The years of the dragon's teeth
By Pierre Schori (27/10/2008)
With a degree of force that is sorely lacking in the diplomatic sphere, Pierre Schori analyses in depth the hostile attitude of the US towards the UN during the Iraq crisis from the priviledged position that he had as Swedish ambassador to the organisation throughout that turbulent period.
Disengagement or delusion?
By Tony Kinsella (25/06/2008)
Irish voters’ rejection of the Lisbon Treaty has sent shockwaves through the EU.
Peter Muhly/AFP/Getty Images
In this Comment article Irish Times journalist Tony Kinsella explores the political blunders which made it possible for the “No” camp to secure victory, despite all five of the main political parties throwing their support behind the treaty.
The European-Latin American Summit: towards selective bilateralism?
By Susanne Gratius (27/05/2008)
The results of the Fifth European-Latin American Summit on 16-17May in Lima were not spectacular, but they were concrete. Among others developments, it is worth underlining the idea to create a European-Latin American Foundation and to consider the possibility of signing bilateral association agreements that run contrary to the traditional EU focus to negotiating primarily with groups of states.
Fifth European-Latin American Summit
Considering the future of the international system
By Gelson Fonseca (09/04/2008)
In this Comment article Gelson Fonseca, of the Brazilian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, explores the opportunities and challenges that face those engaged in international politics in a rapidly changing world. He examines the increasing multipolarity of the global system and asks how international institutions and civil society alike can learn from past successes and failures in order to create a more secure and prosperous future.
The United States and the UN: democrats versus Republicans?
By María Avello (07/04/2008)
Both within the Republic ranks and among Democrats, a great many feel that the international leadership exercised by the United States since the end of World War II has been profoundly weakened by the Bush administration. In this comment article María Avelló explores the varying positions of the 2008 presidential candidates and the ramifications their respective policies may have for the US and the world at large.
