Celebrating the Renville Treaty: Indonesia’s Growing Role in International Relations

“Excerpt: On the 75th anniversary of Dr. Frank Porter Graham’s negotiation of the Renville Treaty, the Carolina Asia Center held a joint conference between The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) in Jakarta which discussed Indonesia’s past, present, and future on the world stage…Indonesia is rapidly gaining economic and political influence on the world stage via increasingly diverse foreign direct investment, Indonesia’s sway within ASEAN, and the desire to forge an independent Indonesian path.“

White House Celebrates Recent Win in US Fight Against ISIS

“The White House is celebrating Qurayshi’s death as a win for the Biden administration, which has faced criticism for the contentious withdrawal from Afghanistan, the current Russia-Ukraine crisis, and increased competition with China.”

FellowsDiane OngFebruary 7, 2022ISIS, White House, Biden, Foreign Policy, MilitaryComment

State Corruption Threatens to Impede South Africa’s Transition to Renewable

“South Africa’s $8.5 billion funding package represents a pivotal rejection against climate inaction. Lethargy may be a political opiate, but the passion at the COP26 proves one notable fact: 2022 is not the year to cry alligator tears. But, caught up in fervency, policymakers may forget that political intricacies and the normalization of corporate corruption can hinder their lofty goals.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalMichelle LiuNovember 14, 2021Climate Change, Foreign Policy, South Africa, COP26, Editor's PickComment

Coup d’Etat in Sudan: How Did This Happen? And What’s Next?

“Political leaders and the Sudanese people pushed Burhan to surrender power to the civilians in the Sovereign Council by November 17. Instead, Burhan and the Sudanese military staged a coup d’etat on October 25.”

GlobalJacob HoechsterNovember 2, 2021Sudan, Foreign Policy, Africa, Military CoupComment

Duterte’s Shadow Looms Large Over Philippine’s Election

“As President Duterte prepares to step down after this term, the shadow of his legacy and the War on Drugs looms large over the 2022 general elections. Many voters hope that the power of the ballot box will eradicate the President's harsh policies, but his legacy appears entrenched due to broad popularity and political patronage.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalMichelle LiuOctober 24, 2021Phillipines, Authoritarianism, Dictatorship, Foreign Policy, Editor's PickComment

America Prepares to Reopen to the World

“The Biden Administration announced last week that travel restrictions will be lifted in November for travelers fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This new policy will allow thousands of foreigners into the United States, which will ease American tensions with Europe.”

NationalKelli RainerOctober 10, 2021COVID-19, Travel, Foreign PolicyComment

Civil War in Myanmar: What You Need To Know

“In order to try to curb the growth of this movement, the junta has shut down the internet numerous times, and most recently have attacked telecommunication equipment which deprives the people from ways of communication. This recent attack that occurred on September 17th, took away internet access for approximately seven-hundred thousand people. The frequent suppression of the people’s voices are clear attempts of the junta establishment to maintain power and control in the country.”

GlobalHannah GarnerOctober 3, 2021Myanmar, Foreign Policy, Ethnic Cleansing, Junta, DictatorshipComment

Tensions Between the U.S. and China Reach Historic Levels Following Afghanistan Withdrawal

“US-China relations are “as bad as [they have] been since Tiananmen,” according to an expert at UC San Diego. Why are analysts comparing the current relationship between China and the U.S. to that following the Chinese government’s murder of thousands of citizens? Tensions between D.C. and Beijing have risen dramatically in recent years.”

Global, Editor's PicksNoah GottliebSeptember 21, 2021China, Foreign Policy, Xi, Biden, Editor's PickComment

Abuse of Human Rights by Egypt and the Neglect of Western Countries

“Although the relationship between the U.S. and Egypt is important from a strategic point of view, at what cost does this value bring? Human rights are being trampled on by a U.S. ally and only small actions have been taken to remedy the situation. Only time will tell how President Al-Sisi will react given the Biden administration’s request for human rights violations to be addressed. One can only hope Western countries will hold their allies accountable for protecting and upholding basic, human rights.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalJulian LoboSeptember 19, 2021Egypt, Human Rights, Foreign Policy, Editor's PickComment

Crisis in Guinea: Can Democracy Emerge or Will Authoritarianism Return?

“Doumboya stated that the coup d’etat is an attempt to restore political power to the Guinean populace and take it from corrupt politicians. He expressed a desire to construct a new Constitution.”

GlobalJacob HoechsterSeptember 14, 2021Africa, Military Coup, Foreign PolicyComment

President Biden Led a Messy Evacuation from Afghanistan: Now What?

“Following a withdrawal that many viewed as too hasty and which saw the death of thirteen US servicemen, Biden’s approval rating has dropped to its lowest number since he entered the White House.”

Editor's Picks, GlobalNoah GottliebSeptember 7, 2021Biden, Joe Biden, war, Foreign Policy, Middle East, TerrorismComment

US Intelligence Report Highlights Threats from China, COVID, Climate Change & Tech

“While all of these threats are not to be taken lightly, the grandest threat must be climate change and environmental degradation, for without an environment none of the other potential threats are meaningful.”

GlobalCourtney HalversonApril 26, 2021Foreign Policy, COVID-19, Tech, China, Climate ChangeComment

An Early Look at Biden's Foreign Policy

“Given the starkly contrasting governing styles between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, it should not come as a surprise that American foreign policy is being reworked under the new administration. After relations with allies such as France and Germany were stained under the Trump Administration, several nations’ leaders now welcome the Biden Administration with open arms and have begun talks immediately”

National, GlobalLabeeb AhmedJanuary 30, 2021Biden, Foreign Policy, International RelationsComment