Europe’s capacity to generate conflict remains remarkably high, as the situation around Ukraine reminds us again these days. Unlike other parts of the world, where low-level conflict remains constant and destructive at a local level but is only registered as “noise” globally, Europe’s conflicts have the potential to escalate to major confrontations that can suck…
The US National Security Agency (NSA) used a partnership with Denmark’s foreign intelligence unit to spy on citizens of the European Union, Danish state broadcaster DR said. According to the investigation, which covered the period from 2012 to 2014, the NSA used Danish information cables to spy on citizens of Sweden, Norway, France and Germany….
Yesterday, as we celebrated Earth Day, forty world leaders gathered for President Biden’s “Leaders Summit on Climate”. The event, held virtually in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions over two days, is a precursor to the UNFCCC COP26 taking place in Glasgow later this year. For such a large event to be organised and held within the…
In another sign of the US “coming back from the cold” and reembracing multilateralism, President Biden has invited 40 Heads of State or Government to participate in a virtual “Leaders Summit on Climate” on 22-23 April 2021. This landmark event, which coincides with Earth Day 2021, underscores the United States’ commitment to re-joining the fight…
Commemorating Charles Darwin, his contributions to science, and the importance of reason, the scientific community celebrates Darwin Day on February 12. The English scientist is probably best known for his publication ‘On the Origin of Species’, which includes his original proposal of the ‘theory of evolution by natural selection’. His life’s story, from adversity and hatred to becoming one of the most famous names in science, can teach us a lot about the importance, but also perils, of publicly presenting scientific advancements. Charles Darwin’s achievements…
On the 20th January 2021 Kamala Devi Harris was inaugurated as the Vice President of the United States of America. ‘Kamala’ is a Sanskrit word meaning Lotus, a plant that has special importance in Indian culture. Even with its roots in the dirtiest of waters, it produces one of the most beautiful flowers in the…
By Richard Kinley, Georgios Kostakos and Harris Gleckman* With Joe Biden set to assume office on 20 January, there is great expectation at the return of the US to the multilateral fold, to reclaim its leadership position with active engagement on global challenges, notably climate change. All is well, then, and the world no…
Political scenarios – negative and positive* Back in May, Georgios Kostakos and I published two articles (see them here and here) on the global and national responses to Covid-19, and its implications for global governance. The biggest impact, we said, will be determined by the responses of China and the US. In this article…
An Open Letter to Friends of the United Nations The only head of state so far committed to physically addressing the opening of the new UN General Assembly session is US President Trump. As the rules for COVID-19 allow only one of the six seats of each country’s delegation in the General Assembly Hall to…
If countries have karma then the US has one more negative action on its scoresheet, its purchase in late June 2020 of the full production for the following three months of the anti-viral drug remdesivir…
