On May 22nd, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the next general election in the United Kingdom will take place on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. This will be the first general election in the United Kingdom since 2019, and it’s only six weeks away. This period has seen the UK weather tremendous change, with four...
Category: Present Issues
Homophobia at the Finnish Presidential Election?
Homophobia at the Finnish Presidential Election? Last Sunday, Finland had elected its 13th president. The National Coalition party candidate Alexander Stubb and the Green Party candidate Pekka Haavisto proceeded to the second round of elections. Both are experienced politicians with strong backgrounds in foreign policy. It was clear that the race was going to be...
Nowruz
Despite being born and raised in London, as an Iranian, I grew up celebrating Nowruz with my family every year. Nowruz (including alternative spellings such as Norouz, Navruz etc.) is a New Year’s celebration welcoming the Spring Equinox. Nowruz is celebrated by Iranians, Kurds, Azeris, Tajiks, Afghans and many other cultures around the world where...
Ramadan: Sacred Month of Spiritual Reflection
The month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar is observed by Muslims worldwide as a sacred month of reflection. Its history dates back more than 1,400 years to the time of Prophet Muhammad, who received the first verses of the Quran during this month. The word “Ramadan” itself comes from an Arabic root meaning “intense...
Politics and Development in the Middle East
The fourth and last part of the module, “Politics and Development in the Middle East”, highlighted the developmental prospects for countries in the Middle East. We have discovered a whole spectrum of factors that actively contribute to the region’s (un)even development (Friedman 2006: 32). Abundant evidence shows that the international world order has been the...
China’s Challenge to US Hegemony
The concept of hegemony is a complex and multifaceted one, with different ideologies presenting varying views within the field of International Relations. However, all theories emphasize two crucial aspects: overwhelming material influence and the practice of leadership. While some scholars focus solely on the worldly power of hegemony, most approaches highlight both elements to varying...
From legal to real: Challenges in recognising LGBT marriages in Vietnam
“To realize a world of equality and dignity for all, we will have to change laws and policies; we will also have to change hearts and minds.” According to the iSEE and VESS 2021 report, it is estimated that the number of LGBT people in Vietnam accounts for about 9 – 11 % of the...
Unravelling the Complexities of the Middle East
During the course, we have been able to unravel and demystify the complexities of the Middle East. Our exploration has taken us through topics such as the history of Islam and authoritarianism, which have contributed to a better understanding of how the region is perceived. We delved into the historical perspective of Islam and its...
Pita at the End of the Road – Six Months on From Thailand’s General Election
It’s been almost six months since Thailand’s General Election, and a new government has been established. Despite winning the most votes and seats, the Move Forward Party (MFP) has yet to be included in the new administration. Led by Pita Limjaroenrat, the MFP is known for advocating three key progressive policies: demilitarisation, demonopolization, and decentralisation....
Improve the world a better place for ourselves and future generations
Improve the world a better place for ourselves and future generations Our global community is united in the pursuit of a better world. We are determined to tackle the pressing issues of violence, racism, and climate change. We engage in constructive discussions, organize press conferences, and pass laws to promote climate preservation. However, we recognize...
Significance of the Middle East in the World
The Politics and Development of the Middle East is an intriguing topic that has gained attention due to the rapidly evolving global affairs. This region is culturally diverse, rich in oil and gas resources, and strategically located. It has a blend of conservative Islam with advanced technologies and volatile unneighborly relations, making it increasingly important...
Studying Politics and Development in the Middle East
Numerous compelling reasons exist to study politics and development in the Middle East. One of the most significant reasons is the region’s abundant natural resources, particularly its vast oil reserves. These valuable resources have catapulted Middle Eastern countries onto the global stage and made them crucial players in geopolitics. As a result, nations with substantial...
