Articles tagged with International Relations
A new series published in The BMJ highlights the role of the arms industry in perpetuating conflict, injuries, and death, and argues that it should be seen as a commercial determinant of health. Health professionals are urged to advocate for a reorientation away from profit-driven design and deployment towards global priorities of heal...
A former diplomat warns that algorithms lack empathy and intuition, which are essential for successful negotiations. However, AI can streamline diplomacy and amplify human aspirations when used carefully. Diplomats need training in AI ethics and global cooperation to ensure equal access and deployment.
A new study says the international community must reverse cuts to Rohingya humanitarian aid and work with Dhaka authorities to improve conditions in refugee camps. The research emphasizes that both options – returning to Myanmar or remaining in camps – amount to social death, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics monitors the effects of plastic pollution on human health, citing $1.5 trillion in annual economic losses. Researchers track the life cycle of plastics to identify key drivers of harm, including production, use, and disposal.
The Taliban has chosen to maintain a delicate balance with local violent jihadi groups, prioritizing economic links and old ties over direct confrontation. This cooperation has significant security implications for the region and beyond.
A study from the University of Otago found that 51 deceased leaders of nuclear-armed countries had multiple serious health issues while in office, including dementia, personality disorders, and depression. This raises concerns over their decision-making abilities while they had access to nuclear weapon launch codes.
A new study by Tel Aviv University's Moshe Dayan Center finds that 73.2% of Israel's Arab citizens support the inclusion of an Arab party in the government after elections, leading to a potential increase in voter turnout. This optimism is seen amidst low mood in Arab communities due to recent conflicts and violence.
Researchers argue that boosting entrepreneurship is counterproductive to Africa's economic development due to a lack of large firms. The study suggests that focusing on building large firms and adopting strategies from East Asia's successful growth models could be more effective.
A new global report highlights concerns about the state of democracy, with major democracies like the UK and US experiencing declines in electoral quality. Iceland tops the leader board for democracy, but experts warn that countries like Mexico, Indonesia and Russia are struggling with election integrity.
The BfR Summer Academy, an international event, brings together 23 participants from 17 countries to discuss food safety and risk assessment. Participants learn about the legal and institutional background of food safety in Germany and Europe.
A new study found that extreme weather events worsen resource insecurities and increase risks of sexual and gender-based violence, transactional sex, and menstruation insecurity among refugee youth in Uganda. Climate-related pressures push young women into early marriage and transactional sex to access food.
Researchers found that partial peace agreements play an important role in building trust and strengthening relationships between negotiators. These agreements offer strategic advantages, including consolidating incremental progress, serving as metrics, testing measures, and signaling a larger commitment to the peace process.
The G7 science academies have published the Ottawa Declaration, stressing the importance of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The declaration also highlights the need for research security and responsible conduct of research to support the public good.
A new study by TUM reveals that African green hydrogen production is much more costly than previously assumed, with only 2% of investigated locations being competitive. To make exports to Europe viable, governments and policymakers must provide price and offtake guarantees.
The University of Exeter has unveiled a new Handbook providing practical guidance for states to develop or review their national positions on international law and cyber activities. The 176-page guide offers concrete and accessible steps for government lawyers, policy officials, academics, and experts in this rapidly evolving field.
A new study reveals that Israel's 2005 Gaza Disengagement Plan was a product of coordination between Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and international stakeholders. The plan, which was presented as unilateral, actually involved extensive negotiations behind the scenes.
A new study by the University of Toronto finds Afghans' life satisfaction and hope at an all-time, global low. The research highlights profound distress and despair within the country due to structural factors like war and political unrest.
The Labour History Research Unit is hosting a conference to examine the UK government's record under Sir Keir Starmer. High-profile speakers will discuss various aspects of the current Labour government, including its handling of the economy and Ukraine crisis. The event aims to develop an academic study on the Starmer government.
A unique database of 3,500 global economic elite individuals from 16 countries provides insights into their demographics, education, and influence on economies. The World Elite Database sheds light on the power dynamics of the world's wealthiest individuals and those with regulatory power.
