The Yegiora Files

In this enlightening blog post, we're about to embark on a journey to uncover the three integral features that bind Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA) with the vast realm of International Relations (IR). Our exploration, though limited in scope, will shed light on the interplay between these two crucial fields, inviting you to delve deeper into their intricate connection. Feature 1: Categorization Let's begin our expedition with the first binding feature: categorization. IR, as meticulously defined by Encyclopedia Britannica, is a subfield of political science. The overarching umbrella of political science encompasses the systematic study of governance through empirical and scientific methods. It delves into the mechanisms of the state, its organs, and the institutions that shape its functioning. Delving further, Encyclopedia Britannica elucidates that IR revolve around the intricate tapestry of political relationships and interactions between countries. This encompasses understandi

In the complex realm of international relations (IR), certain terminologies play a pivotal role in shaping our comprehension of the interactions among states. Two such key terms are "sovereignty" and "jurisdiction." These terms are intrinsically linked to a state's authority and decision-making processes within its defined boundaries, and they have profound implications in the global landscape. Sovereignty and Its Significance A state stands as a central actor in the international system, and the notion of sovereignty forms its foundational cornerstone. The concept of sovereignty emerged alongside the birth of the modern state system, gaining prominence after the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. The term itself traces its roots to the Latin term "superanus" and the French term "souverainete," both signifying supreme power. The idea of sovereignty was systematically analyzed by Jean Bodin in his work "Six Livres de la Republique" in 157

In the intricate landscape of international relations, theories abound to shed light on the behavior of states and the intricate web of interactions that shape our world. One such theory that has stood the test of time is classical realism, a school of thought that delves into the core of human nature and its insatiable hunger for power. By examining the essence of classical realism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics that drive nations and the underlying principles that guide their actions. The Crux of Classical Realism According to the insights of Colin Elman, classical realism operates on a fundamental assumption: the unquenchable thirst for power stems from the intrinsic flaws of humanity. This innate drive propels states into a ceaseless struggle to augment their capabilities and influence. The absence of a global governing entity akin to a state's internal government, as described by Elman, creates an environment where human desires are unchained, resulting in

In 1976, Premdas, a prominent scholar, published a seminal article in the Australian Journal of International Affairs, shedding light on the foreign policy options available to newly independent nations. His insights played a crucial role in understanding Papua New Guinea's (PNG) initial foreign policy choices as it embarked on its journey towards nationhood. In this article, we explore the three key foreign policy options that PNG considered, the factors that influenced its decision-making process, and how economic interests ultimately shaped its foreign relations. The Three Foreign Policy Options As PNG gained independence, it faced critical decisions about its place in the international arena. Premdas identified three primary foreign policy options open to the country: Isolationism: The first option was isolationism, which involved a policy of staying aloof from international affairs and maintaining minimal interaction with other nations. Non-alignment: The second option was n

In the realm of international relations, various scholars have explored the concept of liberal internationalism, aiming to transform global interactions into models of peace, freedom, and prosperity akin to those experienced within constitutional liberal democracies. Among the different branches of liberalism, one that stands out prominently is commercial liberalism, which seeks to foster free trade between states. In this blog post, we will delve into the core principles of commercial liberalism, its benefits, and how it has influenced trade agreements between nations. Commercial liberalism, as defined by Griffiths, O'Callaghan, and Roach, centers on the idea of facilitating unhindered trade and commerce across state borders. The underlying assumption is that increased economic interdependence between nations reduces the likelihood of resorting to armed conflicts and raises the cost of doing so, thus promoting peace and stability on a global scale. Free trade is characterized by t

As students, we often encounter various assessment tasks during our academic journey. These tasks serve as vital measures of our learning outcomes, contribute to our personal growth, and shape our path towards achieving our goals. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of supplementary assessment tasks and shed light on the guidelines set forth by the academic policies at our esteemed institution. This statement aims to provide clarity on when and why supplementary assessment tasks are offered to students, ensuring equitable opportunities for all. Academic Policies on Supplementary Assessment Tasks According to the Assessment Policy outlined in Section 4.16, lecturers have the discretion to permit students to re-submit individual assignments if it appears they have not grasped the task requirements. The intention behind this provision is to ensure students receive a fair chance to demonstrate their understanding and achieve the learning outcomes of a particular unit. It is e

In the realm of policy-making, Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces an opportune moment to harness the potential of the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index as a valuable resource. The current scores across various measures are a cause for concern, as PNG finds itself ranked last among 26 Asian countries in comprehensive power, economic capability, military capability, future resources, defence networks, and diplomatic influence. The need for strategic action becomes even more apparent as smaller nations like Sri Lanka boast marginally higher scores in critical areas. To tackle these pressing challenges head-on, PNG must strategically concentrate on enhancing its defence networks. A promising avenue lies in actively pursuing the Defence Cooperation Agreement with the US and a Security Treaty with Australia. If successfully implemented in the near future, these agreements hold the potential to bolster PNG's score in defence networks, fostering a stronger and more resilient regional alliance netw