Author: Sapna Suresh

How The United Nations Helps And Hurts The Global South

Many of the world’s most pressing issues were discussed at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79), which commenced on September 10th. Some of the topics included addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, the Russia-Ukraine War, and the War in Gaza. Most importantly, on the UN’s agenda was making

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Thailand’s Political Paralysis

On August 18, 2024, Paetongtarn Shinawatra became Thailand’s 31st prime minister, making her the youngest prime minister in the country’s history. She is also Thailand’s second female prime minister, after her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. Thailand appointed a new prime minister after the previous one, Sretta Thavsin, was dismissed over an

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Türkiye’s Role In The Ongoing Israel-Hamas War

On September 2, 2024, a group of Turkish mobs, chanting “Yankee, Go Home,” assaulted two American marine officers. (The phrase “Yankee, Go Home” often symbolizes public anger against the US military and its imperial-like presence in other countries). The individuals responsible for the assault are part of the Turkish Youth

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India and France’s Protests Against “Rape Culture”

On September 13-14, protesters in Paris and other major cities in France voiced their solidarity for Gisèle Pélicot, a women whose husband, Dominique Pélicot, is on trial for raping his wife and invited other men to do so. As per the latest reporting, Dominique said in court that “I am

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The State of Afghanistan Three Years Since the ‘Fall of Kabul’

As it has been nearly 3 years since the ‘fall of Kabul’ on August 15, 2021, Afghanistan continues to experience various humanitarian challenges, primarily with the loss of rights for women. On December 22nd, 2022, the Taliban banned women from attending universities. The Taliban’s “education ministry said its scholars had

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How The Weaponization Of The Dollar Created The Desire For De-Dollarization

Ever since B.R.I.C.S. expanded, there has been a renewed rhetoric to accelerate “de-dollarization,” which is the process of finding an alternative currency to the dollar to conduct international transactions and business. In the aftermath of World War II, the American dollar has been the world’s reserve currency. “A reserve currency

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The Hijab And The Olympics: The Role Of Laïcité (Secularism) And Universalism Under The French Republic

As the 2024 Summer Olympics are set to commence in Paris, one issue has brought France heightened scrutiny: banning headscarves for French female athletes. According to a report published by Amnesty International, this ban is discriminatory for Muslim athletes. It violates the International Olympic Committee’s  (IOC) decision that permitted athletes

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France’s Misguided Hawkish Shift Towards Russia

As it has been nearly three years since Moscow invaded Kyiv, an event that has caused immense economic and geopolitical changes is France’s hawkish position towards Russia . France’s foreign policy has been characterized by Gaullism, in which France insists on maintaining a foreign policy independent of outside powers, namely

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NATO’s Role in the Middle East and Unlikely Future in the Indo-Pacific

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (N.A.T.O.) Summit in Washington which marked 75 years of the military alliance, was noteworthy for two key reasons: the participation of Asian leaders and the opening of a N.A.T.O. office in Amman, Jordan. While the participation of non-N.A.T.O. members as guest invitees is nothing new,

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Modi in Moscow: A Time Tested Relationship Between India and Russia

From July 8-9, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Russia for the annual India-Russia summit. This is the first summit since 2021 when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India. Officially, the agenda for Modi’s visit was to discuss further economic cooperation, expand defence, and, importantly release the Indians

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Tibet And Its Position In The India-China-US Geopolitical Triangle

On June 19, 2024, a bipartisan Congressional delegation went to India and met the Dalai Lama. The members of Congress included republican Michael McChaul and democrat speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. When addressing a crowd at the monastery the members insisted that their visit was part of the Resolve

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