A study by Incheon National University researchers reveals how audience costs impact US allies' foreign policy decisions, with prevailing pro-US sentiment enhancing credibility of alignment commitments. The study found that citizens who lean towards China tolerate or even reward alignment reversals.
Recent research from the University of Amsterdam found that COVID-19 border closures briefly undermined trust in the EU and increased hostility toward immigrants. Attitudes toward immigrants dropped sharply, but returned to previous levels within a few weeks.
A new international study reveals that cultural and family influences shape body image differently across societies. Middle-Eastern women reported stronger body appreciation compared to their Western counterparts, potentially reflecting cultural values and close relationships that promote self-acceptance.
A mysterious parasite is devastating fish farms globally, causing £50 million in losses annually. Researchers have discovered a new gene regulation process that could lead to the development of gene-based vaccines.
Researchers evaluated different types of Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) scores among US trauma center patients. They found that GOSE-All scores capture the combined effect of brain and extracranial injuries, while GOSE-TBI scores exclude extracranial injury effects.
A new book examines the complexities of British-Irish relationships, exploring novel concepts to navigate national identities, cohesion, and fragmentation. The research aims to strengthen existing partnerships and build new ones as the two islands' political futures become increasingly entangled.
A study found that respondents who received information about democratic backsliding in the US had a less favorable view, but policy support remained unchanged. The research team also discovered that an economic downturn did not influence global public opinion, highlighting the complexities of soft power and US foreign policy.
Researchers developed a new viscoelastic model of enzymes, elucidating the intertwined effects of elastic forces and friction forces on enzyme function. This breakthrough allows proteins to be perceived as soft robots or programmable active matter, revolutionizing our understanding of enzymatic catalysis.
A new paper by Laura Gamboa analyzes Venezuela's 25-year evolution, highlighting the importance of leveraging institutional spaces during democratic erasure. The study shows that using both radical strategies and institutional tactics can be effective in resisting authoritarian regimes.
A study by Prof. Dr. Heinz Welsch found that countries with higher per-capita income and emissions levels pursue more ambitious climate targets, but their populations are less willing to contribute to climate change mitigation. The study also found a correlation between the discrepancy and lower satisfaction with democracy.
A new study found that EU citizens' trust in the European Union has not increased as hoped after past crises. The research highlights growing discontent among citizens and points to factors such as economic upheaval, political strife, and emotional attachment to the EU as contributing to this crisis of confidence.
A new study from Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute found that reducing violent crime in El Salvador significantly decreased Central American emigration to the US. Homicide rates dropped by 87% after President Nayib Bukele implemented a crackdown, resulting in a 45-67% reduction in border apprehensions.
Bettina Rockenbach takes over as President of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, promising to continue the academy's science-based advisory work. She aims to provide anticipative advice on looming crises and reinforce her focus on interdisciplinary scientific endeavours.
The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies takes a holistic look at the position, its holders and their impact on the country. The book analyzes first ladies through various lenses, shedding light on often-overlooked details and their roles in shaping American history.
A study of over 57,000 people from 65 countries found that the Satisfaction With Life Scale generally holds up well when applied to diverse groups. The scale identified common themes in life satisfaction, including financial security and relationships, across nations and age groups.
A 2022 survey of Palestinians and Israelis identified 55 mutually preferable peace agreements to the status quo, highlighting areas of potential agreement. Women and older respondents showed a greater willingness to compromise than men and younger respondents, emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The Nick Cobb Memorial Scholarship honors an exemplary graduate student in the field of lithography. Clay Klein, a PhD candidate at JILA and the University of Colorado, Boulder, will receive the $10,000 award for his research on EUV scatterometry and its applications.
Marie Bo&r's $875,000 grant will fund her project to learn more about partons from an experimental and phenomenological point of view. Her goal is to understand the static and dynamic properties of quarks when confined in a nucleon, with potential implications for the study of radioactivity.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has joined a two-day meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to review updated NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for the MENA region. The guidelines provide evidence-based expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care, tailored for uniq...
A new study examines legislation and conservation efforts in the Mediterranean region to protect over 80 shark and ray species. The research reveals substantial differences in countries' efforts, with European Union countries leading implementation of measures.
