Three weeks ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, starting a cataclysmic war in Europe not seen since 1945. The war has already devastated a countless number of lives, led to a swift and international response against Russia, and prompted a rethink of European security and the international order. To cover this tragedy which … Continue reading The State of War in Ukraine
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Challenges for Democracy in Latin America
As the 2022 electoral supercycle in Latin America continues, with key elections in Brazil and Colombia happening soon, much is at stake for democracy in the region. Despite the robust electoral systems throughout most of the region, only a handful of countries qualify as full democracies. What accounts for some of these flaws? What should … Continue reading Challenges for Democracy in Latin America
South Korea Goes to the Polls
South Koreans will cast their ballots for president on March 9. What do the elections mean for the country, its domestic challenges, and foreign policy outlook? This is the country’s second Covid-era election following the legislative election in April 2020. South Korea is considered as one of the success stories of third wave democratization in … Continue reading South Korea Goes to the Polls
To Rule the Waves: Superpowers and Control of the Seas
In today’s episode, we’ll have an important discussion on Bruce Jones’ new book, Rule the Waves: How Control of the World’s Oceans Shapes the Fate of the Superpowers. What are the current tensions that exist in naval trade and how has this become a part of the major powers’ agenda? How have oceans impacted transnational … Continue reading To Rule the Waves: Superpowers and Control of the Seas
The Russia-China Alignment
Are Russia and China allies? Will their alignment last? Are we living in a new Cold War? On today's episode, we discuss these questions with Sergey Radchenko, a cold war and Russia-China expert. Hey POFA fans just a quick disclaimer before we get started. This episode was recorded on February 18th, a week before Russia’s … Continue reading The Russia-China Alignment
The Fight for Global Democracy
After the fall of the Soviet Union, it seemed that there was no end in sight for liberal democracy: the end of history was here, and global democracy was a dream that had come true. In 2022, we know that this is far from the reality of the state of democracy around the world. Over … Continue reading The Fight for Global Democracy
“A Perfect Storm”: A Massive Energy Crisis Rocks Europe
By Liz Peron Europeans don’t need to look further than their energy bills to feel the effects of the massive energy crisis gripping the continent. According to the Bank of America, Europeans can expect their household energy bills to rise by a striking 50% this winter. Many experts attribute these price increases to poor planning … Continue reading “A Perfect Storm”: A Massive Energy Crisis Rocks Europe
Disappearing Islands: What is Happening in the South Pacific
By Julia Mendes Queiroz The climate crisis has created numerous environmental emergencies in all corners of the globe. Perhaps none are more urgent than the situation unfolding in the islands of the South Pacific, where three territories have disappeared under rising tides in just one year. As temperatures climb higher and shores grow thinner, the … Continue reading Disappearing Islands: What is Happening in the South Pacific
The Prospect of a New Iran Nuclear Deal
By Nick Meeker The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015, is an arms control agreement between the U.N. Security Council’s Permanent Five (the U.S., China, Russia, France, and the U.K.), Germany, and Iran regarding Iran’s ability to acquire nuclear weapons. Under the agreement, Iran took steps to limit its nuclear capabilities like … Continue reading The Prospect of a New Iran Nuclear Deal
South Korea’s 2022 Presidential Candidates
By Jina Lim On March 9th, South Koreans will vote for their next president. There are four major candidates that are vying to succeed the term-limited President Moon Jae-in. These four major candidates hail from the parties that occupy at least one seat in the National Assembly. The presidential campaign, however, is likely to come … Continue reading South Korea’s 2022 Presidential Candidates