Stories about International Relations from September, 2022
The great escape from Russia: Live on Russian Twitter
An estimated 260,000 Russians, mostly men, have left their country since September 21 when President Putin declared a "partial mobilization," Most of the ones fleeing cross land borders to Georgia and Kazakhstan.
Why fear of a coup attempt is on the horizon in Brazil's elections
Current Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has trailed former president Lula in the polls for more than a month, but in interviews he has been discrediting the numbers and saying he will only believe in his victory.
Croatia’s push for controversial electoral reform undermines democratic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croat extremists also scored what at first appeared to be another diplomatic victory in early August, as the Israeli embassy in Tirana, Albania (which is also responsible for BiH) came out in favor of “electoral reforms.”
Turkish citizens feel the squeeze of increased EU visa rejections
Veteran journalist Ruşen Çakır, joined a long list of Turkish nationals who have had their Schengen visa applications denied in recent months.
Taiwan Policy Act 2022: The US becomes less ambiguous about defending Taiwan
US President Joe Biden stated in a television interview that the US forces would defend Taiwan if China invaded the self-governed state.
How did a Nepali ritual altar end up in Berlin?
Kathmandu-based filmmaker Deepak Tolange spotted a richly decorated Buddhist shrine from Nepal in the Museum of Asian Art in Berlin seven years ago and tried to trace its origin.
Devastating Pakistan floods put climate change and climate justice under spotlight
The recent devastating floods in Pakistan have put the spotlight back on climate justice. A combination of factors such as extreme heatwave, melting glaciers and unusually heavy monsoons triggered floods.
Cultural diplomacy and political goals: “Cheb Macron's” ode to Algerian gas
Macron's condescending attitude towards Algeria changed to a strong desire to improve relations between the two countries, in the face of a long and harsh winter awaiting Europe.
The European Union continues to stall visa liberalization for Kosovo
Kosovo is the only country in the Western Balkans whose citizens still need visa to travel to the Schengen area.
Organizers refuse to cancel the 2022 Belgrade EuroPride claiming the government's ban is unconstitutional
Involvement of Kremlin proxies in homophobic protests against EuroPride in Belgrade could indicate Russian malign influence undermining Serbia's strategic orientation of joining the European Union.
Azerbaijan, Armenia, and tenuous prospects for peace
The European Council president urged the two leaders to work with their respective populations, preparing them "for a long-term, sustainable peace."
A ‘first’ as Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley presides over inaugural African-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum
The Caribbean and Africa recently came together for the inaugural AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley believes it will be a turning point for both regions.
Bollywood's decline, Hindu nationalism's gain: A trend of fandom exodus
In recent years, Muslim Bollywood actors have been targeted for being "anti-national" and there are rising demands from the ultra-right that they need to conform to the Hindu-nationalist narrative.
Solomon Islands threatens to block ‘disrespectful’ foreign journalists from entering the country
"This has nothing to do with "demeaning coverage" and everything to do with a government in Honiara allergic to scrutiny."