World Geopolitics

 **Türkiye’s Strategic Geography: A Bridge Between Continents**   Türkiye’s geopolitical significance has long been anchored in its unique position straddling Europe and Asia, controlling critical waterways such as the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. This geography not only makes it a linchpin for NATO’s southern flank but also a pivotal actor in Eurasian energy corridors and trade networks. As the alliance’s easternmost member, Türkiye provides NATO with strategic military access to the Black Sea, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. However, its location also necessitates a foreign policy that engages both Western allies and Eastern neighbours, enabling Ankara to wield influence beyond traditional alliances. This duality has allowed Türkiye to emerge as a mediator in regional conflicts while asserting itself as an indispensable, albeit sometimes contentious, NATO partner. **Balancing Act: Türkiye’s Complex Relations with NATO and Russia**   Türkiye’s diplomat...

# Evaluating the Impact of African Union Reforms on Continental Conflict Resolution   ## Introduction: A Framework for Change   The African Union (AU), established in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity, has long sought to address the continent’s persistent conflicts through collective governance. Over the past decade, institutional reforms—spearheaded by initiatives such as the 2016 Kagame Report—have aimed to enhance the AU’s efficacy in conflict resolution. These reforms targeted structural inefficiencies, financial dependency, and operational delays, with the broader goal of transforming the AU into a more proactive and autonomous body. This review assesses how these changes have influenced the AU’s capacity to mediate, manage, and resolve conflicts, while also examining persistent challenges.   ## Institutional Restructuring and Decision-Making Efficiency   A cornerstone of AU reforms has been the restructuring of its ins...

 **The Rise of Cryptocurrency and Geopolitical Disruption**   Cryptocurrency adoption has emerged as a disruptive force in global geopolitics, challenging the hegemony of traditional financial systems. As decentralised digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum gain traction, they undermine the role of central banks, sovereign currencies, and institutional intermediaries. This shift not only redefines economic power dynamics but also complicates state control over monetary policy, cross-border transactions, and financial regulation. The geopolitical implications are profound, as nations grapple with balancing innovation against the risks of destabilising established financial architectures. **Decentralisation vs. Centralised Financial Control**   At the core of cryptocurrency’s challenge is its decentralised nature. Traditional financial systems rely on centralised authorities—central banks, governments, and commercial institutions—to regulate currency supply, enf...

# Assessing the Effectiveness of UN Sanctions on North Korea’s Nuclear Ambitions   ## Introduction: The Framework of Sanctions and Objectives   Since North Korea’s first nuclear test in 2006, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed a series of sanctions aimed at curbing the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. These measures, encapsulated in nine major resolutions, sought to isolate Pyongyang economically, restrict its access to weapons-related technology, and pressure the regime into denuclearisation talks . Key provisions included arms embargoes, bans on luxury goods, financial asset freezes, and mandatory cargo inspections . However, nearly two decades later, North Korea’s nuclear capabilities have advanced significantly, raising questions about the efficacy of these sanctions.   --- ## Limited Success in Halting Technological Progress   UN sanctions have undoubtedly imposed economic costs on North Korea, yet they ...

# The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion During the Israel-Hamas Conflict   ### The Democratisation of Information Dissemination   Social media has fundamentally altered how information about conflicts reaches global audiences. During the Israel-Hamas clashes, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok became primary sources for real-time updates, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. This democratisation allowed citizens, activists, and grassroots organisations to share unfiltered footage, personal testimonies, and on-the-ground perspectives. For instance, Palestinian journalists in Gaza used platforms to document airstrikes and displacement, while Israeli citizens posted videos of rocket attacks from Hamas. Such immediacy fostered a sense of connection and urgency among international audiences, compelling them to engage with the conflict beyond headlines. However, the lack of editorial oversight also meant unverified claims and graphi...

# A Comparative Review of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework   ## **Origins and Strategic Objectives**   China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is a sprawling global infrastructure and economic development strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity across Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond. Initially focused on financing ports, railways, and energy projects, it has evolved into a multifaceted tool for expanding Chinese influence through loans, contracts, and geopolitical alignment . In contrast, the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), established in May 2022, represents a strategic pivot by the Biden administration to counterbalance China’s regional dominance. Unlike traditional trade agreements, IPEF emphasises cooperation on supply chains, clean energy, and anti-corruption, avoiding tariff reductions or binding market access . While BRI seeks to cement China’s role as a global economic hegemon, ...

# **Middle Eastern Energy Policies and the Renewable Transition: A Strategic Evolution**   ## **Historical Reliance on Hydrocarbons**   The Middle East has long been synonymous with vast oil and gas reserves, which have underpinned both its economic growth and geopolitical influence. For decades, hydrocarbon revenues have financed infrastructure, public services, and sovereign wealth funds, embedding fossil fuels at the core of regional energy policies. However, the global shift towards decarbonisation, coupled with fluctuating oil prices and climate commitments, has compelled Middle Eastern nations to reassess their energy strategies. This transition is not merely environmental but also economic, as countries seek to future-proof their economies against the risks of a declining fossil fuel market.   ## **National Visions and Renewable Energy Targets**   Several Middle Eastern governments have launched ambitious national visions to integrate renew...