How can the contemporary international order be characterised as an oligopolistic global system, and what are the structural, economic, and political implications of concentrated power among a limited number of dominant states or actors for global governance, economic interdependence, and the normative foundations of international relations?

The contemporary international order, when conceptualised through the lens of political economy and structural theories of international relations, can be aptly described as an oligopolistic global system. This characterization draws from the economic notion of oligopoly—a market structure where a few dominant actors hold disproportionate influence over outcomes—and transposes it onto the domain of global … Continue reading How can the contemporary international order be characterised as an oligopolistic global system, and what are the structural, economic, and political implications of concentrated power among a limited number of dominant states or actors for global governance, economic interdependence, and the normative foundations of international relations?

Assess how the shifting global order and ongoing regional conflicts, with major powers taking opposing sides, have undermined the progress made towards disarmament.

The Impact of the Changing Global Order and Regional Conflicts on Disarmament Efforts Introduction The post-Cold War era was marked by significant progress in global disarmament, driven by optimism about the ‘end of history’ and the promise of a stable, unipolar world order. Initiatives such as the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the Chemical Weapons … Continue reading Assess how the shifting global order and ongoing regional conflicts, with major powers taking opposing sides, have undermined the progress made towards disarmament.

The Expansionist Tendencies of the Current Russian Regime and the Vision of a ‘Greater Russia’ Introduction The resurgence of Russian assertiveness on the global stage, particularly since the early 2000s, has sparked widespread debate among scholars and policymakers regarding the geopolitical ambitions of the Kremlin. Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, Russia has pursued a … Continue reading Assess whether the expansionist actions of the current Russian regime reflect ambitions for a ‘Greater Russia’ reminiscent of the Soviet era.