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China Attempts to Save Face at UN Human Rights Council

China Attempts to Save Face at UN Human Rights Council

China tried to save face last week, by lashing out at those critical of its human rights record during a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council.

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North Korea’s Impasse Highlights Northeastern Asia’s Fragile Peace

North Korea’s Impasse Highlights Northeastern Asia’s Fragile Peace

The erratic behavior of the Kim dynasty has long enraged and exasperated both its enemies and allies, though larger states have certainly used North Korea’s existence as a fig leaf for moves of their own.

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How to Avoid Millions of Citizens Demanding your Impeachment

How to Avoid Millions of Citizens Demanding your Impeachment

One of the most basic forms of democratic engagement besides voting comes from mass peaceful protests. Indeed, it is difficult to ignore millions of people demanding the end of your political career.

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Why is the Internet not Fostering China’s Democratization?

Why is the Internet not Fostering China’s Democratization?

In the past, scholars tended to believe that the internet was an effective tool to challenge authoritarian regimes and facilitate the development of civil society. However, as an expert that has been investigating the issue for a number of years, I disagree with this widely held belief.

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Risky Business: Pyongyang’s Dangerous Gamble

Risky Business: Pyongyang’s Dangerous Gamble

After protracted negotiations, China has finally withdrawn its opposition, joining in the UN Security Council’s unanimous decision to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea in response to its recent nuclear and ballistic missile test.

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International Humanitarian Law and Counterterrorism: Turkey and the PKK

International Humanitarian Law and Counterterrorism: Turkey and the PKK

The indiscriminate killing of civilians in order to fight terrorism is unlawful. Moreover, the state’s brutal response has actually led to an increase in the number of terrorist attacks.

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The Islamic State in Libya

The Islamic State in Libya

ISIS’ growing activity has caught the attention of U.S. officials who see no other option than to address the Islamic State threat in Libya with military action.

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U.S. Show of Force in the South China Sea

U.S. Show of Force in the South China Sea

In a show of counterforce, the U.S. has sailed an aircraft carrier, two destroyers, two cruisers, and the command ship of the Japan-based 7th Fleet into the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

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U.S. Presidential Candidates are Wrong on the TPP

U.S. Presidential Candidates are Wrong on the TPP

The Trans-Pacific Partnership, put together at the end of last year and signed at the beginning of last month, has not come into effect yet. Nonetheless, presidential candidates have spared no effort decrying it, turning the issue into a political piñata used to score points.

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Saudi Arabia’s Dangerous Gambit in Lebanon

Saudi Arabia’s Dangerous Gambit in Lebanon

Saudi Arabia’s decision to suspend $4 billion in military aid to Lebanon is the latest example of a meddlesome foreign power attempting to undermine Lebanese sovereignty to advance its own political agenda.

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Assessing the Risk of an ISIS “Dirty Bomb”

Assessing the Risk of an ISIS “Dirty Bomb”

ISIS’ potential acquisition of radioactive material puts forward a scenario in which the extremist group may try to produce and use a “dirty bomb”.

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The Twilight of President Park’s Trustpolitik

The Twilight of President Park’s Trustpolitik

During her recent address to the National Assembly, President Park stressed her intention to adopt a more assertive strategy toward the North Korean regime.

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“China Seeks Hegemony in East Asia”

“China Seeks Hegemony in East Asia”

In an appearance on Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command stated: “I believe China seeks hegemony in East Asia.”

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Closing Kaesong: Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Closing Kaesong: Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

On February 10, 2016, South Korea decided to shut down the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC). Seoul’s decision followed North Korea’s alleged hydrogen bomb test on January 6 and its long-range missile launch one month later.

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Argentina’s U-Turn Faces Challenges Ahead

Argentina’s U-Turn Faces Challenges Ahead

Argentina’s economic policy change has been in line with market expectations so far. However, the country will not be able to avoid the adjustment process resulting from Macri’s aggressive reform agenda.

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