WorldWise’s Post

Some incisive and provocative articles in The World Today reflecting on a global order in flux #Sudan #Israel #Palestine #Russia #Ukraine #China #US #globalsouth #geopolitics etc etc

A must-read piece for those implementing Australian aid funded programmes and those working in the development space in the Pacific. I read with much intrigue and totally concur with the two authors' (Dame Meg Taylor and Soli Middlebay) analysis of the Australian aid support to the Pacific and how it's delivery has lost its effectiveness and efficiency over the years owing to three key factors highlighted in this piece (extract below) Findings (by Taylor & Middlebay) We see three clear shifts in Australian aid over the last decade: (1) aid has become more politicized, deployed to support Australian interests; (2) aid has been increasingly privatized as much of the aid has been spent through four large Australian and international corporations—with local Pacific companies marginalized; and (3) aid has been increasingly contested by the peoples of the Pacific. Such changes have encouraged donors to tighten their grip on power. They have encouraged intermediaries to act as their agents, performing high levels of “interpretive labour.” They compete for donor custom and favour. Recipients of aid have been left with few options: they can comply with donors, thanking them for their generosity. They may resent the way they have been stripped of agency, perhaps looking to China for a different relationship. Aid of this character is not development. Rather, it is an unchecked donor-driven system, beset by excessive power and control to benefit the system and its agents. Such aid may result in some success, but it systematically fails to empower Pacific agency

📍 Prishtina, Kosovo - September 21, 2023: The #SMIDGE project, in collaboration with the Kosovar Center for Security Studies (KCSS), showcased Work Package 6, emphasizing the development of counter-narratives to address disinformation. The Western Balkans, with its geopolitical significance and intricate history, faces the constant challenge of external interference. This ranges from disinformation campaigns to direct efforts undermining stability and democratic initiatives. For a more in-depth exploration of our discussion and insights:

"[The book] tries to explain to a foreign reader how the Brazilian consensual model of democracy was built in 1988 after the transition from the military regime" says Oscar Vilhena about his new book, Battle of Powers. Vilhena's newest book offers a reminder of the dangers extremist political movements pose for the rule of law in Brazil and elsewhere, and the importance of constitutional barriers to contain authoritarian cycles. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/dM2beTv5

This article explores the challenges facing two of the most prominent historical analogies today, countering the widespread use of the “Thucydides Trap” and “Cold War 2.0” analogies in US-China foreign policy discourse. https://lnkd.in/gGVvAjvJ

NEW: This article explores the challenges facing two of the most prominent historical analogies today, countering the widespread use of the “Thucydides Trap” and “Cold War 2.0” analogies in US-China foreign policy discourse. https://lnkd.in/gGVvAjvJ

This article explores the challenges facing two of the most prominent historical analogies today, countering the widespread use of the “Thucydides Trap” and “Cold War 2.0” analogies in US-China foreign policy discourse. https://lnkd.in/gGVvAjvJ

 An interesting article I have read recently would be "International Institutions and Civil War Prevention" by Johannes Karreth and Jaroslav Tir. Both authors seek ways of preventing small internal conflicts from escalating into civil war. Overall, the article is amazing and very interesting to read as we the readers get to understand both the author's opinions as well as the reasoning behind the most asked question of why war happens. Karreth's research, according to the article, focuses on more instances of reality and highlights the solution according to both authors which is structured intergovernmental organizations (HSIGOs), which can provide rebel governments with chances to help avoid the growth of internal conflicts into full-fledged civil war. The usage of real-life examples and references to past historical events such as the East Timorese conflict in 1999 makes it easier for the reader to understand the ideas being presented. I think Karreth/Tir’s argument was insightful as well as creative. Their evidence, examples, and ideas were interesting to read and I quite enjoyed it.

How the U.S. seized control of Haiti in 1915 – and why it still matters today.The 1915 U.S. invasion of Haiti led to a 19-year occupation that undermined democracy, exploited the nation economically, and failed to improve life for most Haitians. Learn how the U.S. coerced Haiti into a treaty giving the U.S. financial control, imposed martial law, and suppressed dissent. The key takeaway? The U.S. has never properly acknowledged or made amends for this shameful chapter. It's time to change course. Dive deeper into this troubling history and its modern implications by reading my new blog post.

Check out this new forum on enlargment and reform of the EU, making EU ’fitfor35’ that we launched