turkey led to a landmark agreement to mend ties.

Israel-Hamas Conflict

The Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023 were the largest single-day loss of life of Jewish people since the Holocaust, and represented the single deadliest day on Israeli soil since the state’s independence in 1948. Over 1,400 Israelis had been killed through a combination of attacks on suburban kibbutz communities and rural populations, including the Re’im Music Festival, bringing substantial social media attention to the attacks through victim-recorded footage.

Strife and Autonomy: The Case of Nagorno-Karabakh

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is one a deeply rooted dispute that has plagued the South Caucasus region for decades. It can be traced back to the early 20th century when the South Caucasus region was part of the Russian Empire. Following the Russian Revolution and the subsequent breakup of the empire, the region’s status became a flashpoint of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The region, an ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan, emerged as a focal point of dispute as it tried to declare its autonomy and independence from the larger republic.

Remembering Afghanistan: Humanitarian Crisis

This brief covers the aftermath of the US military’s exit from Afghanistan in 2021, highlighting the ongoing refugee and humanitarian crisis within and internationally. It also recommends solutions to address existing and potential humanitarian problems.

Sino-Italian Dilemma: Exit from the BRI

Giorgia Meloni was sworn in as Italy’s prime minister in October 2022. A co-founding member of the right-wing Brothers of Italy Party (Fratelli d’Italia), she was noted for controversial social issues and economic policy statements. Recently, Meloni shocked China with the recent announcement to pull out from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at bolstering infrastructure projects abroad with China’s surplus. Following the announcement, Meloni met up with the Biden administration, showing an apparent move to strengthen economic ties with the US rather than China in preparation for departure from a once-ambitious project. This brief analyzes the reasons behind Italy’s exit from BRI, reveals the diplomatic consequences Italy may have, and provides policy descriptions for maintaining concord with China.

Wagner Mutiny and Russia’s Future

This brief covers how the Wagner mutiny came to be in Russia, revealing what the future holds for actors with vested interests and proposes policy options to help steer through uncertainties

Finland in NATO: Bolstering Arctic Defense & Baltic Stability

From World War II to the joint “friendship agreement” with the Soviet Union, Finland’s demonstration of remaining neutral in politics has been consistent through the decades. However, the long-standing policy of non-alignment with foreign countries has shifted in recent months. As Russian aggression sought to tear down Ukraine and the threat in neighboring countries grew, Finland moved swiftly to embrace collective security amid regional uncertainty. This brief traces the increasing political and diplomatic interception carried out by Finland over the years. It also details the increasing need for military infrastructure buildup in Finland along its borders and the need for caution against nuclearization in the region.

The Issue of Poverty In Nigeria

This presentation will investigate the subject of Nigeria's growing poverty by examining the many elements that contribute to poverty. This presentation also discusses the steps Nigeria is taking to address this issue. The presentation also proposes some possible solutions.

The Struggle to Exist: Anti-Transgender Sentiment in Latin America

The QUAD: Its Objectives, its Limitations, and What its Future Holds

The Possibility for Peace in Israel

The Need for Nuclear Weapons: Deterrance

The Naked Lies of Communism

The Muslim Holocaust

The Misapplication of Evolution to Discredit Feminism

The Liberian Crisis

The Growing Crisis in Liberia- and the Potential for a Third Civil War in 31 Years

The Kosovo Intervention and the Successes of US Foreign Policy