Politics

Iraq’s Political Evolution: Building Institutional Strength

Iraq's political system continues to navigate the complex transition from conflict-affected governance toward institutionalised democratic structures. The country's legislative framework, executive institutions, and electoral mechanisms remain central to understanding how Iraq addresses governance...

How the Iran war could create a ‘fertiliser shock’ – an often ignored global risk to food prices and farming

Nima Shokri, United Nations University and Salome M. S. Shokri-Kuehni, United Nations University; Technical University of Hamburg Tehran is moving to restrict – or effectively close – the strait of Hormuz to shipping, as...

‘Destruction is not the same as political success’: US bombing of Iran shows little evidence of endgame strategy

Politics
Farah N. Jan, University of Pennsylvania Shortly after the opening salvo of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026 – with missiles targeting cities across the country, some of which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – President Donald Trump declared the objective was to destroy Iran’s military capabilities and give rise to a change in government. Framing the operation as a war of liberation, Trump called on Iranians to “take over your government.” In the first days alone, Israel dropped over 2,000 bombs on Iranian targets, equal to half the tonnage of the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025. Heavy U.S. bombing, meanwhile, has targeted Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as well...

British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus: Strategic Anchors for Regional Stability

The United Kingdom maintains two sovereign base areas on the island of Cyprus—Akrotiri and Dhekelia—representing a distinctive form of British territory with deep historical...

Gulf States Accelerate Sovereign Wealth Fund Diversification Into Green Infrastructure

Politics
Sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait have collectively committed over...

Israel’s Political System: Structure, Evolution, and Regional Dynamics

Israel operates as a parliamentary democracy with a complex political system shaped by coalition-building, proportional representation, and deeply rooted constitutional traditions. The country's political landscape reflects ongoing tensions between national security concerns, social...

Cyprus: Strategic Crossroads in Eastern Mediterranean Politics

Cyprus occupies a distinctive geopolitical position in Eastern Mediterranean affairs, serving as a meeting point between European Union structures and Middle Eastern regional dynamics. The island nation's political landscape reflects broader tensions around...

Iraq’s Political Evolution: Building Institutional Strength

Iraq's political system continues to navigate the complex transition from conflict-affected governance toward institutionalised democratic structures. The country's legislative...