Peer-Reviewed Publications by Matthew Lower
Lower, M. (2013). Can and Should Human Rights be Universal? E-IR Essay Award
When discussing methods and humanitarian intervention, the paradox which presents itself is that ... more When discussing methods and humanitarian intervention, the paradox which presents itself is that interventions seek to control violence by using violence. The traditional debate on methods focuses on 'Just War' and Jus-in-Bello' principles of proportionality.
Kenyan political discourse has been dominated by elites and politics of self-interest since indep... more Kenyan political discourse has been dominated by elites and politics of self-interest since independence in 1963. Kenya is notorious for its levels of corruption and questionable levels of accountability. The persistence of this status quo has defined the Kenyan democratic transition as one of 'dominant power politics' and epitomises Ghanian economist George Ayittey's description of the 'African Vampire State'. The post-election violence and controversy in 2007 -2008 led to both a new constitution
Published Articles by Matthew Lower
Policy Papers by Matthew Lower
The 2014 North Atlantic Treaty Organisation summit in Wales was billed as arguably the most impor... more The 2014 North Atlantic Treaty Organisation summit in Wales was billed as arguably the most important for the alliance following the Cold War. Against a backdrop of tension in Ukraine and unrelenting chaos in the Middle East, the stakes are both immediate and long-term. Originally intended as a relatively low-key meeting to look back on the conflict in Afghanistan, recent events meant the Summit earlier this month required urgent decisions on how to respond to the current crises and provided a much needed opportunity to re-define NATO’s purpose.
Whilst there is reason to be positive about the ongoing Geneva negotiations between the Assad gov... more Whilst there is reason to be positive about the ongoing Geneva negotiations between the Assad government and the opposition, the general consensus is that there is little chance of these talks leading to any substantial progress. The reason for this underlying feeling is as clear as it is familiar, the rebels ultimately demand Assad goes, Assad refuses to do so.
Review Papers by Matthew Lower
These essays utilise quantitative analysis to establish the key factors determining the success o... more These essays utilise quantitative analysis to establish the key factors determining the success of conflict resolution. The Licklider and Walter articles focus on civil wars, whereas the Fortna article
Papers by Matthew Lower
Journal of Student Research, 2012
Kenyan political discourse has been dominated by elites and politics of self-interest since its i... more Kenyan political discourse has been dominated by elites and politics of self-interest since its independence. Kenya is notorious for its levels of corruption and questionable levels of accountability. The persistence of this status quo has defined the Kenyan democratic transition as one of 'dominant power politics' and epitomises Ghanian economist George Ayittey's description of the 'African Vampire State'. The post-election violence and controversy in 2007 – 2008 led to both a new constitution and a power-sharing agreement between the two major parties; these events have been described as the 'rebirth' of Kenya. This paper confronts the extent to which this 'rebirth' has had an impact on the contemporary political and economic climate within Kenya and assesses the extent to which elite dominance has shaped and continues to shape Kenyan political discourse.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the Rwandan genocide. From April to July... more This year marks the 20th anniversary of the beginning of the Rwandan genocide. From April to July 1994, over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. In addition, 250,000 women became victims of sexual violence, many of whom were killed afterwards.[i] An estimated 70 percent of the women who survived were infected with HIV. At the end of the 100 days of slaughter, 85 percent of Tutsis – equal to 10 percent of Rwanda’s population – were killed and half of the population was either internally displaced or had fled the country. The Rwandan genocide serves as a stark reminder how little the international community has learnt from the horrors of the Holocaust; in view of not only the vast crimes committed, but the abject inaction to prevent a genocide which had “one of the highest casualty rates of any population in history from non-natural causes.”[ii]
The staying power of self interest: Kenya's unshakeable elites
Neo a Journal of Student Research, Mar 29, 2012
The staying power of self interest: Kenya's unshakeable elites
Neo a Journal of Student Research, Mar 29, 2012
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Peer-Reviewed Publications by Matthew Lower
Published Articles by Matthew Lower
Policy Papers by Matthew Lower
Review Papers by Matthew Lower
Papers by Matthew Lower