The international community has become preoccupied with reforming its institutions. We debate the future of the United Nations Security Council, the composition of the G20, the legitimacy of international financial institutions and the emergence of a more multipolar world. These are important conversations, but they all risk overlooking a more fundamental problem. The world is…
There is an increasing sense that the war in the Middle East is revealing more than a crisis in the regional order. The latest escalation, where the United States and Israel attacked Iran, which in turn attacked the Gulf states, is being considered not only for the various and immediate consequences. It is also illustrative…
Some positive signs… After years of poor performance bordering on irrelevance vis-à-vis many of the challenges facing the world, especially in the peace and security field, the United Nations has recently been getting a boost to its standing, from expected and unexpected places. No surprise that small and middle powers of the South and the…
The military operation staged by the United States under the government of Donald Trump against Venezuela on 3 January 2026 is not only a warning for international law and multilateral institutions. It is a litmus test for journalism, revealing whether the press acts as an objective witness in moments of escalation or becomes part of…
Could there be good news out of Kananaskis? The 51st summit of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized countries is taking place in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada on 15-17 June 2025. Despite the constantly diminishing part of the world’s population and GDP that these countries represent (reportedly 10% and 44% respectively), one cannot underestimate the importance…