“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...
Washington D.C., the political epicentre of the United States, is a city teeming with history, culture, and opportunities. As a Politics and International Relations student, my recent participation in the Working Cultures program in Washington DC was a transformative experience that gave me a unique window into policy-making and cultural heritage. In this blog, I...
In the heart of Hanoi University, a unique project is making a big difference. It’s all about helping kids who live in the faraway and rugged mountains of Vietnam. We’re passionate about being good global citizens and taking on social responsibilities, and this project is where it all comes together. Our main goal? To give...
What were you feeling the morning of your A levels? The morning when you were set to receive your university acceptance. Were you nervous, scared, excited? I was all 3 because I was scared I would die before I could attend my first lecture. I knew that if I did die, it wouldn’t be quick...
Speaking Welsh is like being able to do the Worm – you might impress a few people at a party, but it has very little practical use in real life. It’s an odd, rough language but poetic and lyrical too; to me, it perfectly represents the country in which it is spoken. I come from...
As I study, I am reminded of how essential it is to understand the contemporary Middle East and its development to grasp what is happening worldwide. The weekly readings and class discussions included ‘Islam in a Historical Perspective’, ‘Sates’, ‘Authoritarianism’ and ‘Dollar Monopoly in the Economy’. As we continue our journey, we are starting to...
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...
I summarise my studies: the interconnectedness of states, autocracy or authoritarianism, women’s rights and religion. For me, the biggest takeaway, or reiteration, has been the reminder that the Middle East is not a monolith. This sounds obvious, although, through the start of this course, I have begun to realise just how misguided or wrong some...
Hi, I’m Luke. I was born on December 23rd 2004 in Watford, and have lived in the nearby town of Hemel Hempstead my whole life. Like everyone, I do not have clear memories of my first few years. Still, I remember enjoying a caravan holiday in Ramsgate when I was 3, another caravan holiday in...
The concept of a rentier state is closely linked to oil-rich producing states in the Middle East. The theory attempts to explain how the oil and gas economies affect the nature of these states. In Arab oil states, it has been estimated that two to three per cent of the labour force is involved in...
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 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...