I Like / I Dislike Week 02 [20231106]

Every Monday, the Research Trainees of the CERESE assess the news of the previous week. You can read their opinions below:

I like the news of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Following recent upheavals in Africa and the deterioration of France’s relations with its energy suppliers, President Macron visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where the main topic of his meetings was the revitalization of France’s relations with these states and the conclusion of energy agreements. This development can benefit the aforementioned countries economically and diplomatically, providing the opportunity for further economic and diplomatic independence from Russia.

I like the decision by the Upper House of the Russian Federation to withdraw the country’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty that took place on October 25. The multilateral treaty in question bans the testing of nuclear weapons and any nuclear explosions for both civil and military purposes. It was adopted in 1996 but was not fully implemented because it had not been ratified by eight states, including the US. It should be noted that Russia ratified it in 2000. Although this decision of the Upper House of the Russian Federation poses risks to global security, it may nevertheless alert the aforementioned countries that have not yet ratified the treaty for the benefit of humanity.

I dislike the fact that the international community is discussing a ceasefire in Ukraine without Russia. More specifically, officials from 66 countries are in Malta to negotiate a stop to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Union stated that it would continue to support Ukraine and referred to five main axes: food, energy, and nuclear security, humanitarian issues, and the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. However, Russia did not attend the meetings, which shows that the talks cannot bear fruit.

I dislike the incident that occurred at the central cemetery in Vienna on November 1. During midnight hours, unknown suspects reached the cemetery and vandalized the Jewish section by setting fire and spray-painting swastikas on external walls. This incident is the most recent negative development within a tense geopolitical juncture due to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Lastly, public opinion agreed with the statement of the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who condemned the attack.