Posts by Brian Duffy
Celebrating 10 years of YPFP Brussels
Since our launch in 2008, the Brussels branch of Young Professionals in Foreign Policy has welcomed thousands of members to hundreds of events, organised by many talented volunteers. Whether it be our Ambassador Series or pub quizzes, we are extremely proud of everything we have achieved in ten years, and look forward to many more…
Read MoreThe More Politics Change in Zimbabwe, the More They Stay the Same
By Bart Connolly The July 30 elections had the potential to mark a pivotal change in Zimbabwe’s trajectory. While there were some surprises around the election in Harare, it seems the new Zimbabwe is much like the old. Leading up to the polls Emmerson Mnangagwa, the interim president finishing the term of ousted leader…
Read MoreSay hello to your YPFP Summer Reading List!
In addition to your sunglasses, comfy clothes and cheerful mood, do not forget to take with you a few stimulating online readings from the YPFP Summer Reading List. It will be the perfect combination for a beautiful day outdoors while reading exciting pieces picked by YPFP members and staff. Check out our five selections for…
Read MoreDigging Up Diplomacy: The Salwa Canal and the Saudi-Qatar Stalemate
This article was originally posted in Political Insights. BY SOPHIE OLVER-ELLIS With the Saudi led blockade against Qatar entering its second year, the socio-political and economic stalemate looks set to become more complex. Dr. Sophie Olver-Ellis reflects on the effect of the construction of the Salwa Canal on Qatar and Saudi Arabia. With the…
Read MoreJapan: The Sleeping, Shrinking Dragon
By Matthew Edwin Carpenter In the face of shifting domestic culture, a shrinking population, and an untested alliance with the United States, Japan is increasingly taking its security into its own hands. East Asia’s security environment is in flux. The rise of China and the apparent retreat of American leadership are destabilizing the…
Read MoreYPFP Brussels Presents: Tom Van Rooy, Director of Programmes
YPFP Brussels’ Communications and Marketing team is pleased to introduce our latest initiative, YPFP Brussels Presents, which showcases the array of talent our organisation has working behind the scenes to make our organisation a success. Each interview will focus on one staff member revealing what they do for YPFP, what brings them to Brussels and…
Read MoreThe US, Europe, and the Erosion of Liberal Democracy
By Colin Wolfgang In an impromptu press conference held following the NATO summit, President Trump announced that NATO members had agreed to an increase in defense spending, up to 4 percent of GDP. Over the next several hours, NATO aides told reporters that this was false before French President Macron said on the record at…
Read MoreYPFP Member of the Month – July 2018: Kenneth Lasoen
YPFP is thrilled to present Kenneth Lasoen as the newest Member of the Month for July! A leading expert in the field of security, Kenneth recently joined the EU political scene as Adviser on National Security with Belgium’s Flemish social democrats (sp.a). He is also involved in academia currently pursuing a PhD in History at Ghent University on…
Read MoreThe Supremacy of the Strait
By James Lewis Efforts to mitigate the importance of the world’s most important seaway have floundered, and it continues to be a serious military concern. However, it is unlikely to spark a conflict itself. Separating the island of Sumatra and the Asian mainland is a narrow stretch of ocean so shallow in parts…
Read MoreTime Is Running Out For Venezuela
By Claudia A. Gonzalez Nicolas Maduro’s re-election as Venezuela’s President brings with it a bleak outlook for the country but with it comes the opportunity for the international community to take action. Claudia A. Gonzalez explains how. A little over a month has gone by since Nicolas Maduro granted himself a new victory in Venezuela,…
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