Global Political Insight

2014 will be remembered as the year the Cold War restarted. Last month, in light of recent events in Europe, Newport saw the NATO military alliance meet for the first time since 1990. Emerging from the summit, a fresh wave of sanctions set to reprimand Russia for their Ukrainian escapade, along with a united call […]

Many political and security analysts are not hesitant to criticise the domestic and international strategies of the Russian Federation, particularly in the last year. Although I am not arguing that the methods of the Kremlin have always resulted in the best course of action, there is a part of me that believes the contemporary ‘Russian […]

The votes have been counted; Britain is off to join another war in Iraq. Declared in 2001, the fact the ‘War on Terror’ is still raging is a telling sign that the tactics are not working. When two innocent British hostages are beheaded, and videos of their execution are distributed over the internet, it is […]

Kurdish protestors rallied across the world, from Britain to Iran, demanding more support for the militias fighting against the Islamic State (ISIS). Particularly in the besieged city of Kobane, on the Turkey-Syria border, where ISIS has attacked for over three weeks. At least 500 people have died in the conflict, which has brought Jihadism right […]

The United States should take this opportunity to reset relations with the Middle East’s main political player. Politics is a fickle game, especially when the United States is involved. Twelve years on from President Bush’s famous Axis of Evil speech, which condemned Iran as a supporter of terrorism, and the chief architect of their crippling […]

In wake of the recent announcement by Al-Qaeda chief, Ayman al Zawahiri, calling for an Islamist resurgence, India has become the organization’s newest target, but despite the fiery rhetoric, the futile attempt to influence and tap into India’s 175 million Muslim population for recruitment hasn’t in the slightest had the effect Ayman al Zawahiri was […]

Since the start of the Ukrainian crisis in November 2013, Western media and politicians have accused Russia in its role in the Ukrainian crisis, repeatedly claiming that Russia has acted aggressively without any provocation. Contrary to these statements, Russia has been a victim of regular provocations over the last few years. Despite these aggravations, Russia […]

RT’s political debate show CrossTalk invited Sir Tony Brenton, former British Ambassador to Russia; Alexander Clackson, founder of Global Political Insight; and Ben Aris, Editor of Business New Europe, to discuss whether the Minsk Accord ended the conflict in Ukraine? Or will another hot war in the breakaway regions flare up? Will President Poroshenko push for […]

Terrorism in itself is an invasive and feared act in the modern world. Throughout the evolution of terrorism, tactical innovations have been made by terrorist organizations to complete their goals more effectively. In recent years, terrorist organizations have shown interest in using weapons of mass destruction to incite fear in their adversaries, but the viability […]

Since 1979, relations between Iran and the US have been practically non-existent. Following the 1979 Revolution, all types of partnerships collapsed leading to Iran being one of the most ostracised countries in the international arena. However a combination of factors could now create the opportunity to end the four decade long feud. Preceding the Revolution, Iran and the […]

The morning of 14th September 2014 brought the anticipated yet chilling news that ISIS had executed their third Western prisoner since sweeping so abruptly from the splintered rebel-held territories of Syria into Northern Iraq and onto the global political stage. The death of David Haines – following that of James Foley and Steven Sotloff – […]

As the stand-off between Russia and the West continues, one organisation seems to be completely off the radar, and yet has managed to make great strides in its development and growth. This organisation is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), an intergovernmental group of Central Asian countries aiming to promote cooperation between its six member states:Russia, China, […]

Kurdistan is a roughly defined geo-cultural region, encompassing areas of Northern Iraq, South Turkey, West Iran, and East Syria. The Kurdish people are an ethnic group in the Middle East who inhabit the area Kurdistan. Kurdish settlements have been present in the area documenting back to the medieval period existing during the 16th to 19th […]

Due to the tragic Ebola outbreak in Western Africa Sierra Leone has found itself in International headlines for the first time since the end of its eleven year civil war in 2002. The Ebola outbreak of recent months has reignited international interest in the small West African country with reports focusing on the impact of […]

Ethnicity is defined as “The fact or state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition” (Oxford Dictionary Online). Ethnicity and its relationship to conflict are highly relevant in the modern strategic environment; in the post-Cold war international system cleavages along ethnically defined lines have been utilised as an […]