Let’s Tune In To The EU’s Periphery: Partido Popular Won Big In Spanish Local Elections

Spain recently had local elections which showed support for PSOE has dropped while increasing for PP. Prime Minister Sanchez has called for an early parliamentary election in order to prevent PP from gaining additional support.

The New Normal/La Nouvelle Normalité/新常態: From the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran to Xi’s Visit to Russia – The Strategic Game Between China and the US Behind the Scenes

Following the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, many international scholars began to explore the role of China in the Russo-Ukrainian war. However, it is still difficult for China to play the role of mediator. Firstly, the Russian-Ukrainian war is by its very nature a proxy war, with the US’s strategic goals to weaken Russia economically and make European countries more dependent on the US militarily. China will not be able to reverse US strategic objectives until the US domestic environment changes. Secondly, as China is a long-term challenger to US hegemony at its core, the US also wants to worsen China’s relationship with the EU by tying China and Russia together through the Russo-Ukrainian war. The EU does not have confidence in China’s neutrality in the Russo-Ukrainian war. If China wants to mediate the Russo-Ukrainian war, it must win over the EU and seek a consensus, so that both sides can force the US and Russia to act prudently on the Russo-Ukrainian war.

The Birth of the European Diplomatic Academy: Giant Leap or A Small Step Towards A United European Foreign Policy?

In August 2022, the European External Action Service launched a pilot project for the establishment of a European Diplomatic Academy with the long-term goal to solidify and unify European foreign policy.

Big Data: A Challenge for Democracy?

In the digital age in which we live in, there is new information available every second. From credit card purchases to Google searches, everything leaves a mark. Big data is that large digital footprint that collects what we do both online and offline. What can all this information be used for?

(Analysis) The Origins of American Strategy in Latin America: Monroe to Globalization

The Unites States has long had relations within Latin America from its time as a early republic, defining itself and its place among other nations. In more contemporary times, engagement with the region has been met with indifference. However, it is important for policy practitioners to have a comprehension of past relations between the U.S. and the rest of the hemisphere.

(Analysis) Discord in the South China Sea: What Place for Diplomacy?

Relations between Southeast Asian countries and mainland China have historically ebbed and flowed. Tensions have often focused on control of islands and reefs in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, has intensified this confrontation increasing the regional security volatility amidst Sino-US rivalry in the South China Sea.

(Analysis) Tensions across the Taiwan Strait: Is the 1992 Consensus Permanently Lost?

Relations between Beijing and Taipei have often experienced periods of friction ever since the victory of Mao Zedong’s Chinese communists in 1949. Now cross-strait ties have undergone crucial transformations under Tsai Ing-wen’s leadership, resulting in unprecedented diplomatic and military tensions along the Taiwan Strait.

(Analysis) A Grand Chess Game: The Russo-Ukraine Conflict’s Impact on China’s strategy toward the EU

The article speculates China’s grand strategy toward the EU within the context of the Russo-Ukraine conflict. It analyzes the US-EU-China trilateral relationships and how the U.S. and China utilize the Russo-Ukraine conflict to spread their influence in the Eurasian continent.

Let’s Tune In: Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

On September 15th, Iran signed the memorandum of commitment toward the Shanghai cooperation organization becoming a permanent member of it. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the agreement will not be only a normal relationship among states but it will open a new stage for Iran. It will have an important impact on the economy, transit, and energy cooperation. Its membership will be official in April 2023.