2025

Political unrest can have profound impacts on individuals, communities and societies. It can lead to loss of life, physical and psychological trauma, displacement, disruption of economic activities and the erosion of trust in institutions. The long-term impact can also undermine political stability and development, contribute to social instability and increase the risk of humanitarian crises. […]

When democracies’ institutions of representation ossify and leaders seem out of touch with citizens, people may seek authoritarian alternatives that promise to directly solve their problems. This is the recipe for populist authoritarianism, such as that practiced by Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey and Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Such forms of rule typically erode democracy […]

Economic sanctions are a powerful tool that can be used to punish states for violations of international norms such as human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, territorial aggression, and cyber activity that threatens democratic elections. They can also act as a deterrent, letting other countries know that they will be punished for violating norms the sanctioning […]

Global security is an essential concept that covers a broad range of issues. It includes everything from combating illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction to promoting democracy, human rights, and economic development in conflict-prone regions. It also encompasses tackling climate change, reducing food insecurity, protecting endangered species, and fighting deadly pandemics that ravage entire […]

A Border dispute happens when two or more countries or regions can’t agree on exactly where their border is. They may also disagree about the land or resources found in those areas, leading to serious arguments and sometimes even Wars. The famous example of this is the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, […]

Economic inequality is the unequal distribution of income (earnings) and wealth (net worth or savings) in a society. It is a critical issue, with dangerous ramifications for societies that are becoming more divided. Economic inequality is often viewed as the result of globalization and technological change, but policies can influence these forces. For example, automation […]

The study of international relations is a multidisciplinary field, encompassing areas such as political science, geography, history, economics and law. It’s also a subject that often intersects with a range of other disciplines, including sociology, philosophy and psychology. IE’s masters in international relations offers you the chance to become a professional in the field, and […]

Insurgency group is a social movement that uses violence to challenge a state or its institutions. Unlike the more common guerilla groups, which are usually small and focused on local objectives, insurgents seek wider political change. They often adopt a broad ideological framework to attract potential recruits, but they also adapt their strategy over time […]

Election interference is a global phenomenon, and it has only intensified as the internet makes it easier to spread disinformation and information campaigns. The problem has also become more complex and sophisticated as generative AI enables attackers to manipulate online conversations in ways that are harder to detect (Sydell, 2024). Whether from domestic or foreign […]

A currency devaluation is a decrease in the value of a country’s home currency compared to the values of foreign currencies. This change can have many financial impacts on individuals and businesses. It can make goods and services from a country less expensive on the global market, while making imports more expensive. Countries can devalue […]