The Arkansas Clean Plant Center is leading a global effort to remove over 120 'phantom agents' from pathogen regulatory lists. These outdated agents impede access to clean plant materials, hindering crop production and food security. The center's efforts aim to streamline global germplasm exchange using modern molecular techniques.
A new model for treating loneliness in borderline personality disorder suggests extending treatment beyond therapeutic relationships to foster social connections with others. This approach aims to provide patients with a sense of self and improve functional roles, promoting overall well-being.
A new study analyzing 192 years of alliances, hostilities, and neutrality found that neutral ties were more prevalent than previously thought, playing a crucial role in global stability. The research introduces a new measure of relational structure called 'balance correlations,' which has profound implications for policymakers.
Researchers discover surface chemistry unlike other centaurs on Chiron, with carbon dioxide and methane gases in its coma. The findings provide insight into the creation of our Solar System's origins and the unique processes producing Chiron's surface composition.
New research from Lancaster University highlights the devastating impact of the UK's unprecedented use of citizenship stripping on British children trapped in dire camps in North-East Syria. The study calls for a children's right approach to repatriation decision-making to ensure safe return and family reunification.
A new paper reveals widespread transnational human rights violations (THRVs) due to repressive states' intensifying tactics. The authors urge the establishment of 'Transnational Rights Protection Offices' to provide support and guidance for individuals affected by these actions.
A ground-breaking study found that war exposure causes adverse biological changes in children's DNA, leading to lifelong health impacts. The study discovered unique epigenetic responses to trauma, highlighting the need for further research into the long-term effects of war on children's development.
A new book by Dr Merten Reglitz proposes a human right to free internet access, including protections against government censorship and surveillance. The research argues that governments should provide guaranteed access to the internet with sufficient quality to meet basic human rights needs.
A clinical trial found that combining two commonly recommended medications into a single pill lowered blood pressure and was safe among Indian adults. The study's results have significant meaning for South Asian adults, including those living in the US.
The international SUMMIT trial found tirzepatide lowered the risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death in obese adults with preserved ejection fraction. Participants experienced improved health status, physical function, and exercise tolerance compared to placebo.
The researchers found that while there are more crisis events, they tend to occur in clusters rather than being evenly spread out over time. Crisis rhetoric is used much more frequently than before, but not all of it leads to noticeable news waves.
Researchers found that windfall profits from oil and gas companies in 2022 would be enough to cover climate payments for nearly five years. Governments can redistribute these excess profits to fight the climate crisis, with a tax on windfall profits being a proposed solution.
Professor Yasmine Belkaid joins France's 'MAKE IT ICONIC. Choose France' campaign to promote the country's scientific excellence and innovation. As President of Institut Pasteur, she champions open and inclusive science, highlighting its impact on global medical research.
A pilot randomized controlled trial found that telephone-delivered therapy reduced mental health symptoms and improved treatment completion rates among refugee children. The adapted programme, called t-CETA, was delivered by local trained lay counsellors and showed significant benefits compared to in-person treatment.
A study found that speakers smiled more when listeners smiled more, especially in same-sex conversations. Smile synchronization is essential in creating social bonds and fostering positive feelings.
A study analyzing 1.6 million social media posts found that Ukrainian solidarity posts received significantly more online engagement than derogatory posts about Russia. After the invasion, posts celebrating unity gained a 92% increase on Facebook and a 68% increase on Twitter.
A recent study published in PNAS explores how plants combine clock signals with environmental cues under naturally fluctuating conditions. The research team developed statistical models that accurately predict gene expression activity under control of circadian clock responses to environmental signals.
The African American Transplant Access Program aims to mitigate disparities in solid organ transplantation, while a physician-created platform speeds clinical decision-making. NEJM Catalyst also explores quality and safety improvement through longitudinal care management for diabetes and hypertension.
Researchers have identified a metal deficiency in SOD1 protein associated with motor neurone disease using native ambient mass spectrometry imaging. This breakthrough could lead to new insights and treatments for the disease, which affects around 5,000 people in the UK.
A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.
A recent study by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen found that highlighting Zelensky's warmth, morality, and communal traits boosts global empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainians. The research aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion.