The West and Middle East have failed to fully recognise the threat of Islamic State THE appalling decapitation of American journalist James Foley, apparently by a British member of the Islamic State (IS), is a shocking development in an already tragic conflict. Although IS has long favoured this method of murder, it is the fact that a British man seems to be responsible that is especially difficult to swallow. How [...]
Does today’s geopolitical landscape share parallels with the run-up to the First World War? Michael Stephens, deputy director of RUSI Qatar, says Yes. The First and Second World Wars forced the creation of global institutions designed to stop states from disregarding international security norms. Nevertheless, the world of 2014 is a grim place, with international tensions close to boiling point. As the United States retreats from its hegemonic role, [...]
