In these four sections, Khaled Emam & John O’Rourke we explore, among other topics, how both the Westphalian System and what’s currently labeled as the Rules-Based International Order (RBO) have not only failed to prevent genocidal crimes committed by states aga short of their original purpose: deterring or mitigating wars between sovereign states.

We also explore how global power imbalances and ambiguous international norms are eroding trust in the international system, especially in the #MENA region.

As wars continue to devastate regions like Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, Sudan, and Myanmar, the international community faces unprecedented humanitarian challenges. At the Summit of the Future, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future—but does it address the most pressing issues?

In this latest blog, Khaled Emam critically examines the Pact. While it introduces positive steps, it overlooks essential principles like the Responsibility to Protect, the need for stronger adaptive leadership within the UN, and a resourced framework for localization

This article discusses the ongoing disputes surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and its implications for water resource management among Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. 

It delves into the complex interplay of developmental aspirations, regional tensions, and the dire need for a collaborative and legally binding framework to ensure equitable water distribution and maintain peace in the region.