I’ve had a recent break from karate and haven’t been to the dojo for a couple of years. I’ve been training as a karateka since 2004 at Kyoshin Shotokan Karate club under Sensei Ian Harman. I love this martial art and although I’m by far not the most skilled or…
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?
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.
View More Chatham House: How corruption threatens war effort in Ukraine, and what is the remedy?
Donald Trump’s engagement with Belarus’ leader Lukashenka raises concerns about empowering Russia and affecting Ukraine policies. While some view this as a pragmatic approach, critics argue it undermines Western sanctions and strengthens a totalitarian regime. The dynamics surrounding the release of political prisoners highlight ongoing geopolitical complexities and the challenge of promoting democracy in Belarus.
View More Chatham House: Is Donald Trump right on Belarus?
Asaad al-Shaibani, Syria’s foreign minister, outlines post-civil war plans to rebuild international relations and internal governance. The new regime aims for inclusivity, economic investment, and transitional justice while addressing community trust. He emphasizes a pragmatic approach towards rebuilding, focusing on diplomatic ties, especially with the UK and Turkey, amidst regional challenges.
View More Chatham House: A foreign policy for the new Syria
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
Wez G – Peace Podcast is a musical blend featuring artists from Russia and Ukraine, hosted by an English DJ. The podcast aims to promote unity and hopes for an end to the ongoing war. A Spotify playlist of the featured songs is available, excluding one track.
View More Wez G – Peace Podcast – подкаст о мире
Moctezuma II was the last great Aztec king or ruler of the Mexica people in today’s modern day Mexico. His reign saw the arrival of the conquistadors from Spain and it was Hernan Cortés who most famously defeated this strange kingdom in the New World and took hold of ht…
View More Review: Moctezuma and The Aztecs – by Elisenda Vila Llonch
This deep vocal techno track is a peace song by Wez G for the war between Russia and Ukraine – a Ба́ба-Яга́ is a deadly drone used by both sides in this conflict. BUY / STREAM HERE: Ба́ба-Яга́ by Wez G
View More Wez G – Ба́ба-Яга́
Artificial Intelligence or AI is a real technology buzz word. It has dominated global news stories and is seen as the great new leap forward in modern technology that will have a transformative effect on all our daily lives. Whereas the advantages to the civilian sector seem positive, good and…
View More Review: AI, Automation, And War – The Rise Of A Military-Tech Complex – by Anthony King
I discovered this book at Chatham House library. The front cover image of Arkan with his trademark white tiger gave away a lot of the subject detail of the book. It focuses on the war of the former Yugoslavia. Later in the work we touch upon the mass atrocities in…
View More Review: Architectures of Violence – The Command Structures of Modern Mass Atrocities – by Kate Ferguson
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 have previously read a lot of material on World War 2 codebreakers and the likes of Alan Turing and their critical work against Enigma and the invention of modern computing during that period. Of course, codebreaking and cryptography is not a new science and has been a critical part…
View More Review: Before Bletchley Park – The Codebreakers of The First World War – by Paul Gannon
The Cuban Revolution was an earth-shattering event with huge consequences internationally, not just in Latin America, but further afield. I felt the impact myself whilst travelling across Scandinavia in 2005. I’d run out of clean underwear and, while scanning the aisles of a Göteborg department store, I came face to…
View More Guerrilla Heroico