(Analysis) Watch Out – The Looming Arms Race in the Arctic

On July 24, 2024, a Sino-Russo bomber formation was patrolled in the Arctic Circle near Alaska’s Air Defense Identification Zone for the first time. While some might interpret the event as a move by the great powers to establish the Arctic’s military presence to contest future access to the Northern Sea Route and regional undersea resources amid climate change, the joint exercises reveal deeper security motivations. The findings show that the event is largely attributed to the intensifying military confrontations between global powers in other parts of the globe while also raising the risk of an arms race in the Arctic region. Future security studies warrant examining how great power struggles in non-Arctic regions might affect their military moves in the Arctic.

[Analysis] Rolling the Dice on the Development Road: Will Iraq and Türkiye Hit the Jackpot?

The Development Road aims to establish a trade route from Europe to Asia through Iraqi and Turkish infrastructure. It promises to boost the economies of both countries, enhance their geopolitical standing, and support key domestic objectives. However, obstacles to its success lie ahead.

(ARTICLE) EU – Israel Relations: Between Strong Ties and Strategic Ambiguity

The EU needs to develop a common position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and speak with one voice on the topic. The endorsement of a two-state solution is an empty shell if it is not accompanied by coherent policies. Europe has moved from efforts to build a Palestinian state to attempts at managing an ever-worsening “status quo” to which it clings mainly because it sees no alternative.

European Affairs: Central Europe’s Flood Defense and Storm Boris

In late September, the effectiveness of Central Europe’s flood defense was tested by Storm Boris. The different types of mechanism put in place by governments showed various methods to protection and prevention. Storm and flood awareness is a necessary component to being safe in flood zones.

The story behind the 2024 Labour victory and lessons for other left-leaning parties across continental Europe

This article analyzes what led to the Labour Party victory in the 2024 elections, and if there are lessons to be learned for their European colleagues.

(ANALYSIS) Freedom of Speech Under the Meloni Administration

Freedom of speech in Italy was born out of contrast to the oppression of such seen under fascism, yet contemporary trends threaten that post-war legacy in what appears to be an increasing assault on that universal right.

Brazil’s historic G-20 tax proposal could mark a turning point for the global taxation scenario

As the globe struggles with worldwide issues, such as climate change, growing inequality and the need to finance the energy transition, new taxation schemes are discussed. Brazil’s G20 proposal seeks to transform the global tax framework into a more progressive one. This November, global leaders will have a chance to expand upon these ideas and to deliver on a propositive and determined tax vision for the future.

Galípolo’s appointment and the political stakes of Central Bank autonomy in Brazil

Amid growing debates about Brazil’s economic policy, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has indicated to his allies that he does not intend to make public demands on economist Gabriel Galípolo, his nominee to take over as president of the Central Bank from January 2025. This position shows a change in the relationship between Lula and the Central Bank. It is worth remembering that this is Lula’s first appointment after the institution gained operational autonomy in 2021. Galípolo’s appointment and tacit support for stricter interest rate policies raise questions about why Lula, historically critical of the Central Bank’s autonomy, is now adopting a more open and moderate stance.