The European Union–an economically integrated region that covers 4 million km² and has 508 million inhabitants. Wave by wave countries joined the union, adding to the socio-economic heterogeneity, uniting unequally developed economies and countries with different demographics. Currently, wages vary widely across the European Union: hourly pay averages €41.30 in
Category: Opinion
Neither Friend nor Foe – Shades of Grey
If the European Union were a person, it would more than likely be going through a period of severe existential crises right now. To say it has a lot on its plate at the moment would very much be an understatement; from Brexit and all the joys that come with
Would you eat that? A perspective on food saving
What are rules and laws there for? To protect us. Take the example of food–there are hygienic reasons for best-before dates but it can be criticised, as the desire to constantly sell contributes to the throwing away of food too early. Since food production costs tons of energy and resources,
Keeping International Law Grey
The grey zones between UN Charter goals 1945. The United Nations is full of hope. We fast-forward through time. Countries invaded. Human rights violated. Territories occupied. Peaceful demonstrations knocked down. People in despair. Where is the UN, the marvelous international society with all of its principles, the world wonders? That
The Horrors of the Kanelbulle
Every country has a specific way in celebrating what people deem to be important, their national heritage, or just because everyone likes an excuse to party. Globally we celebrate events and movements such as international women’s day and with festivities expanded towards an ever growing range of bizarre holidays, there
Photo Essay: Impressions from Zimbabwe
IMER-student James Morrison-Knight shares photos from his travel in Zimbabwe and interviews his friend Tawanda Maviga about his hopes for his home country in the aftermath of the coup against former president Robert Mugabe. What brought you to Sweden, and how long have you been living outside of Zimbabwe? My
Stories of Palestine Told with the Oud
Hopes and dreams and desires are inherent to the human condition. When far away from loved ones, we experience a sense of longing and nostalgia. Different people find different ways of expressing these feelings; some find a language in art, some in music or poetry. The editors of Pike and
Hope for Uniting Cyprus
The island of Cyprus has interlinked trade and wars between continents throughout time. Its Mediterranean location leads the island to be seen as a part of the Middle East, but also a part of Europe—perhaps it is both. However, recently it has been divided into two with the Northern Turkish
Boycott: A Silent Revolution
In the classic story of nonviolent resistance “Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story”, Martin Luther King, Jr. states six principles of nonviolence. The first principle is as follows—nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It does take audacity to directly oppose anything, to stand against injustice. I had