Where the Accord Could Realistically Succeed (or Make Progress)-  It could break a long cycle of violence, if implemented seriously. The June 2025 deal aims to end decades of conflict in eastern DRC by committing both sides to “respect for territorial integrity and a prohibition of hostilities,” disarmament of non-state armed groups, and the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. It may offer a path to coordinated security and reduced cross-border...

The agreement is formally known as the 2025 Democratic Republic of the Congo–Rwanda peace agreement (also referred to as the “Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity”).  It was signed on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C.  It was ratified / affirmed by the national leaders of both sides (the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC) in early December 2025 — December 4, 2025 — in a high-profile signing...

The Significance of the FIFA Peace Award to Donald Trump-  When FIFA, world football’s most influential governing body, presents a peace-related honor, the decision usually carries symbolism that reaches far beyond sports. Such awards are meant to acknowledge individuals or institutions that have contributed to reconciliation, cross-cultural unity, or conflict reduction. When that honor is attached to a former U.S. president as controversial and polarizing as Donald Trump, its...

How Elite Protection Networks Undermine Democracy Even Without Explicit Corruption-  Corruption is often understood as the outright abuse of power for personal gain: bribery, embezzlement, or financial fraud. But a more insidious threat exists—one that can destabilize democratic systems without ever violating a law: elite protection networks. These networks consist of informal political, economic, and social alliances among the wealthy, the politically connected, and key...

The question of corruption in American public life is no longer a fringe conversation—it is a mainstream concern shared across ideological lines. Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans believe the political system is rigged to favor the wealthy and well-connected. At the center of this belief lies the perception that elite financial crimes go unpunished, political insiders shield one another, and accountability is selectively enforced. The resulting erosion of trust...

This is a deeply consequential question that goes to the heart of the African Union's (AU) purpose and its greatest institutional failures. The AU continues to primarily frame the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) crisis as a "regional issue" that demands "African solutions" largely because this framing: Protects the principle of peer sovereignty and shields powerful member states (like Rwanda and Uganda) from direct sanctions or punitive action. Manages expectations by...

The apparent contradiction between African leaders loudly condemning Western exploitation while often remaining silent or divided on African-backed militias fueling the Congo's violence stems from a complex interplay of Realpolitik, economic self-interest, the principle of state sovereignty, and the failure of collective security mechanisms. For many African leaders, the narrative of Western exploitation serves as a powerful, unifying political tool that resonates historically and deflects...

The apparent contradiction between African states quickly condemning foreign wars (like the war in Ukraine) while remaining frustratingly unwilling to confront African leaders responsible for immense suffering at home (like in Sudan) is driven by a deep-seated conflict between foundational diplomatic principles, structural limitations, and the immediate self-interest of ruling elites. This dual standard, or "selective indignation," is rooted in the political DNA of post-colonial Africa,...

The South China Sea, one of the most strategically vital waterways in the world, has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Once a bustling arena of international commerce and fishing activity, it is increasingly becoming a stage for China’s assertive military and territorial ambitions. By constructing and militarizing artificial islands—turning reefs and shoals into fortified outposts—Beijing has reshaped the maritime landscape, creating conditions that...

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global tragedy, claiming millions of lives and causing unprecedented economic damage. Families of victims across the world have experienced immense suffering, grief, and financial loss. Naturally, the question arises: should these families be allowed to bring collective class-action lawsuits against China’s government for allegedly suppressing early warnings and delaying reporting of the virus? While the idea of legal accountability is compelling,...

Why Nations Can’t Sue Other States Like Individuals Can Sue Corporations for Negligence-  The COVID-19 pandemic has provoked profound questions about accountability in a globalized world. While individuals routinely sue corporations for negligence when harm occurs, no country has successfully sued China—or any other state—despite allegations that delayed disclosure of the virus caused millions of deaths and trillions in economic losses. Understanding why nations...

The Future of African Agriculture in a Heating World-  Agriculture has long been the backbone of Africa’s economies, providing livelihoods for more than 60% of the continent’s population. From the fertile plains of Ethiopia to the riverine deltas of Nigeria, African farmers grow food that feeds millions and supports local industries. Yet, in a warming world, the future of agriculture in Africa faces unprecedented challenges. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall,...