Chatham House: South Korea rethinks its foreign policy: Is it ditching the US for China?

The Chatham House meeting discusses South Korea’s foreign policy under President Lee Jae-myung, emphasizing a pragmatic approach amid complex global dynamics. Key challenges include managing relationships with the U.S., China, and North Korea. The panel examines how the Lee administration navigates geopolitical tensions and seeks to maintain strong international alliances while adapting to rapid changes.

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Chatham House: China’s Struggle for Influence in Central Asia. How is Beijing aiming to reshape the region?

The Chatham House meeting, chaired by Annette Bohr, features authors Edward Lemon and Bradley Jardine discussing their book on China’s influence in Central Asia. The conversation encompasses China’s role, historical ties, regional nationalism, and the impact of protests. The complexities of relationships with Russia, the US, and other nations are highlighted, alongside issues of human rights and regional stability.

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Chatham House: How corruption threatens war effort in Ukraine, and what is the remedy?

The Chatham House meeting highlighted Ukraine’s perilous situation amidst military pressure from Russia, energy crises, and a political corruption scandal involving $100 million in kickbacks. The persistence of crony capitalism undermines trust and impacts EU relations. Reforming governance and law enforcement is critical for rebuilding post-war Ukraine and addressing systemic corruption.

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Review: The Albanians: A Modern History – by Miranda Vickers

The Albanians: A Modern History by Miranda Vickers My rating: 4 of 5 stars Albania is one of those countries that have a colourful history and is a place that was a bit of an anomaly to me. I know that it is publicly perceived as a poor backwater of…

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Review: The New Spaniards – by John Hooper

“The New Spaniards” by John Hooper offers an insightful exploration of Spain’s transition from Franco’s dictatorship to contemporary democracy. It delves into the country’s unique culture, history, and political landscape, highlighting regional nuances like the Basque culture. Its detailed analysis is educational, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in Spain.

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