Articles written by Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

While there are forthcoming Iranian presidential elections in June, it is important that US President Obama engages Iran now instead of waiting for the results.

Feb 6, 2009 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Newly sworn in as US president, Obama faces the challenge of engaging Iran, whose influence is now continually increasing, after 30 years of broken relations.

Feb 4, 2009 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

As Obama is sworn in as US President, he faces a troubled international environment, especially in the Middle East where US influence is increasingly challenged.

Jan 20, 2009 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Barack Obama and the US military have been advocating a troop "surge" strategy for Afghanistan as a solution to the war. A solution which poses serious risks.

Jan 9, 2009 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

President-elect Barack Obama wants to make Afghanistan his top foreign policy priority. However, there are still lingering questions over his real objectives.

Dec 21, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

A new non-military solution needs to be found so that peace can be achieved in Afghanistan. A solution that involves the Taliban and all the countries in the region.

Nov 27, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

What can be expected from future president Barack Obama's foreign policy toward the Middle East? What will be different from the Bush years and what should stay the same?

Nov 9, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Laos has many wonderful festivals throughout the year but one of the biggest is the Boat Racing festival. In the small town of Sainyabouli, it is particularly impressive.

Nov 7, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Through Gazprom, Moscow is deepening its influence and political clout in Latin America at the expense of the United States.

Nov 5, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Gazprom is entering the North American natural gas market through the Rabaska terminal in Quebec, Canada. A move that worries the United States.

Nov 5, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

The rationale for the independence of Kosovo can also be applied to South Ossetia or Abkhazia. Western condemnation of Russia reveals inconsistency and double standards.

Sep 29, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

How can the independence of Kosovo help explain this war in the small breakaway province of South Ossetia?

Sep 29, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

How can the question of stability in the Caucasus and Washington's policies toward the region help explain this war in the small breakaway province of South Ossetia?

Sep 21, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

How can pipeline geopolitics in the Caspian Sea region and Central Asia help explain this war between Russia and Georgia in the small breakaway province of South Ossetia?

Sep 17, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

How can Russian apprehension of NATO enlargement help explain this war between Russia and Georgia in the small breakaway province of South Ossetia?

Sep 17, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

From a buffer state, Laos is being transformed into a bridge state, taking advantage of its position at the heart of the Greater Mekong sub-region.

Aug 21, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

The largest hydroelectric project and largest foreign investment ever in Laos, Nam Theun II inspires both great hopes and huge controversy.

Jul 21, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Looking for a new destination in Laos on roads less traveled? Sainyabouli is a nice, small city with beautiful scenery just waiting to be discovered by foreign visitors.

Jul 21, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

After years of isolation and dependency toward Vietnam, the foreign relations of the Lao PDR have evolved and diversified since the end of the Cold War.

Jul 5, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Just like in the 19th century, Central Asia is the center of intense geopolitical rivalry between the conflicting interests of major powers.

Jul 4, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

The Lao PDR claims its historical and cultural roots in the ancient Kingdom of Lan Xang. But it is mostly foreign interference that has characterized the history of Laos.

Jul 4, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Since 1975, the Lao PDR is a single-party socialist republic, largely inspired by Vietnam, replacing the former constitutional monarchy.

Jul 1, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Russia's growing Muslim population is changing the way Russia sees itself and has direct influence on Moscow's foreign policy.

Jun 25, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre

Russia is regaining influence in Central Asia despite the growing presence of China and the US. But Central Asia is also a platform for engaging the wider Muslim world.

Jun 25, 2008 - Vincent Gagnon-Lefebvre