Prof. Magnus Killander examines the European Union's contradictory stance on human rights and migration in the Mediterranean. Once a bridge of civilisations, the Mediterranean now serves as a deadly barrier, with over 30,000 migrants losing their lives in the past decade. Killander highlights the EU’s complicity in human rights abuses, such as funding Libyan authorities implicated in crimes against humanity, whilst prioritising migration control over democracy in its aid policies to Southern Neighbourhood states. These actions, paired with ongoing arms exports to conflict-ridden regions, underscore the EU’s failure to align its practices with its proclaimed values, raising urgent questions about its role in protecting the most vulnerable.

In "Yoga Diplomacy and EU Values," Sara Acevedo Garzón discusses the rise of yoga as a tool of soft power for India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the UN's declaration of International Yoga Day in 2015, India has positioned yoga as a means to enhance its cultural influence and diplomatic relations, particularly with countries sharing Buddhist heritage. However, this initiative has sparked resistance from religious minorities who view yoga’s appropriation as incompatible with their beliefs, while critics argue that Modi's Hindutva policies undermine India's secular constitution. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of using cultural heritage for diplomatic purposes, raising concerns about the authenticity of such soft power strategies in addressing both internal and external challenges…

As China's global influence continues to rise, questions about its impact on the international order have sparked widespread debate. Is China a revisionist power aiming to undermine the existing order, or a status quo power seeking to work within it? In their study, "Beyond Liberal Narratives: China and International Human Rights Order," Xinyuan Dai and Lucie Lu explore China's complex role in the realm of international human rights. Analyzing over 93,000 recommendations from the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR), they challenge the conventional view that human rights are solely about political freedoms. Instead, they reveal a multidimensional landscape where China strategically engages by championing social and economic rights while sidelining civil and political rights—positions that resonate strongly in the Global South. Their findings suggest that China's approach is reshaping global human rights discourse, not by overturning it, but by selectively endorsing norms that align with its interests and developmental successes.

The Venezuelan election results, announced on July 29 2024 by the National Electoral Council, declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner with around 51% of the vote. This outcome, amid allegations of fraud, has intensified political tensions domestically and globally. Opposition leaders like Edmundo González, who replaced the disqualified María Corina Machado, have refused to accept the results, citing irregularities. Street protests have led to deaths and arrests, with Maduro accusing opposition figures of hacking the electoral system. The international reaction is divided, with the U.S. and the EU rejecting the results, while China, Russia, and Iran have recognized Maduro's victory, reflecting deep geopolitical divides. The crisis underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in Venezuela and the region, with global ramifications for governance and human rights.

A value-based foreign policy is paradoxical, exemplified by EU democracy assistance in Tunisia. Despite spending billions to promote democracy, the EU simultaneously curtailed migrant rights in the Central Mediterranean. Ian Manners' "Normative Power Europe" concept highlights these contradictions, noting the gap between EU values and actions. Scholars debate whether these paradoxes are occasional deviations or intrinsic to EU foreign policy. Critics argue EU values may mask post-colonial agendas, while others see the EU as a beacon of freedom. The paradox persists due to binary thinking and the EU's complex identity, challenging our understanding of liberal values in practice…

CFSP sanctions, crucial post-9/11, have become more autonomous, especially after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. These measures challenge EU law, raising questions about the CJEU's jurisdiction and the rule of law. Landmark cases like Kadi I and Rosneft showcase the CJEU's efforts to balance CFSP measures with fundamental rights. Upcoming decisions will further define the CJEU’s role, impacting the EU's legal order and potential ECHR accession.

The rise of far-right parties in the recent EU parliamentary elections signifies a critical juncture for European liberal democracies. As Baruch Spinoza noted, human activities need passion to prosper, and contemporary European politics is seeing a shift from democratic passion to populist obedience. Alexis de Tocqueville's analysis from 1835 highlights the risk of losing independent thought and action among citizens, a concern that is increasingly evident today. The elections reveal a pressing need for moral leadership in European democracy, emphasising the importance of ethical organisation and civic virtue to combat the apathy and challenges faced.

Democracy in Latin America is under threat from right-wing populist leaders, deteriorating public support, and growing authoritarian tendencies. The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2023 Democracy Index reveals that less than 8% of the world lives in full democracies, with Latin America reflecting this through flawed democracies and hybrid regimes. Rising crime, violence, and social unrest further challenge democratic institutions, while populist leaders exploit public discontent, undermining democratic norms. Despite these challenges, the aspiration for democracy persists among many Latin Americans.

The European Union is a peace project based on economic integration and interdependence. Through its internal economic market it aims to guarantee peace and prosperity for its citizens. For economic markets to function properly it is crucially important that some key institutions, founded on values such as rule of law, work properly….

Integrating EU Values in Global Governance: Insights and Implications from the GLOBE Project (2019-2022)

In the face of today's global challenges, the European Union (EU) and its member states are reassessing their strategies to uphold and promote their core values.