In a rapidly changing world, middle powers with no obvious role to play on the global stage have the difficult task to read the international environment in order to formulate and implement a coherent and possibly effective foreign policy. In order to do so, decision makers either reproduce old ideas or develop new ones. Considering the ideas put forward in their inaugural speeches by Prime Ministers and Foreign Affairs Ministers in office after 2001, we suggest that Italy’s institutional actors appear to be aware of the changes occurred in the international system after 1989, and in particular after 9/11.
For years, most of Myanmar’s ethnic minorities, including the Kachin, have put their faith in Aung San Suu Kyi to reconcile the country. Her landslide victory in the country’s historic 2015 elections, was not least secured through the support from ethnic minority voters. As armed conflict has continued and even intensied since Aung San Suu Kyi’s rise to power, many of these erstwhile supporters feel betrayed.
Among the violent events that have affected – and unfortunately still affect – Uganda, a prominent place is undoubtedly occupied by the insurgency in the northern regions, the key figure of which is the infamous Joseph Kony. Less well known, also due to lower levels of violence, are the vicissitudes affecting the western portion of the country, in particular the region called Rwenzori.
In an effort to foster inclusiveness in the workplace for people with disabilities, a group of Chinese NGOs call for greater government support. Individual awareness and commitment to the cause, however, may prove to be just as essential.
The seemingly never-ending flow of real estate purchases made by wealthy Chinese in premium locations, and the overseas investments in infrastructure made by Chinese firms and funds have something in common.
While they are the effects of issues troubling the Chinese economy, they are also causes of the distortions currently affecting
developed economies.
