We publish evidence-based opinion pieces from our Fellows and other academics, researchers and practitioners.
The effects of recent unrest in Iran have extended well beyond the country’s borders, and any political rupture in Iran would carry significant regional and international consequences. In this commentary, Natasha Matloob considers the implications of Iranian instability for neighbouring Afghanistan, tracing historical precedents, current realities and possible future trajectories.
Europe’s understanding of China remains overly ideological, lacking a deep and rational grasp of China’s social transformation, governance logic, and evolving international role. This cognitive bias has undermined the pragmatism of certain European policies toward China. The future trajectory of China–Europe relations will depend on three key dynamics: Europe’s internal political evolution, the spillover effects of U.S. policies, and China’s strategic adaptability.
Tiny Georgia is a crucible of East-West and regional tensions. In the months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine the US and European governments pressed Georgia to open a second front against Russia. When the government refused, western sources denigrated it as “pro Russia”, and several leaders became subject to sanctions. What lay behind the western pressure and the Georgian government’s response?
Under President Trump, the US rejects responsibility for leading multilateral coalitions. Jakob Vestergaard and Robert H. Wade argue that dealmaker-in-chief may derive considerable satisfaction in breaking deadlocks that have prevailed in World Bank for decades, which would actually strengthen multilateralism.
Many critics of the World Bank, especially Americans in government and Congress, imply it is an “empire out of (their) control”, but the authors argue that it is closer to “puppet on a string”. The World Bank remains a substantially American bank.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine produced a mixed diplomatic response from Africa. This article explores the reasons why Africa did not vote as a bloc to condemn the Russian invasion and asks if Africa will be drawn into a new version of the old Cold War. How can that be avoided and what measures should the West take to revamp and refresh its relationships with Africa at a time when the international order is rapidly changing?
