Category Archives: International Relations

A Brief Introductory Text on Thomas Hobbes

The English philosopher Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) is best known for his political thought, and deservedly so. His vision of the world is strikingly original and still relevant to contemporary politics. His main concern is the problem of social and political … Continue reading

Posted in Comparative Politics, International Relations, International Relations Theory, Philosophy, Philosophy of Social Science, Realism, War | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Resisting Hegemony – Vandana Shiva on “food and seed sovereignty”

The following is an excerpt of Vandana Shiva speaking about “food and seed sovereignty” at the International Meeting on Resisting Hegemony held 2-5 August 2010 in Penang, Malaysia. The complete presentation and others from the meeting are available at the … Continue reading

Posted in Asia, Global Inequality, India, International Political Economy, International Relations | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

UN to hold crisis talks on food prices as riots hit Mozambique

The UN has called an urgent meeting on rising global food prices in an attempt to head off a repeat of the 2008 crisis that sparked riots around the world. The UN’s announcement came after Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin extended … Continue reading

Posted in Africa, Global Economic Crisis, Global Inequality, International Political Economy, International Relations, Racism, War | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

United States War Against Iraqis “Goes Covert”

Ayman Al-Amir, Al-Ahram’s former correspondent in Washington writes that the US war against the Iraqis will continue, but at a more covert level. “In pre-election congressional campaign hype, US President Barack Obama will announce next week that the full withdrawal … Continue reading

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Catherine Dumait-Harper on “Blurring Lines” in Conflict

Sarah Kleinman of the Global Policy Forum speaks with Catherine Dumait-Harper, who served as the UN Delegate of Médecins Sans Frontières from 1993 to 2005, about the integration of military and humanitarian affairs in conflict. During this period, she coordinated … Continue reading

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Rape as a Weapon of War: Further Victims Identified in DRC Mass Rapes Case

UNITED NATIONS – The number of women raped by rebel groups during last month’s raid of more than a dozen villages centred around Walikale, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has risen to over 240, U.N. officials told reporters here … Continue reading

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The Persistence of Inequality Between Rich and Poor Countries

The Rich get Richer, the Poor Go Hungry What is the most common cause of hunger in the world? Is it drought? Flood? Locusts? Crop diseases? Nope. Most hunger in the world has absolutely nothing to do with food shortages. … Continue reading

Posted in Global Economic Crisis, Global Inequality, Health, International Political Economy, International Relations | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Centre for Health and International Relations at the University of Aberystwyth

Adam Kamradt-Scott on Al Jazeera, “People and Power, 6th April 2009. This issue is a bit outdated, but I have to give a nod to old friends from Aberystwyth. Especially the Centre for Health and International Relations.

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Rape as a Weapon of War and its Pervasiveness in Militarised Societies: A Deep and Troubling History

Militarism and Violence Against Women Militarism in various forms dominates states all over the world, and its basic value of “power over the other” influences the population which begins to accept the suitability of violence as a method of resolving … Continue reading

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Western Wars vs Muslim Women

By Marwan Bishara Western media is awash with reports about Taliban mistreatment of women in Afghanistan and Pakistan that feature countless voices in support of the war to secure a “brighter future for women’s rights”. This week’s Time magazine cover story is … Continue reading

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