Features

Exploring the intricate relationship between peace and war reveals their definitions, manifestations, and implications. It discusses the transient nature of peace and the evolving forms and motivations of war, such as during the Syrian Civil War. The pursuit of peace is paved by the need for genuine desire and trust among conflicting parties – the delicate global balance between peace and war requires ongoing diplomatic efforts and international cooperation.

Israel’s current war in Gaza has left many bewildered, with more than 29,000 casualties, crimes under international law plaguing both sides, and no end in sight. In this state of confusion, a look back into how everything came to be, and where the convictions of the Israeli and Palestinian people, may help make sense of it all.

After all, what better way is there to create a better future than by understanding the past?

In the current landscape, there is a prevailing norm urging individuals to take action on global issues, from humanitarian crises to wealth inequality. But how effective is this current approach? For individual action to yield results, the solution may lie with collective activism, where the individual takes on a new role — one that is revitalised and realising of their potential.

In the ever-shifting landscape of international relations, North Korea’s foray into satellite capabilities has thrust the world into a realm of uncertainty. From allegations of espionage to geopolitical manoeuvres, the launch of its first spy satellite last year has set the stage for a complex dance of power dynamics. As the global community grapples with the implications, the balance of power teeters, and alliances take unexpected turns. In this article, we dissect the multifaceted consequences of North Korea’s surveillance capabilities, delving into the geopolitical intricacies that could reshape the world order.

The coup that took the West completely by surprise: with over hundreds of millions of dollars in aid invested and thousands of military personnel from the USA, France and the EU deployed, American diplomats had described Niger as “imperfect”, but “more stable than others in the region”.
Mere hours after that statement, the Nigerien presidential guard would overthrow democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. This may just be the coup that tips West Africa into war and cements the Sahel region’s epithet — the ‘Coup Belt’. What does this mean for Niger? How did the West get blindsided? But more importantly, what insights have the coup revealed about the importance of nation-building, and the failure of international relations? The IAS Gazette finds out.

Influencers and celebrities play a significant role in shaping our ideas of beauty, with K-pop idols, lifestyle and beauty brands associating with these figures to appeal to consumers. Beauty filters and edited images on social media have become potent tools for shaping contemporary beauty standards, with trending filters coaxing users to follow the trend portraying an unrealistic social reality, leading to a low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, costing society about $800 billion annually. To keep up with the latest trends, cosmetic surgery has become increasingly popular among the younger generations, with many turning to these procedures to align with perceived beauty standards. Is our pursuit of ideals simply a result of the social reality we exist in?

Africa’s rise as a global superpower raises real concerns.

Its economic rise, while admirable, denotes a potential shift in the global power balance, with several geopolitical implications. 

As the rich continent plays a wider global role, ensuring regional stability, supporting good governance, and improving conflict resolution processes become increasingly important. How can Africa’s rise thus be achieved in a way that encourages stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity for the region and the globe? Africa may need to proactively address its challenges through collaborative efforts, inclusive governance, and equitable resource management.