An Association Agreement with a state that may soon cease to exist?
Today EU leaders are back in Brussels. It is now fourteen days later. Russian forces are not only on the streets but Crimea has also been annexed. But the European…
Articles, Briefings and Essays
The views expressed in the articles are those of each respective author and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of the Foreign Policy Centre.
Balancing Ukraine
And yet, Kremlin policymakers should have known better; everyone in Moscow would have been well aware of the manifold splits and contradictions within Ukrainian society. In much simplified language: much…
FPC Briefing: Constructing Sectarianisms and Conflict in the Middle East
Dr Simon Mabon explores the geo-political competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran, looking at how this struggle impacts on local sectarian tensions in Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Lebanon.
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FPC Briefing: The path to inclusivity and stability in Kosovo
Gilberto Algar-Faria explores the current situation in Northern Kosovo where ethnic Serbs feel excluded from the state. He examines some of the available options to encourage stability and integration.
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China sticks to ‘red line’ in global climate talks while pursuing green transition at home
The conference saw significant agreements on a number of fronts. These included a long-awaited deal on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and an agreement to create a new mechanism…
Kant versus Machiavelli in Russia’s Near Abroad.
These events have largely confirmed previously stated suspicions on Russia’s intentions within the former Soviet Union: Moscow continues to view Europe’s Association Agreements within ‘its near abroad’ almost exclusively in…
FPC Briefing: Sri Lanka’s (geo)political quandary – Government, NPC and international community
As final preparations for the 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on 15th-17th November 2013 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, this FPC Briefing by Gilberto Algar-Faria examines the challenges Sri…
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FCO in focus
The BRICS and the Gulf states have been at the centre of FCO efforts, with concerns on human rights sometimes dialled back to promote business engagement and strategic collaboration, while…
FPC Briefing: The Resignation of Bidzina Ivanishvili and the Future of Georgian Politics
FPC Research Associate Alexander Jackson examines the background of Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s proposed resignation and explores what this might mean for the future of politics and civil society…
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Ethnic Tension Simmers in the Czech Republic
On 23 June a confrontation in a playground in the town’s Maj housing estate turned into an altercation amongst adults. Shortly after the incident a Facebook page protesting against ‘inadaptable…