From: IE International Relations Society MIX
Date: October 21, 2024
Subject: International Relations Society Newsletter


Diplomatic Fallout: Canada and India Expel Diplomats Amid Growing Tensions

Tensions between Canada and India have escalated following the expulsion of six Indian diplomats from Canada. The move came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that federal police uncovered evidence of Indian government agents being involved in a “campaign of violence” against dissidents in Canada, including South Asian Canadians. Trudeau cited the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s findings, which implicated Indian officials in threats, coercion, and acts of violence, including murder. The expulsion of the diplomats marked a serious escalation in an already strained relationship between the two nations, which has been deteriorating for over a year.
In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, accusing Canada of pandering to the Sikh separatist movement for political gain and denouncing the allegations as baseless. India’s foreign ministry maintained that Canada provided no substantial evidence to support its claims. Relations between the two countries remain tense, as both governments navigate the diplomatic fallout and future relations remain uncertain amidst the accusations.
 

Ukraine Support: Biden Urges West to Continue Aid as Election Looms

U.S. President Joe Biden has urged Western nations to maintain their support for Ukraine as it braces for a difficult winter and intensifying Russian aggression. Biden’s call for continued backing comes as concerns grow over the sustainability of Washington’s assistance, with the U.S. presidential election just weeks away. Speaking in Berlin alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Biden emphasized the importance of defending smaller nations from larger aggressors, stressing that the cost of support pales in comparison to the potential consequences of unchecked aggression. Despite ongoing discussions about increasing military aid to Ukraine, Biden acknowledged that there is no consensus on providing Kyiv with long-range weapons, a request Ukrainian President Zelensky has repeatedly made. Meanwhile, France is facing criticism for falling short of its promise to provide €3 billion in military aid this year, further highlighting the financial challenges Western nations face as they continue to support Ukraine. However, leaders like Macron remain committed to aiding Ukraine, despite economic constraints.


 

EU Migration: Italy and Albania Open First Offshore Asylum Processing Camp

The European Union has taken a significant step in addressing irregular migration by outsourcing asylum processing for the first time to a non-EU country. A new camp in Gjader, northern Albania, built and sponsored by Italy, now processes migrants picked up in the Mediterranean. The facility, a result of an agreement between Italy and Albania, will operate under Italian control until 2028. The camp primarily holds migrants from countries like Bangladesh and Egypt, considered “safe” by Italy, while more vulnerable groups such as women and children are sent to Italy for processing. The initiative is seen as a test case for the EU’s approach to managing migration flows, and its deterrent potential is being closely monitored by other EU countries. However, there are concerns about the camp’s effectiveness and capacity, as repatriation efforts remain low. Critics question whether this outsourcing strategy will reduce the number of migrants or simply shift the burden. As migration concerns rise in the EU, they will continue to explore similar strategies, with the Albanian facility serving as a possible model.
 

Middle East Tensions: Israel Accused of Targeting Lebanon’s Health Sector and U.N. Peacekeepers

Forty countries contributing to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, have condemned recent Israeli attacks on peacekeepers, calling for an immediate investigation into the incidents. In a statement issued on Saturday, the coalition of nations emphasized that “such actions must stop immediately” and expressed concern over the safety of peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. The call comes after Israeli forces reportedly launched a "direct and deliberate" attack on a UNIFIL watchtower, damaging the structure. The incident is part of a broader escalation in the region, where Israel’s bombardments have displaced nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population. The Israeli government has urged UNIFIL to withdraw, claiming that Hezbollah is using the peacekeepers as "human shields." However, UNIFIL has refused to leave its positions. The UN Security Council, along with countries like Spain, France, and Italy, have condemned the attacks. U.S. President Joe Biden has also called on Israel to cease targeting UN personnel. Despite the rising tensions, UNIFIL has unanimously decided to remain in southern Lebanon.
 

Israel-Hamas Conflict: Top Commander Yahya Sinwar Killed in IDF Operation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday, October 17th, that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, was killed in an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) military operation in Rafah, Gaza. Sinwar was considered Israel’s top target, as he was believed to be the mastermind behind the deadly October 7th, 2023, Hamas attacks that left over 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 kidnapped. His death was confirmed through DNA and dental records. Sinwar, a figure notorious for his role in violent operations against Israel, was involved in the killing of Israeli soldiers in the late 1980s and was known for his brutal tactics, including earning the nickname "The Butcher of Khan Younis" for his role in executing suspected informants. Released in a 2011 prisoner exchange, Sinwar quickly rose to power within Hamas, continuing to coordinate militant actions against Israel.

The killing of Sinwar leaves Hamas in a leadership crisis at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. His death could fuel further retaliation from Hamas, potentially escalating the war, which has already spread beyond Gaza into Lebanon, where Hezbollah has become involved. Prime Minister Netanyahu called the killing a "milestone" in dismantling Hamas but emphasized that the conflict was far from over, stating that the war would continue until all Israeli hostages held by Hamas are released. “This war is not yet over,” Netanyahu declared to Israelis in a televised address, vowing to press on with military efforts.

