The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by China in 2013, is a transformative foreign policy project aimed at enhancing China’s global influence through trade routes reminiscent of the Silk Road. While it has received mixed responses, particularly from Western nations, it offers countries alternatives to Western hegemony, promoting economic development but also raising geopolitical tensions, especially with rival powers like India and Russia.
PHOTO: The new Syrian Government Today’s Chatham House meeting is chaired by Raya Jalabi, Middle East Correspondent, Financial Times. On the panel are: Dr Haid Haid, MENA Programme, Rime Allaf, Syrian writer, formerly Chatham House and Dr Ibrahim Al-Assil, Belfer Center, Harvard University. It is a year since the rapid…
View More Chatham House: One year of Syria’s transition: Progress, challenges and prospects
This Chatham House roundtable discussion is chaired by Hugo Dixon, Reuters. On the panel are: Galip Dalay, Turkey Initiative, MENA Programme and Natalie Sabanadze, Russia and Eurasia Programme. Galip and Natalie have done a report on ‘Russia’s Black Sea Strategy’. The entire European security architecture is under scrutiny in the…
View More Chatham House: What does Russia want in the Black Sea region?
The Chatham House event focused on the UK’s defense obligations and spending, highlighting concerns about readiness for potential conflicts, particularly with Russia. Discussions emphasized the need for urgent action to enhance defense capabilities, accountability in spending, and a national dialogue on strategic priorities. Comparisons to Germany and Poland revealed the UK lagging in defense investment.
View More Chatham House: Can the UK afford to fight a war?
In a disappointing match, Liverpool struggled against Nottingham Forest, trailing 3-0 after poor defensive play. Salah exhibited some effort, but the team lacked cohesion, leading to criticism of manager Slot. With six defeats in seven matches, Liverpool’s prospects appear bleak as fans leave in frustration, raising concerns about the club’s future.
View More Match Report: Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest (22.11.25) L3-0
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?
Liverpool started strongly against Real Madrid, dominating midfield and creating chances, especially through Dominik Szoboszlai. Despite a quiet performance from Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister scored from a free kick to secure a 1-0 victory. Liverpool showcased their quality in the Champions League, proving a formidable force.
View More Match Report: Liverpool vs Real Madrid (04.11.25) W 1-0
Liverpool faces Real Madrid tonight at Anfield in the Champions League. Despite Liverpool’s recent poor form, hope arises after a weekend win. Real Madrid, under new manager Xabi Alonso, boasts strong performance. Liverpool won against them last season, and this match is crucial for evaluating their European aspirations.
View More Match Preview: Liverpool vs Real Madrid (04.11.25)
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?
I am a Swiftie and Love Taylor but there are some things that I just don’t just love but I actually live for. Liverpool Football Club is my life. Nothing matters bar Liverpool really. I mean people speculate that football is the new religion etc. which it isn’t really –…
View More Taylor Swift: a Liverpool FC and Swiftie fan’s Dream Come True: Anfield 13.06.2024: #ynwa I GOT TICKETS #ErasTour
I am a new member of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, in London. On a recent visit, I made use of the vast resources of a very well-stocked library at Chatham House and this book is the first of the loans that I have finished reading. It…
View More Review: Moscow Rules: What Drives Russia To Confront The West – by Keir Giles
Chatham House is the Royal Institute of International Affairs. It is based in St. James’ Square, Mayfair, London, a short walk from Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. I have been a member of Chatham House for several months but with me being based in Wales all of my interactions thus far have…
View More Chatham House: How Effective Are The United States’ Sanctions? 19.06.2023
I had previously read Alison Weir’s most excellent book specifically on Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine many years ago so the author was familiar to me. I chanced upon this title in my local library (Caldicot) and thought I’d give it a go. It covers the lives of several British Queens,…
View More Review: Queens of the Crusades – by Alison Weir
Alev Scott is a young female Brit whose mother has Turkish Cypriot roots and in this great study of modern turkey she relocates to Istanbul and immerses herself as much as possible in Turkish society Long time leader Erdogan, has done a lot to change Turkey in the past couple…
View More Review: Turkish Awakening – A Personal Discovery of Modern Turkey – by Alev Scott
There is irony in this tale as Bill Browder was following in his grandfather’s footsteps in some ways but was also radically poles apart. Browder’s grandfather had stood for Presidential election in the USA on a Communist ticket. Bill Browder was drawn to business possibilities behind the Iron Curtain and…
View More Review: Red Notice – How I Became Putin’s No.1 Enemy – by Bill Browder