Piotr Pietrzak 12/10/2023
One of the three Chinese curses warns: "May you live in interesting times." Indeed, we find ourselves amidst such times. This phrase encapsulates living in an era marked by uncertainty, change, and unpredictability, where events and situations are inherently complex, intriguing, and scary. Our world is undergoing notable transformations and upheavals.
Over the past 15 years, I have diligently tracked every regional conflict of global significance: from the Balkans, Chechnya, Afghanistan, Iraq, Cyprus, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, West Bank/Gaza, Ukraine, Kashmir, Mali, South Sudan, Yemen, to Nagorno-Karabakh. I have studied these conflicts meticulously, analyzing various aspects related to conflict management and prevention. However, the current deteriorating situation in virtually every conflict zone is deeply alarming. It starkly exposes the dysfunctionality of the United Nations. It is concerning to observe that the largest arms exporters, given a permanent seat at the UNSC, do not seem enthusiastic about fulfilling their primary responsibility: ensuring that conflicts are prevented. In these critical times, it is imperative that we address these challenges head-on. We must demand accountability, effective conflict resolution strategies, and global cooperation. The world cannot afford to ignore the pressing need for peace and stability amidst these complexities. It is time for action, collaboration, and a firm commitment to fostering a safer, more secure world for all.
Piotr Pietrzak, Ph.D., is a researcher with a strong background in political philosophy, conflict resolution strategies, international theories, and geopolitics | Pietrzak is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Bulgaria. His research interests include international relations, security studies, and humanitarian intervention, among others. He has authored several articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, including "On the Idea of Humanitarian Intervention: A New Compartmentalization of IR Theories. 2021" He has also contributed articles to the online publication Modern Diplomacy.
My most recent work:
"How did Bashar Al-Assad Get Away with the Ghouta Chemical Attack?: The Promise of Relinquishing Syria's Chemical Weapons Arsenal that was Never Fully Fulfilled,"
"Michael Walzer’s Work and the Idea of Humanitarian Intervention in Syria (2011-Present): The International Response to the Situation in Syria During and After the Arab Spring,"
"A Comparative Study of Russia’s War in Ukraine (2014-, including its 2022 escalation), Russia’s aggression in Georgia (2008), and Russia’s Military Operations in Syria (2015-)"
“Introducing the idea of Ontology in statu nascendi to the broader International Relations Theory.”
Coming up soon
Forthcoming Dealing With Regional Conflicts of Global Importance (2024) offers a comprehensive examination of the post-Cold War global landscape, focusing on the outbreak and escalation of local and regional conflicts that have far-reaching implications. From the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan to the civil war in Ethiopia's Tigray Region and the Russia-brokered peace agreement in the Caucasus, these conflicts have shaped the international stage and pose significant challenges to global stability.
Policymakers and professionals in the fields of current affairs and security studies can find essential tools in this book for understanding and addressing the violent conflicts occurring since 1991. Drawing on geoeconomics, geopolitics, security studies, and humanitarian perspectives, Dr. Piotr Pietrzak, an expert in International Relations Theory, Conflict Resolution Strategies, and International Law, delves into the roots of competition and cooperation among states. He explores influential concepts and debates, including Francis Fukuyama's "The End of History," Samuel Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations," and Joseph Nye's notion of Soft Power, to provide a theoretical and analytical framework for comprehending the complexities of global power dynamics.
Covering an array of topics, from the regionalization of conflict and intervention to the role of international institutions, this book examines interactions between the United Nations, World Bank, regional organizations like CBSS, Vysehrad Group, and ASEAN, and geopolitical actors such as the European Union, Russia, China, and the United States. It also delves into critical issues such as human rights, genocide, wartime sexual violence, and the concept of humanitarian intervention.
Dealing With Regional Conflicts of Global Importance is an invaluable resource for courses in geoeconomics, geopolitics, conflict management, international relations theory, and more. It challenges readers to expand their explanatory horizons and confront preconceived notions of truth in the realm of international relations. By examining the emerging multipolar world, China's One Road One Belt initiative, and the changing rules of competition, this book equips readers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the global stage and work towards a more peaceful and stable future.
Comments