BBC: NATO mustn’t be naïve on Ukraine deployment
EPIS Geographic Working Groups
North America
Driving progress through strength and diversity
The Working Group North America focuses on North America’s global influence in defence, trade, and diplomacy. It analyses US foreign policy, NATO commitments, and regional security, assessing political developments and strategic partnerships. Monthly briefings provide objective analyses and visualisations of North America's impact on global stability and security frameworks.
Publications
Bukele's El Salvador
A role model for the wider conservative movement in the Americas?
How has President Bukele's approach to violent crime affected regional crime (and his popularity)? Despite criticism from human rights groups, homicides continue dropping, and Bukele's popularity is soaring. Bukele's "mano dura" approach to violent crime, immigration, and democracy is an inspiration to conservatives across the Americas.
Dark Wings over Democracy
How Pegasus Spyware Deepened Mexico's Democratic Crisis
Mexico's Attorney General is investigating former president Enrique Peña Nieto for accepting $25 million in bribes from Israeli businessmen for Pegasus spyware contracts.
Originally intended for criminal surveillance, Pegasus was widely abused in Mexico: agencies like the army used it to spy on journalists, activists, lawyers, and political opponents across multiple administrations.
Despite promises to reduce use, governance lapses persist, posing risks to democratic freedoms.
ICE-ing Out Immigration
An Analysis of the Trump Administration’s Immigration Policies
Trump’s second-term immigration policies reflect intensified enforcement, provoked legal challenges, and spurned debates over constitutional and civil rights
Increased deportations have had severe domestic consequences, provoking widespread protests, state defiance, and raising alarm in US immigrant communities
Regional impacts have been felt on neighbouring countries like Canada, Mexico, and El Salvador while globally, other nations are raising awareness about the US’ hardline policies
Banking on Diplomacy
The Future of Canadian Foreign Policy
. Main question: How is Canada reshaping its foreign policy in the aftermath of Mark Carney's election? 2. Argument: Facing deteriorating ties with the US, rising Indo-Pacific opportunities, and a deepening partnership with the EU, Carney is steering Canada towards a diversified, values-based, and resilient international strategy. 3. Conclusion: By asserting sovereignty and building global alliances, Canada is shifting from a passive ally to a proactive diplomatic actor.
The U.S New Oil Drilling Policies
Domestic and Global Consequences
How will Biden's offshore oil drilling ban affect U.S. energy policy and global relations?Biden's ban seeks to protect ecosystems and combat climate change but could weaken U.S. energy control, potentially leading to greater reliance on oil imports and altering global energy geopolitics.The ban represents a commitment to environmental leadership but risks diminishing U.S. influence in global energy markets, prompting a reassessment of strategic positions, especially in regions like the Arctic.
A Return to Coal?
Implications for energy security and the environment
Trump is trying to reinvigorate American coal production; what are the security implications? Coal (and energy production generally) has realist dimensions, is necessary for mass-producing steel, and plays into politics domestic & international. Dirty energy, and diverse energy sources, are a hedge against a liberal, trust-based order in favor of more immediate benefits.
Cuba at Crossroads
An Economic Crisis From a Geopolitical Perspective
How does the current economic crisis affect the international relations of Cuba? The Cuban regime is facing a major crisis that could potentially undermine its grip on the island. Cuba needs to rely on foreign powers such as Russia to maintain the status quo.
