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Leo Whicker is a History, Politics and Economics student. He has previously interned at Clarksons Research within the maritime infrastructure team. China’s “Maritime Silk Road” refers to Beijing’s extension of its renowned “Belt and Road initiative”(1). This article focuses on China’s Arctic ambitions, inclduing its “Ice Silk Road”. Polar Shipping Lanes offer substantially shorter maritime routes between South East Asia and Europe. Despite being geographically distant, China

Nabeeha is an International Relations graduate with First Class Honors. She is interested in climate policy, climate diplomacy, and sustainable development, building on her thesis comparing China and South Korea’s use of climate diplomacy as a tool of power. ( linkedin.com/in/nabeehawafa ) Introduction With global demand for critical minerals peaking in 2025, Pakistan's mines and minerals sector surged to the forefront of national ambition. The Special Investment Facilitation

Andrea Thordarson is a fourth-year International Social and Political Studies student. She completed a year abroad in Tokyo and is currently in her final year, focusing on her dissertation analysing U.S. foreign policy and authoritarianism in the Middle East. (zclmhor@ucl.ac.uk) Introduction From anti-Vietnam War protests, to the Civil Rights movement, right down to the Arab Spring - protests have always been a young person’s game [1]. While recent Gen Z protests around the w

Jagravi Singh is a third-year Politics and International Relations student at UCL. She previously lived in the major metropolises of India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Canada and has a keen interest in external affairs and event planning. (Email: jagravisingh19@gmail.com/Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jagravi-singh-2a90b4289) Introduction Over the past decade, India has expanded its diplomatic frontier in West Asia, especially within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, trans

Emira Shpati is an undergraduate student studying Politics, Sociology and East European studies, at UCL. For the several past decades, The USA established itself as a liberal and influential, western powerhouse and an ally to Europe. Yet, Trump’s return to power for his second term as President, has seen America become both a role-model for many far right-wing movements, whilst simultaneously becoming more isolated from its European allies, due to Trump’s hostile tariffs. Thi

Veronika Seredenko is a first year Philosophy, Politics and Economics student. (veronika.seredenko.25@ucl.ac.uk / www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-seredenko) Introduction Cyprus aims to join the Schengen Area in 2026 [1]. The country’s prospective accession is one of the most significant stages of its post-EU integration process. More than a question of border technicalities, Schengen membership is at the centre of mobility, security and political coordination and harmonisation w

Anika Samant is a first-year Bsc Politics and International Relations student. She is passionate about diplomatic relations and global affairs, with a particular interest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict (anika.samant.25@ucl.ac.uk). Details of the Plan On the 20th of November, 2025, a 28-point peace plan for a deal between Russia and Ukraine was made public by Axios, an American digital news outlet [2]. Reportedly, negotiator 'Steve Witkoff’ for the Trump administration formula

Lexy Reid INTRODUCTION The UK government’s stance on fossil fuel usage is remarkably lenient despite the severe climate crisis we face. Policies consistently undermine the net zero goal and exacerbate environmental damage, even when public opinion favours sustainability. This contradiction between the electorate’s desires and their representatives’ actions can be explained by the unchecked influence of the oil lobby. In his expose The Prostitute State (2014), McCarthy outline

Carlos Rangel is a final year Arts and Sciences student. He is especially interested in how international relations affect government policies. (uclqcer@ucl.ac.uk) Introduction Dubai chocolate has taken the world by storm in the past year, to the confusion of this writer. I’ve had people from Hong Kong to London to Vancouver ask me about it, given my four years living in Dubai. I had to admit I’d never heard of it prior to being asked about it for the first time in January 20

Hugo Murray is a second year Politics and International Relations. He is interested in political affairs regarding the Americas and is currently researching responses to climate-driven displacement at the Bentham Brooks Institute. Introduction Over 6 years ago, the Salvadoran people made an overwhelmingly decisive choice that would irrevocably change the direction of their country for good. Although the effects of such a decision are still up to debate - one thing was clear:

Isabella Knezevic is a final year Language & Culture student. Her studies and experience focus on advanced language studies, linguistics and international relations, with specialization in Eastern Europe and Spanish speaking countries. (www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-knezevic) Introduction Throughout history, diplomacy has been characterized by structured negotiation, confidentiality, and state-centric communication. However, with the rise of digital technologies, during the p

Hana Kameyama is a second-year Politics and International Relations student. Who is Sanae Takaichi? Sanae Takaichi, known for her background in taking on various ministerial roles, including the Minister of State for Economic Security, a TV host, and a drummer in a heavy metal band, was elected as the first woman to serve as Japan’s prime minister on the 21st of October, 2025. Expressing desires to become Japan’s Iron Lady, she is a hard-line conservative member of the Libera