Global Politics Today

Addressing some of the geopolitical issues confronting our world.

Tag: history

  • The Rise of Radicalism in Iran and the Role of the US and UK

    The Rise of Radicalism in Iran and the Role of the US and UK

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    SK Kuma
    in

    Understanding Iran’s current political landscape requires examining its past, particularly the pivotal 1953 coup that overthrew democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, facilitated by the US and UK. This event shifted Iran from a promising modernization path towards autocracy under Reza Pahlavi, resulting in longstanding anti-Western sentiments and oppression.

  • Reforming the United Nations Security Council: Steps Towards Relevance

    Reforming the United Nations Security Council: Steps Towards Relevance

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    SK Kuma
    in

    The United Nations Security Council’s structure, established in 1945, is outdated, lacking permanent representation for Africa, which contributes significantly to peacekeeping efforts. Despite the continent’s demographic weight and involvement in global peace missions, calls for reform and inclusion face resistance from existing powers. This undermines the Council’s legitimacy and effectiveness.

  • A New Scramble for Africa: China Leads the Way

    A New Scramble for Africa: China Leads the Way

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    by

    SK Kuma
    in

    Africa is experiencing a renewed scramble for its rich resources and economic opportunities, as global powers including China, the US, and the EU vie for access. With vital minerals like cobalt and lithium, and a significant share of arable land, Africa’s strategic importance is rising in global trade, raising questions about the continent’s future and…

  • South Africa and the United States: A Complicated Relationship

    South Africa and the United States: A Complicated Relationship

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    SK Kuma
    in

    South Africa and the United States share a complicated history marked by diverse political dynamics. During Apartheid, US policy fluctuated between condemnation and tacit support due to geopolitical tensions. Despite some trading ties under agreements like AGOA, current relations are strained over issues like land reform and racial perceptions, highlighting ongoing discord and mutual interests.

  • A Borderless Africa: The Pathway to the Future

    A Borderless Africa: The Pathway to the Future

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    SK Kuma
    in

    The concept of a borderless Africa, championed by Kwame Nkrumah, aims to foster regional integration, economic growth, and social cohesion across the continent. Despite ongoing fragmentation and challenges from colonial-era boundaries, a united Africa could create a single market, enhance trade, and address issues like youth unemployment, ultimately leading to prosperity and peace.

  • Africa’s growing population: An Asset or a Liability

    Africa’s growing population: An Asset or a Liability

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    by

    SK Kuma
    in

    Africa’s population is growing at a staggering rate. Currently, one in six people in the world live on the African continent. According to the United Nations, by the year 2050, Africa’s population is projected to balloon to 2.5 billion people. In other words, one in four people globally will live on the continent. While regions…

  • The Democratic Dividend in Africa

    The Democratic Dividend in Africa

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    SK Kuma
    in

    Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher expressed strong misgivings about democracy. He postulated that the framework of democracy was an inferior system of government that undoubtedly devolved into tyranny. A system of government characterized by unbridled pursuit of selfish interests and desires at the expense of the hoi polloi or masses. In other words, most people…

  • The Battle of the Nile River: Ethiopia Defies the Odds

    The Battle of the Nile River: Ethiopia Defies the Odds

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    SK Kuma
    in

    Ethiopia, a cradle of humanity with Africa’s second-most populous nation has a long and rich history. It starts with evidence of early human settlement dating back millions of years. The history evolves into major ancient kingdoms like the Axumite Empire. This empire became a powerful trading state and converted to Christianity in the 4th century…

  • The World’s First Climate Change Crisis

    The World’s First Climate Change Crisis

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    SK Kuma
    in

    To understand the future, investigate the past. To grasp the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan, one must look back in history. This crisis has been profoundly misunderstood. It is essential to consider the mid-1980s, before the violence between Africans and Arabs began to simmer. The fighting in Darfur is usually described as…

  • Red Storm Rising: China Makes Her Mark in Africa

    Red Storm Rising: China Makes Her Mark in Africa

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    SK Kuma
    in

    There appears to be an ongoing battle in Africa for a share of the continent’s rich mineral and natural resources. Global investment in Africa is at an all time high. This is mainly driven by the insatiable need for precious minerals, like rare earth elements or metals. Other important minerals, like gold, bauxite, and copper…