Our research on world affairs

This article looks at the measures G20 nations have taken to help developing countries deal with the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. It particularly looks at the initiative to pause debt service payments, which is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 10 June 2020.

Coronavirus is believed to have originated in a ‘wet market’ selling wild animals in the city of Wuhan in China. This has provoked debate about the relationship between unsanitary conditions in some markets and the spread of diseases from animals to humans. The article summarises international efforts to regulate live animal markets, particularly those in Asia and Africa.

Locust infestations are currently affecting countries across eastern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East and South Asia. The infestations are destroying large volumes of crops in the affected areas, increasing food insecurity in regions where food supplies are already precarious. The current cycle of infestations has been linked to the effects of climate change.

This article looks at the measures G20 nations have taken to help developing countries deal with the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. It particularly looks at the initiative to pause debt service payments, which is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 10 June 2020.

Catch up on international affairs articles you may have missed in May 2020, including Germany's approach to tackling coronavirus and plans to reopen the US economy.

Catch-up on international affairs articles you may have missed from April 2020, including what impact coronavirus might have on Gaza.

The Korean war began 70 years ago. This article summarises how the UK was involved in the conflict, including the extent of its contribution in support of the United Nations response. It also summarises how Parliament was kept informed of developments at the time.

There has been concern over what Beijing’s decision to implement a national security law in Hong Kong could mean for freedoms in the territory.

Coronavirus is believed to have originated in a ‘wet market’ selling wild animals in the city of Wuhan in China. This has provoked debate about the relationship between unsanitary conditions in some markets and the spread of diseases from animals to humans. The article summarises international efforts to regulate live animal markets, particularly those in Asia and Africa.

Seventy-five years ago Nazi propagandist William Joyce (“Lord Haw-Haw”) was convicted for high treason. This article summarises the events leading up to his conviction and execution. It then considers the current law on treason and recent calls for reform.

This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of two of the three allied tripartite heads of government conferences held during the second world war. What happened at these summits, and how was the UK Parliament kept updated on these key milestones 75 years ago?

Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) was celebrated by the Allies on 15 August 1945. It marked Japan’s surrender and the end of World War Two. This year the 75th anniversary of VJ Day will be commemorated.    This article explores the role of the Chindits in the Burma (now Myanmar) campaign; one which helped to deliver victory for the

Catch up on international affairs articles you may have missed in May 2020, including Germany's approach to tackling coronavirus and plans to reopen the US economy.

On 8 May 1945, the unconditional surrender of all German forces to the Allies came into effect. The day was declared as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) across the west, and in Britain the day was made a national holiday by Prime Minister Winston Churchill.   This year will mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.   Did you know?

To mark 75 years since the liberation of the Channel Islands, this article explores how the islands were occupied and how the occupation was debated in the House of Lords.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected health, education and livelihoods around this world. This article gives an overview of some of the ways the pandemic is expected to impact progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. This is the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 22 July 2020.

Catch up on articles you may have missed on the constitution, government and parliament from May 2020. Articles this month take a closer look at Covid-19 and human rights legislation.

A range of international bodies and coalitions are responding to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This article summarises the conclusions of three House of Lords committee reports on the powers of Parliament to scrutinise treaties. In the context of Brexit, there have been calls for Parliament’s powers of scrutiny of treaties and trade agreements to be strengthened. The committee reports are due to be debated in the House of Lords on 7 September 2020.

The Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets and Related Issues is a legally non-binding document outlining several measures towards property restitution belonging to the victims of Nazi persecution. This article provides a background to the Declaration and discusses recent UK legislation on property restitution. The Declaration and the restitution of property is due to be the subject of an oral question in the House of Lords on 20 July 2020.

This briefing on the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica explores the history of the UK’s involvement in Antarctica since 1820.

Catch-up on international affairs articles you may have missed from April 2020, including what impact coronavirus might have on Gaza.

This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the debate due to take place on 27 February 2020 in the House of Lords on the motion moved by Baroness Tonge (Non-affiliated) that “this House takes note of the United States’ proposals for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, announced on 28 January”.

This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the debate in the House of Lords on Iran and stability in the Middle East.