Stories about International Relations from July, 2023
Why is Kyiv giving Taiwan the cold shoulder? Interview with Ukrainian MP Mykola Knyazhytskyy
While Taipei continues to support Ukraine by sending humanitarian aid, including to refugees across Europe, official Kyiv sides with Beijing and fails to acknowledge Taiwan's overall support.
Russian diplomats react to a new law on language in Kyrgyzstan, bringing back colonial past
The Kyrgyz language is an integral part of national identity. It is vital for the survival of Kyrgyz people as a separate ethnic group and Kyrgyzstan as a nation.
Can Taiwan become a hub for journalists fleeing mounting authoritarianism in Asia?
Taiwan is rated as one of the freest societies in Asia, but are the Taiwanese authorities ready to turn the island into a welcoming and safe haven for journalists fleeing authoritarianism in their home countries in Asia?
Haitian refugees land on Jamaican shores, while CARICOM’s efforts to help its troubled member state falter
"The anxiety among many social media commentators over the treatment of the refugees reflects an appreciation of the historical ties, and mixed feelings of admiration, helplessness, and obligation towards Haiti ..."
Taiwanese citizens take the nation's defense into their own hands: Interview with scholar Wen Liu
For people in Taiwan living under regular military threats from China, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has prompted queries about the Taiwanese military forces' own readiness and resilience.
Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan commit to intensifying bilateral cooperation
The outcomes of the past official visits and talks show that the two countries remain friendly toward each other and ready to explore avenues for cooperation.
A documentary showcases why some Taiwanese consider Southeast Asia a land of opportunity
A documentary portraying a Taiwanese shrimp expert trying to find success in Myanmar tells in a very nuanced way the misperceptions many Taiwanese harbor about Southeast Asia.
Speculations about China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang disappearance from the public eye include alleged affair and power struggle
Beijing has cited unspecific “health reasons” to explain Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang's disappearance from the public eye for over three weeks, yet few believe in this official explanation.
Turkey has a long road ahead with renewed EU bid
Pundits say, there is a long road ahead. Reforming the rule of law, adhering to democratic principles, ensuring equal rights are just some of the pressing requirements.
A ‘diplomatic tiff’ over same-sex marriage is downplayed, but differences on LGBTQ+ issues remain in the Jamaica-U.S. relationship
"While several Caribbean nations took positive steps towards recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in 2022, Jamaica was not among them.
Deconstructing the politics behind the mistreatment of migrants from Africa in Tunisia
Tunisia's crackdown on African migrants has become a bargaining tool with Europe, leading to an agreement that allows Europe to control immigration in return for helping with Tunisia's economic crisis.
Armenia and Azerbaijan: A blockade that never ended and a peace deal hanging by a thread
Since mid June, no supplies are being allowed past Azerbaijani checkpoint. Azerbaijan has also blocked International Red Cross vehicles from entering the region citing "contraband" prevention measures.
Burundi’s troubled history of the untold 1972 Hutu genocide
The revelations through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have brought to light more than 4,700 mass graves, laying bare the profound magnitude of the atrocities that transpired during 1972 in Burundi.
Hong Kong pro-democracy exiles not intimidated by China’s arrest warrants and bounties
"Trying to spread fear at home, abroad, and travelling in between. Further incentive to fight for the #rights, #freedom, and #democracy that we deserve"
As resistance in Iran continues, the regime strikes back
Propelled by shifting dynamics in its relationship with the West, the Iranian regime has resorted to lashing out at activists and dissidents, both domestically and internationally in recent weeks.
The Caribbean Community marks its golden jubilee with a promise of free movement for regional nationals
"We believe that this is a fundamental part of the integration architecture [...] the core of the regional integration movement [is] people’s ability to move freely within the Caribbean Community. "
Funding for LGBTQ+ movements in South Asia
The LGBTQI+ movements in South Asia have to work with little to no funding support. As a consequence, the rights and issues of LGBTQ+ people are severely under-resourced.
China uses higher education to increase its influence in North Macedonia
"Probably the most important and long-term strategy for anchoring China’s soft power in North Macedonia is the opening of the Confucius Institute in Skopje, at the oldest and most renowned public university, Ss. Cyril and Methodius in 2013."
Where is Wanchelearm Satsakit? The search for exiled Thai activist abducted in Cambodia
Wanchalearm's case is linked to the disappearance of eight other exiled activists, three of whose dead bodies have been found.
The Georgian Dream party is not every Georgian’s dream
There is a visible divide between what the Georgian Dream wants, and what people of Georgia dream for.
North-eastern Niger has become a safe haven for refugees fleeing armed attacks in the Sahel
Less affected by the armed conflicts in the Sahel region, Niger plays role of partner of choice for Westerners expelled from Mali and Burkina Faso.
