Understanding the Ukraine Conflict: Background and Context
Russia's full-scale invasion began 24 February 2022, following eight years of lower-intensity conflict after the 2014 Crimea annexation. A…
Liam Chen
World
International affairs, diplomacy, conflict and the forces shaping the global order.
89 stories
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How Global Trade Routes Are Being Redrawn
Around 80% of world trade by volume moves by sea, and in 2023-24 two of its critical arteries — the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal — were…
Liam Chen
The Coming Debt Storm: Why Dozens of Developing Nations Face Default
Rising interest rates, a strong dollar, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 have pushed over 50 developing countries to the brink of debt…
Liam Chen
NATO's Nordic Expansion: How Russia's War Drove Finland and Sweden Into the Alliance
Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO in 2023-24 represents the most significant expansion of the alliance in decades. Two countries that…
Liam Chen
Sudan's Forgotten War: A Humanitarian Catastrophe the World Is Ignoring
Sudan's civil war between rival military factions has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and pushed the country towards famine…
Liam Chen
China Tightens the Noose: Military Pressure on Taiwan Reaches New Heights
Beijing's military activities around Taiwan have intensified to unprecedented levels, with daily incursions, naval blockade exercises, and…
Liam Chen
Middle East on Edge: The Iran-Israel Shadow War Goes Public
Decades of covert conflict between Iran and Israel have erupted into direct military exchanges, with drone and missile strikes…
Liam Chen
Ukraine War Enters Fourth Year: The Grinding Reality of Stalemate
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine passes its third anniversary, neither side has achieved a decisive breakthrough. The conflict has settled…
Liam Chen
Economic Sanctions Explained
Economic sanctions are restrictions one country or group imposes to pressure another to change its behaviour. Here are the main types, how…
Liam Chen