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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

Keefer Ho On November 4, 2025, voters in California overwhelmingly approved legislation in a 64.4% to 35.6% vote, authorizing the use of a newly drawn congressional map until 2030 [1]. This map would heavily favour Democratic candidates. The amendment known as Prop 50 was introduced in response to redistricting attempts in Texas – under the direction of the Trump administration – that aimed to give Texas Republicans 5 additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. In

Sophia Halib 2:51 p.m. Wang Cheng House, Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po District. A building was still under renovation when the fire broke out. Within minutes, flames surged upward, leaping across scaffolding and engulfing neighbouring blocks. Wang Tai House. Wang Shing House. By the time the fire was brought under control, 83 people were dead. Another 279 were missing. When recent fires tore through residential buildings in Hong Kong, on November 26th, the images felt hauntingly fa

Jonathan Dusse is a first year Politics and International Relations student. He interned at the German parliament where he strengthened his interest in political cooperation and governance. (Jonathan Dusse on LinkedIn) Introduction The G20 or group of 20 as it is formally known has come under recent turmoil with publicised outfalling and diplomatic jabs between South Africa and the United States, both member states, surrounding the summit in Johannesburg. This diplomatic con

Lou Cardot is a third-year student at the University of Toronto, pursuing a double major in Law and Political Science, with a minor in European Affairs. She came to UCL on exchange this year. Raised in Paris and Washington, D.C., Lou’s interests include human rights, gender equality, and immigration policy. This summer, she interned for Deloitte in Compliance. She also writes as a freelancer for the French Ministry of Defense and various law reviews across Europe and North Am