International reactions followed swiftly. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris voiced support for Israel, reiterating the nation’s right to defend itself, while stressing that Hamas must be stopped. As the war deepens, Sinwar’s death marks a significant but uncertain turning point in the broader Israeli-Hamas conflict, raising questions about the future of Hamas’s leadership and the potential for continued violence in the region.

North Korea-Russia: Military Collaboration Deepens Amid Sanctions

North Korea's decision to send troops to Russia to help fight Ukraine underscores deep geopolitical and economic motivations. For both North Korea and Russia, crippled by international sanctions, their alliance serves as a way to counterbalance Western pressure while pursuing mutual benefits. North Korea, facing critical issues like energy shortages, food insecurity, and a fragile economy, sees this military support as a pathway to securing vital resources. In return for sending troops, Pyongyang is likely seeking access to essential goods, including oil and food, along with economic relief from Russia.

For Russia, North Korean soldiers provide a way to alleviate the strain on its military during the prolonged war with Ukraine. These troops could handle lower-intensity combat roles, freeing up Russian forces and allowing Moscow to focus on economic stabilization efforts. The collaboration is a strategic win for both countries, helping them challenge the international order dominated by Western powers.

This partnership allows North Korea to diversify its alliances beyond China, elevating its strategic position on the global stage. For both nations, military cooperation serves as a method to combat sanctions and solidify their influence in an increasingly polarized world. North Korea's involvement in Ukraine is a calculated move, driven by economic survival and geopolitical ambition.

Events

EVENT

"The current threat of Islamist terrorism to the West" - Elcano Royal Institute

Thursday, October 24
9:30am - 1:45pm
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This is an external event organised by the Elcano Royal Institute (Spain's biggest IR think-tank), in collaboration with the US Embassy and the Spanish Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The IE International Relations Society plays no part in the event, and we do not know exactly how it will develop or the opinions of the speakers. We are not responsible for the discussions that take place, and suggest that only people interested attend.

Event description provided by organisers:

At present, several types of Islamist extremism exist in the world. Among these are those with global reach, associated with a resurgent al-Qaeda and a widespread Islamic State. Additionally, events in the Middle East are reactivating the international dimension of others linked to Hamas and Hezbollah. All these actors are involved in a wide range of terrorist activities in Western societies.

This new edition of the Elcano Forum on Global Terrorism aims, on the one hand, to analyze the current situation of these Islamist extremisms, as well as the challenges and threats they pose to the West. On the other hand, it seeks to discuss responses to these challenges and threats in Europe, both in terms of counter-terrorism efforts and the prevention of violent radicalization.

Program:

09:30 – 09:55. Opening session
- José Juan Ruiz, President, Elcano Royal Institute
- Abelardo M. Vecino, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Attaché, Embassy of the United States of America in Spain

10:00 – 11:30. Panel I. The threat situation of Islamist terrorism: from al-Qaeda and Islamic State to Hamas and Hezbollah
- Aaron Zelin, Senior Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Washington
- Esther Zubiri, Expert, Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team related to ISIL and al-Qaeda, UN, New York.
- Magnus Ranstorp, Strategic Advisor, Centre for Societal Security, Swedish Defence University, Stockholm.
- Moderator: Fernando Reinares, Distinguished Research Associate, Elcano Royal Institute.

11:30 – 12:00. Coffee Break

12:05 – 13:15. Panel II. Responses to Islamist extremisms in Europe: counter-terrorism and the prevention of radicalization
- Manuel Navarrete, Director, Centre for Intelligence against Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO), Madrid.
- Yolanda Gallego-Casilda, Head of the Radicalization Prevention Unit, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, European Commission, Brussels.
- Moderator: Carola García-Calvo, Principal Investigator, Elcano Royal Institute

13:15 – 13:30. Conclusions
- Álvaro Vicente, Researcher, Elcano Royal Institute

13:35 – 13:50. Closing Session
- Closing remarks by Rafael Pérez, Secretary of State for Security, Ministry of the Interior, Spain.
- Presented by Charles Powell, Director, Elcano Royal Institute.
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EVENT

The Rise of the Far Right in Europe: Post Election Insights

Tuesday, October 29
4:00pm - 5:30pm
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One Month, One Region: Europe

The IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs x International Relations Society are delighted to invite you this event where will delve into the surge of far-right movements across Europe in the aftermath of recent elections.

Following the recent publication of his latest work "The Normalization of the Radical Right: A Norms Theory of Political Supply and Demand" Prof. Vicente Valentim will analyze the factors contributing to this rise, its impact on democracy, and the broader implications for European unity and global relations.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how these shifts are reshaping the political landscape of Europe.
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EVENT

What's it like to study IR in Washington DC? Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service is visiting us!

Tuesday, November 12
6:00pm - 7:30pm
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Are you passionate about international relations and curious about what it's like to study a masters in Washington, DC? Join us for an exclusive informative session with Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, one of the world’s leading institutions for global affairs education.

Date & Time: November 12th, 18:00-20:00 (2 hours with snacks!).
Location: IE Tower (online option for Segovia).

During this session, you’ll have the chance to learn about Georgetown's prestigious programmes, hear about what it's like to study International Relations in DC, and engage in a dynamic discussion and Q&A. You’ll also get valuable networking opportunities with peers and speakers while enjoying light snacks.
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