Introduction to US-Ireland Relations
Source: CIA World Factbook Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is home to more than 5 million people and boasts a rich and distinct history. Once a British Empire colony, Ireland has been politically divided since 1921 into Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, an independent nation. The […]
US Response to France’s Diminishing Influence in Africa
Introduction Since its decolonization, France has held outsized influence in French-speaking (Francophone) African countries, cemented by its policy of Françafrique, which was designed to keep Francophone countries firmly within France’s sphere of influence. Through this policy, France was able to continue to protect and promote French interests in Francophone Africa. However, this sphere of influence […]
US Involvement in Central African Mining
Cobalt, originally seen as a simple byproduct of copper or nickel mining, has recently become a critical mineral due to its use in lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are lightweight and rechargeable, and are important features in portable technology and energy grids. Cobalt’s demand is on the rise as eco-friendly technology, made possible with rechargeable batteries, […]
Introduction to NATO Peacekeeping in Kosovo
Kosovo is a highly contested area between Serbians and Albanians,who both view Kosovo as ancestral land. Control of Kosovo passed between the Ottoman Empire, Serbia, and Yugoslavia throughout the 1800’s to 1900’s, and Kosovo declared formal independence from Serbia in February of 2008. Key Dates Crisis and Ethnic Conflict Ethnic conflict in Kosovo largely stems […]
Successes and Failures of the Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP)
Background Humanitarian efforts have evolved in the 21st century, largely driven by the goal of aid organizations to optimize their impact and reduce costs. One significant change is the rise in the use of cash and voucher assistance (CVA) programs, which now constitute a larger portion of aid initiatives. CVA involves giving recipients direct cash […]
US Response to Deforestation in the Congo Basin
The Congo Basin spans six Central African countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of the Congo. The basin is home to the world’s second largest rainforest, measuring 500 million acres, and hundreds of thousands of local species. In the past decade, however, the rainforest has faced […]
Intro to US – South African Relations
Introduction South Africa holds a prominent position in Africa as a major economic force with one of the continent’s largest economies and high human development scores. It actively participates in regional UN Peacekeeping operations and hosts the Pan-African Parliament’s permanent seat. Additionally, South Africa wields considerable soft power, using its distinctive national history and narrative […]
Successes and Failures of U.S Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs
Introduction Following the Russian Federations invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the nation’s oligarch class came into the spotlight as the United States and its allies implemented sweeping sanctions on Russia. In the context of Russia, oligarchs refer to individuals with immense wealth and influence in the Russian political system. The interdependent relationship between the oligarchs […]
US Response to Conflict with al-Shabaab in Somalia
Introduction The United States developed a diplomatic relationship with Somalia in 1960 following its independence from British and Italian rule. After a period of stagnation between the two countries throughout the 1990s, the United States formally recognized the new federal government of Somalia (FGS) in 2013. While the United States has worked with Somalia to […]
U.S. Relations With China Regarding Technology
Introduction Over the last four decades, China’s remarkable growth has shaped the world. With an average annual GDP increase of 9% since its economic reforms began in 1978, the country has lifted 800 million Chinese citizens out of poverty. Today, China is responsible for close to 5% of the world’s production. Now, China has shifted […]