2024

Butiken

The Elusive Global South

Research The concept the Global South has gained traction in recent years. It is widely used in policy debates and opinion pieces but also used in academic research. However, it is rarely defined either on its own or in relation to other concepts or groups. This brief explores what the concept means and whether there is unity in diversity.

Butiken

South Korea-Japan relations under two presidents

Research South Korea and Japan have had a strained relationship since Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945. They normalized relations in 1965 but unresolved historical issues persisted. While both countries have deep military ties to the U.S. and view North Korea as an increasing threat, historical grievances have restricted closer cooperation. However, in the past two years, there has been a shift in the relationship. In times of regional developments worrisome to both countries, the will to work together seem to outweigh past resentments. This brief analyses the developments and impact of South Korea-Japan relations on regional security.

Butiken

Broken barriers: How Israel’s war in Gaza divides British domestic politics

Research Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli war on Gaza has elicited reactions across the globe. These responses have created or deepened political divisions in domestic politics in many countries. This brief examines the domestic political effects of the war in the United Kingdom. By examining parliamentary debates, statements by politicians and news articles during the first two months of the war the brief maps the positions and reasoning of British politicians and political parties. The conclusion is that the war in Gaza has had a substantial effect on the political discourse in the UK and has been a divisive issue, primarily for the Labour Party.

Butiken

Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don’t? Strategic Implications of Designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organisation

Forskning This policy brief explores the complexities and consequences of the European Union (EU) potentially designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. It provides background on the IRGC's significant influence within Iran and involvement in terrorist activities. The brief compares US and EU approaches to sanctions and outlines the legal criteria for such a designation. It evaluates the potential impact on the IRGC, including its economic activities and international relations, and the broader implications for the EU, such as judicial cooperation and diplomatic relations. The document concludes with strategic considerations and policy recommendations for the EU.

Butiken

The Dynamics of ‘Geopolitical Migration’ by Russians to the United Arab Emirates

Research The migration of Russians to the UAE is reshaping both geopolitical and social landscapes. The article delves into how Russian migrants, particularly from the middle class, are influencing sectors like real estate and technology in the UAE, thanks to the strategic neutrality and welcoming policies of the Gulf nation. This trend contributes to a complex dynamic of 'brain gain' for the UAE and 'brain drain' for Russia.

Butiken

Vietnam – the scope and limits of transition

Research Vietnam's dynamic journey of unorthodox development over recent decades has defied conventional expectations. Through the transformative Đổi Mới (Renovation) initiative in 1986, the nation diversified its economy, alleviating poverty and undergoing a profound socio-economic shift. Contrary to predictions, Vietnam has been able to maintain its authoritarian party-state form of government while embracing the dynamics of global capitalism. The country’s integration into the global economy, fuelled by foreign direct investment, has driven growth, and positioned Vietnam as an important middle-income player on the international stage. This brief examines the recent developments in Vietnam and shows Vietnam’s growing significance amid heightened tension and increased competition between Washington and Beijing.

Butiken

Economic sanctions – the hammer in the political toolbox

Research This brief examines the dominant discourse around economic sanctions as an economic and political tool. While providing an overview of the discourse it discusses the problems and highlights the political aspects. Changes in the global economic and political landscape give reason to believe that the sanctions tool is under transformation. This change affects both those targeted by sanctions, which are becoming increasingly immune, and those applying sanctions with the tool becoming available to new actors. The brief puts into question the view of economic sanctions as effective and desirable suggesting there is good reason for caution.

The Elusive Global South

South Korea-Japan relations under two presidents

Broken barriers: How Israel’s war in Gaza divides British domestic politics

Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don’t? Strategic Implications of Designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Terrorist Organisation

The Dynamics of ‘Geopolitical Migration’ by Russians to the United Arab Emirates

Vietnam – the scope and limits of transition

Economic sanctions – the hammer in the political toolbox

Varukorg