Author: David Hutt

Vietnam’s New Leadership and the Future of Foreign Relations With the appointment of President To Lam, Vietnam’s foreign policy seems to remain consistent with a focus on balancing relationships with all global powers. Analysts believe that while Vietnam’s leadership lacks experience in international diplomacy, their potential increase in human rights violations may prompt European nations to reevaluate their ties with the country. Despite this, both Brussels and Hanoi are emphasizing continuity in their relations. The European Union has several significant agreements with Vietnam, including a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and a free trade deal. The EU is keen on strengthening…

In order to achieve global net-zero emissions goals by 2050, the annual supply of nickel and copper will have to drastically increase. A recent report from the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation revealed that a 208% increase in nickel supply and a 156% increase in copper supply are necessary relative to 2020 production levels. The report also emphasized the need for increased extraction of at least 15 other minerals and metals to meet climate targets. However, concerns have been raised about the sustainability and ethical implications of this large-scale extraction. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of ensuring that…

Global net zero emissions goals by 2050 require a significant increase in nickel and copper supply, as stated by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation. To meet these targets, at least 15 minerals and metals need to be extracted at similar rates, presenting a monumental challenge that some doubt can be achieved sustainably. The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive from 2029 will enforce environmental and human rights standards throughout supply chains. This aligns with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for a clean energy transition that doesn’t exploit vulnerable communities. However, concerns over sustainable practices led European companies like…

The European Union is facing criticism for continuing human rights dialogues with authoritarian governments in Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam. Despite increasing concerns about human rights violations in Vietnam, the EU believes that formal dialogues are crucial for improvement. However, Human Rights Watch highlighted the lack of progress in addressing these issues since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement came into effect. With 192 activists imprisoned and 400 more at risk, pressure is mounting on the EU to take more decisive action. Human rights groups are urging Brussels to impose sanctions and demand the repeal of repressive policies in Vietnam. While some…

The European Union Faces Criticism for Human Rights Dialogues with Southeast Asian Authoritarian Governments Despite concerns over human rights abuses in Vietnam, the European Union continues to engage in formal dialogues with the country’s Communist government. Campaign groups are urging Brussels to halt these talks, accusing them of being merely “box-ticking” exercises that fail to address the worsening human rights situation in Vietnam. According to Human Rights Watch, Vietnam has made little progress on human rights issues raised by EU officials over the years, and repression has even intensified since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement came into effect in 2020.…