The Chatham House meeting, in collaboration with SNF Agora Institute, discussed the pressures facing democracy today amid rising authoritarianism and declining public confidence. Key topics included youth engagement, technological impact on democratic practices, and the need for practical reforms, particularly in the MENA region. The conversation highlighted the importance of resilience, collective action, and the voices of young people in shaping a more effective democracy.
Mike Pence shared insights on U.S. foreign policy at Chatham House, emphasizing the importance of strong transatlantic ties amid rising global tensions with Russia and China. He highlighted the need for America to lead while addressing issues like public debt and immigration reform. Pence asserted that strong alliances and values are crucial for global stability.
View More Chatham House: Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States, speaks at Chatham House
The meeting discusses the UK’s aid budget amid global aid cuts, primarily due to reduced US funding. Speakers emphasize the geopolitical impact, highlighting how aid affects conflict resolution, health, and climate issues. They call for renewed commitment to development, addressing poverty, and the need for a cohesive international framework, especially regarding the UN.
View More Chatham House: Aid in an age of security: What should the UK’s global priorities be?
Recent violence in Libya highlights Turkey’s growing political and military influence there. Turkey aims to be a regional power, pursuing security assistance and economic interests. Despite temporary conflict resolution efforts, tensions persist, raising concerns about a potential war. Turkey faces dilemmas with local power dynamics while navigating complex foreign relationships and corruption risks.
View More Chatham House: Turkey’s evolving role in Libya
Inequality encompasses disparities in power and wealth, particularly between developed and developing nations. The manufacture of smartphones highlights these imbalances, as cobalt, essential for production, is mined under harsh conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Consumers benefit from these gadgets while overlooking the exploitation and social injustice faced by marginalized workers.
View More Inequality and Social Justice
Chatham House is an esteemed think tank where I engage in discussions on international issues, particularly on Venezuela. Today’s meeting covers U.S. policies and Trump’s view on Venezuelan narcotrafficking, which many believe lacks foundation. The session explores regional influences, Cuba’s potential role, and the broader implications for U.S.-Latin America relations.
View More Chatham House: Member’s Question Time: Is the US pushing regime change in Venezuela? Why now?
Drawing on material from two out of the three strands of DD102 study materials, discuss some of the ways in which differences and inequalities can both change and persist over time. The two topics I have chosen from two strands are City Road, Cardiff from the introductory strand, which looks…
View More Differences and Inequalities
The analysis of the 2011 ‘Blackberry’ riots in England reveals conflicting perspectives on the role of inequalities. Conservatives view the riots as lawlessness driven by moral decline, while radicals highlight socio-economic disenfranchisement as a key cause. This essay urges addressing underlying inequalities to prevent future unrest rather than merely punishing the rioters.
View More 2011 Blackberry Riots, United Kingdom
Drawing on material from the Connecting Lives strand, explain how qualitative and quantitative types of evidence can be used to support the claim that cities produce inequality. Inequality in cities exists for a variety of interconnected reasons—economic, historical, political, and social. ‘The wealthiest 10% of households had household wealth of £1,200,500…
View More Cities Produce Inequality
The power of big retail significantly influences consumer choice by dominating market availability and pricing, while also dictating product selection and trends through advertising. This impact can restrict diversity, favoring larger brands over smaller producers. Ultimately, although consumers may perceive ample options, big retail often shapes their purchasing decisions and overall shopping experience.
View More Consumer Choice and the Power of Big Retail
The content discusses the concept of ‘making and remaking’ through the experiences of three individuals on City Road, Cardiff. Nof Al-Kelaby showcases resilience by adapting his business to new demographics. Shari Hall enhances local businesses through her blog, fostering virtual connections. John exemplifies the challenges of homelessness, highlighting complex social dynamics.
View More Connections and Disconnections on City Road, Cardiff
In your own words, define ‘making and remaking’ and provide one example of this that can be seen on City Road. City Road has a rich and diverse history and is in a constant state of flux. In ‘making and remaking’ this change can be examined in how it reflects…
View More City Road, Cardiff
Today I was invited to Parliament on a scheduled visit with my MP, Jessica Morden, the Labour Party representative for Newport East constituency. I’ve known and been friends witH Jess for years and this is the first time I’ve actually been to Parliament with her in person, although she had…
View More Wez G in Parliament with Jessica Morden MP
At the end of World War 2, after, in particular, the disaster of the Holocaust becoming apparent, many leading Nazis were hunted down and brought to trial to face justice for war crimes. One of the main international trials, indeed the biggest international trial to date, occurred at Nuremburg in…
View More The Nuremburg Code 1947
This book was written in 1990 and is thus a bit dated. The postscript announces the start of the first Gulf War after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Post World War 1 saw most of the current political boundaries drawn in the Near East or as we now most predominantly…
View More Review: The Near East Since The First World War – by M.E.Yapp