Animals have been used by armed forces around the world for as long as humans have warred, and while images of animals wearing tiny uniforms may come off as adorable, it begs a serious discussion on the ethics behind their for military tasks.

Earlier this month, James Le Mesurier died near his home in Istanbul, at the age of 48. A former British Army officer and humanitarian, Le Mesurier had helped found the White Helmets.

The 2019 IAEA general conference offered a refreshing demonstration of commitment and support for an international organisation.

With Turkey going against US and western policy in Syria, alongside continuing to pivot towards Russia, it may be time to punish them and kick them out of NATO.

Between 28 and 29 June 2019, Japan hosted the 14th annual G20 summit. Occurring at a time of peaking international tensions – particularly in terms of trade and environmental issues – the 2019 summit tested the resolve and priorities of the international community.

In May 2019, the OHCHR released a report that concluded North Korea was failing to provide its citizens with a number of basic rights – including an adequate standard of living.

The horrific scale of fatalities and types of crimes committed in Rwanda in 1994, shocked the globe and rightly triggered powerful shifts in reform and practice for the international domain.

Even if the current protests fail to achieve their goals in the short-term, they are yet another signal that the status quo is unfeasible in the long-term. With European Union candidate status come Western-level demands and expectations – and the Serbian people's tolerance for a self-serving leadership has reached its limit.

With the first month of 2019 already concluded, the triumphs and shortfalls of 2018 appear increasingly distant, with new issues and priorities quickly taking their place. However, with many governments only recently returning to full function after their New Year breaks, now is an opportune time to reflect on the year that was and contemplate what lies ahead for 2019.

A less obvious yet important consequence of President Duterte’s drug war is its public health fallout - especially for the very poorest demographics. But the clear warnings issued by medical professionals and human rights observers have been routinely ignored.