A Reassessment on Lebanon’s UNIFIL

I visited the UNIFIL II mission in Lebanon in the spring of 2007 and already then the Hezbollah militiamen were irresponsive on urgings about disarmament or moving north of the Litani River as directed by the UN Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).Beyond the rules of engagement (linked to Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter) […]

Accordo Cina-Santa Sede: conferma e rilancio

«La Santa Sede e la Repubblica Popolare Cinese, visti i consensi raggiunti per una proficua applicazione dell’Accordo Provvisorio sulla nomina dei Vescovi, dopo opportune consultazioni e valutazioni, hanno concordato di prorogarne la validità per un ulteriore quadriennio, a decorrere dalla data odierna. La Parte Vaticana rimane intenzionata a proseguire il dialogo rispettoso e costruttivo con […]

UNIFIL’s Fig Leaf on Diverging Worldviews

The crisis between Israel and UNIFIL highlights the collapse of a unified UN perspective and differing agendas between Washington and Beijing. It is difficult to patch up the situation or dismantle the organization entirely. After World War I, the victorious powers created the League of Nations to avoid the mistakes and misunderstandings that led to […]

Peace in Ukraine and Chaos for the World?

Is peace in Ukraine possible soon? The American elections are pivotal, of course. If Donald Trump wins, he has said he’ll achieve peace quickly. However, even if Kamala Harris is elected (as recent polls suggest is more likely), Russian President Vladimir Putin may seek a compromise, facing the prospect of four more years of fighting […]

A Lebanese Operation for Ukraine?

The Israeli land operation in Lebanon is opening up new perspectives on the war in Ukraine and tensions with China. If Iran pulls back, peace in Ukraine could also become easier. As its hostages are still held in Gaza with no quick solution in sight, Israel is preparing for a land operation in Lebanon against […]

The EU’s Challenge with Chinese Electric Vehicles

The European Union faces significant challenges in dealing firmly with China’s electric vehicle industry. Predictions suggest that the EU may eventually lower some tariffs or abandon them altogether, highlighting broader difficulties the Union currently faces. The EU is at a critical historical juncture. The recently published Draghi report argues for increased political integration and stronger […]

A German Mirror for China

The recent electoral results from Germany’s Länder interweave short-term concerns and long-term challenges, and these challenges extend to China, which is facing the choices Germany made a century ago. The immediate implications of the Saxony and Thuringia elections—precisely the success of the AfD and BSW—are compounded by the complex nature of local government coalitions. The […]