Category: International Relations & Diplomacy
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Are Embassies Still Spy Bases?
This paper examines the structural relationship between diplomacy and espionage, arguing that intelligence gathering has always been embedded within diplomatic practice, from ancient statecraft to contemporary hybrid warfare. While the Vienna Convention formalised diplomatic protections, these same protections enabled intelligence operations under diplomatic cover. Modern Russian espionage in Europe demonstrates that embassies continue to function…
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United States and China Strategic Competition
Main Question: Does China’s rise threaten North American security and economic interests? Argument: Military modernization, supply chain competition, and coordinated political interference across Canada and the US exploit Western vulnerabilities while Mexico’s institutional isolation compounds regional weakness. Conclusion: Trilateral enforcement coordinating cybersecurity, supply chains, and intelligence sharing is essential to counter this threat.
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One partnership – Three trajectories?
Main question: Why were the protests in Moldova (2009) and Ukraine (2014) successful, while they were suppressed in Belarus (2020)?
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Canada and the EU After the EPC Summit
How does Canada’s participation in the 2026 EPC summit reflect the evolving Canada-EU relationship? Driven by U.S. unpredictability under Trump, Canada is strategically pivoting toward the EU through deepening political, economic, energy, and security partnerships. This realignment benefits both sides: offering Canada market access and stability, and giving the EU a reliable partner for critical…
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South Africa – Xenophobia or Inequality?
The main question is, what is the nature of the recurring anti-immigration violence in post-apartheid South Africa, and what are its systemic causes and consequences? The violence is driven not only by structural inequality and political scapegoating, but also by the resulting microeconomic instability that deters foreign capital and deepens severe diplomatic fractures, ultimately compromising…
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Public Alignment & Closed-Door Diplomacy:
Main question: How does China balance its relations with Russia and the US amid rising global tensions in spring 2026? Argument: Beijing applies a dual-track strategy by publicly aligning with Russia while maintaining pragmatic and closed-door diplomacy with the US. Conclusion: This strategy gives China strategic flexibility and geopolitical advantages, but growing US-China rivalry may…
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Canada’s Strategic Foresight for 2025–2035
Main question: How can Canada ensure economic survival and sovereignty while caught between an unpredictable, transactional U.S. and a coercive China Argument: Canada must adopt a pragmatic, interest-led approach by integrating defense with the U.S. while hedging risks through strategic Indo-Pacific partnerships Conclusion: Geopolitical success relies on leveraging critical minerals and sharing the costs of…
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Bridging the Gap
1. The interview explores why transatlantic security often overlooks local and state leaders. 2. Joshua Burgin argues that strong personal networks between local leaders are essential for effective security cooperation. 3. The article concludes that stronger local-level transatlantic ties improve democratic resilience and future cooperation.
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EU Enlargement Revisited
Main question: How can the EU balance strategic geopolitical expansion with strict merit-based compliance to ensure sustainable integration? Argument: The EU should adopt a phased integration model and depoliticise accession criteria to prevent external delays. Conclusion: Despite short-term economic and democratic friction, structured enlargement remains the best way to safeguard the Union.
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Key Findings on Ukraine: Key Reform Roadmap
Main question: How can Ukraine sustain its EU accession momentum and provisionally close its negotiations by the end of 2028 despite ongoing conflict? Argument: Ukraine must accelerate its reform pace in fundamental principles, specifically the rule of law, while utilizing interim EU integration initiatives. Conclusion: Continued domestic transformation and rigorous cluster fulfillment will allow the…