The Changing World Order: Is U.S. Global Dominance Declining?

For much of the post-World War II era, the United States has held the reins of global leadership, wielding unparalleled influence economically, militarily, and culturally. From crafting the architecture of the international order to projecting power through alliances like NATO and institutions like the UN, the U.S. has long been the center of gravity in global affairs. But in recent decades that dominance is increasingly being called into question. Are we witnessing the twilight of U.S. global supremacy?

Untangling the West from the Middle East

For decades, the West’s entanglement in the Middle East has been driven by a potent combination of strategic interests, geopolitical competition, and most of all, oil. Despite the global energy transition and the West’s growing investments in renewables, the Middle East still plays a pivotal role in shaping global oil markets. As a result, the region remains a cornerstone of Western foreign policy, whether for economic stability or security alliances.

The Problem with Using Tariffs to Reduce the Trade Deficit

In recent years, tariffs have re-emerged as a popular tool among policymakers aiming to reduce trade deficits. The logic seems straightforward: make imported goods more expensive, shift consumption to domestic products, and thereby narrow the gap between imports and exports. While this approach may offer a short-term improvement in the trade balance, it is ultimately a superficial fix that fails to address the deeper, structural issues at play. Worse still, it risks damaging international relationships and long-term economic health.

Should Turkey Join the European Union?

For decades negotiations have been ongoing on Turkey eventually joining the European Union if and when it ever does. The reasons it has taken so long are complex but fundamental.

Russia, the Winter Olympics and the Boycott Debate

The winter Olympic Games are now upon us, but up until now the talk has been about boycotts, protests and gay rights. The question is, should we, the international community, have boycotted the games and what impact would it have had?

Surveillance: Security vs. Liberty

Over recent months, with the Edward Snowden leaks, we have seen the extent of surveillance by various security and intelligence agencies. This raises vital questions in relation to individual liberty and the need to maintain collective security.

To an icon of our time; thank you

Dignity, humility, strength and the drive for freedom for all, attributes that will always be associated with Nelson Mandela.

Britain, Syria and that Parliamentary Vote

My Views

At this point the world, including Russia and the Syrian government, has come to accept and admit that chemical weapons were used within Syria, it is simply a question of who used them. Many in the west believe that only the Assad regime had the capability and willingness to carry out such a large scale chemical attack and I agree with this. However, I wouldn't rule out the opposition making small scale attacks seem to be carried out by the regime in order to garner support from the international community.

America, Europe and Britain’s Place in the World

The world has always been ever changing place and in the modern era, that change ever more fluid and stark. A few years ago, who could have foreseen the events of the Arab Spring or the current situation regarding Edward Snowden (former contractor to the NSA)? As such, all countries including the likes of the UK need to re-evaluate their positions and their perceived place in the world.