By Prateek SrivastavaSouth Asia AnalystSpecial report After 26 years of gruesome civil war, Sri Lanka declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009. Following this one of its kind ‘Military Victory,’ the Rajapaksa (brotherly) administration pursued post-war policies that remained hostile towards ethnic and religious minorities and repressed anyone whoContinue reading “No hopes left: will the UNHRC’s vote bring justice to the war crimes of Sri Lanka?”
Category Archives: Latest Work
Gun Culture in the US: Beyond the 2nd Amendment
By Ian Teunissen van Manen North America analyst Atlanta, Georgia, Boulder, Colorado and now Orange, California. The latest places to be hit by the US’ gun epidemic. Three more moments of senseless violence and national tragedy. Twenty-two more victims added to the mind-numbing and soul crushing total number of casualties attributable to gun violence inContinue reading “Gun Culture in the US: Beyond the 2nd Amendment”
Quantum vs blockchain: a looming showdown?
By Eray Arda Akartuna AML, Blockchain and Cyber analyst During the Covid-19 pandemic, interest in cryptocurrencies has massively increased, sending Bitcoin (the original cryptocurrency) surging to new all-time highs[1]. Already, financial institutions such as Citibank are predicting that Bitcoin might become the preferred currency of the future[2]. As a fast, anonymous, decentralised and global paymentContinue reading “Quantum vs blockchain: a looming showdown?”
Back to tradition: the case for reintegration of traditional agricultural pest control practices
By Nick Gutkin Sustainability Analyst Throughout the history of agriculture, farmers have faced a common foe in agricultural pests. These pests take many forms, such as weeds, animals, and diseases, but all in some way reduce the productivity and survival of crop species. The annual impact of pests on crops varies depending on world regionContinue reading “Back to tradition: the case for reintegration of traditional agricultural pest control practices”
Israel election special: Netanyahu appeals to Arab-Israeli voters in a bid to cling to power
By Ömer Erkut Bulut Europe/MENA Analyst Israel is holding a general election for the fourth time in two years. The elections will be a referendum for the current prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. Although Benjamin Netanyahu could find a way of both retaining his post and avoiding a trial of corruption amidst the last twoContinue reading “Israel election special: Netanyahu appeals to Arab-Israeli voters in a bid to cling to power”
EU-Africa relations: in search for a “partnership of equals”
By Mert Can Yazıcı Guest Contributor* Since the new European Commission took the office, Africa has been a high priority in the European Union (EU)’s political and diplomatic agenda.[1] This became clear with Ursula von der Leyen’s decision to make her first official visit outside Europe to the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa,Continue reading “EU-Africa relations: in search for a “partnership of equals””
Biden and the Middle East
By Annabelle Saba MENA Analyst The relationship between the US and the Middle East has been on a roller coaster ride since 9/11. The American war on terror brought the Middle East under the highest priority of US foreign policy until Trump’s election in 2016. Since, the Middle East started losing priority under Trump’s administrationContinue reading “Biden and the Middle East”
Can sustainability-linked finance help us to win the race to net-zero?
By José Luis Reséndiz Latin America Analyst Ahead of COP26, decision-makers are setting ambitious targets to tackle climate change, which has led to an increasing interest in sustainable financial instruments to incentivise a transition towards a net-zero economy. One of the most recent innovations to address climate change goals has occurred in debt capital marketsContinue reading “Can sustainability-linked finance help us to win the race to net-zero?”
How can Game Theory help understand post-Brexit UK-US trade negotiations?
By Paul-Henri Minet* Guest Contributor Since the launch of official trade negotiations between the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) in May 2020[1], the trade position of these two countries has significantly evolved. The reality of Brexit and the election of President Joe Biden are turning points which undoubtedly have an impact onContinue reading “How can Game Theory help understand post-Brexit UK-US trade negotiations?”
Pakistan, intelligence, and terrorism: Struggles facing one of America’s most necessary and controversial allies in the Middle East
By Christian M. Bills* Guest contributor Since their inception as an autonomous state, the United States has regarded Pakistan as a key nation for regional stability and projection of power. Throughout the Cold War, Pakistan was viewed as an important buffer state or launch point against the USSR and China should hostilities break out. FollowingContinue reading “Pakistan, intelligence, and terrorism: Struggles facing one of America’s most necessary and controversial allies in the Middle East”
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