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International Relations

Five things to know about the killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri
Osama bin Laden, right, listens as his top deputy Ayman al-Zawahri speaks at an undisclosed location in 2002

In this television image from Arab satellite station Al-Jazeera, Osama bin Laden, right, listens as his top deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri speaks at an undisclosed location, in this image made from undated video tape broadcast by the station Monday April 15, 2002. (Image: AP Photo/Al-Jazeera/APTN)

Five things to know about the killing of Ayman al-Zawahiri

Farah N. Jan, senior lecturer in international relations and political science, discusses what happened, what his killing means for counterterrorism, and the impact it will have on the future of al-Qaida.

Kristen de Groot

Five things to know about the Taiwan-China conflict
A woman gets her head massaged while watching a news channel

TV news shows a map marking the areas where China is conducting live fire exercises near Taiwan, at a beauty salon in Taipei, Taiwan, on Aug. 4, 2022. (Image: AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Five things to know about the Taiwan-China conflict

Penn Today spoke with Thomas J. Shattuck of Perry World House about the political and military history of the conflict between Taiwan and China, as well as its potential economic impact.

Kristina García

Exploring Mongolia with an insider’s view, no luggage necessary
Penn Global seminar students hold up cups outside the Winter Palace

Professor Christopher P. Atwood (left), the group’s guide Javzandulam Sodnom (right), and Penn Global seminar students at the ceremonial gate near the entrance to the Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. They are toasting with small cups of “airag,” or fermented mare’s milk, a traditional drink which Penn graduate Yang Yuqing (yellow shirt, center), who is currently studying in Mongolia, brought for the class. (Image: Courtesy of Penn Global)

Exploring Mongolia with an insider’s view, no luggage necessary

Students in Christopher P. Atwood’s Penn Global seminar on Mongolian civilization explored the capital and vast grasslands of Mongolia, meeting welcoming locals along the way.

Kristen de Groot

The legacy of Shinzo Abe
People queue to offer flowers and prayers for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at Zojoji temple prior to his funeral on July 12, 2022, in Tokyo.

People queue to offer flowers and prayers for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at Zojoji temple prior to his funeral on July 12, 2022, in Tokyo. Abe was assassinated on July 8 while campaigning in Nara, western Japan. (Image: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

The legacy of Shinzo Abe

Frederick R. Dickinson, ​​professor of Japanese history and director of the Center for East Asian Studies, offers his take on Abe’s impact on Japan, foreign policy, and lessons we can draw from his killing.

Kristen de Groot

Boris Johnson’s downfall, explained
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads toward the front doors of 10 Downing Street in London

Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks back inside after reading a statement outside 10 Downing Street, formally resigning as Conservative Party leader, in London, Thursday, July 7, 2022. Johnson said Thursday he will remain as British prime minister while a leadership contest is held to choose his successor. (Image: AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Boris Johnson’s downfall, explained

Political scientist Brendan O’Leary, an expert on U.K. politics in the School of Arts & Sciences, offers his insight on what led to this moment, what might be next, and what it all means for the future of the U.K.

Kristen de Groot

Hong Kong handover, 25 years later
Hong Kong and Chinese flags fly in advance of the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from Britain

Chinese and Hong Kong flags are hanged to celebrate the upcoming 25th anniversary of Hong Kong handover to China, in Hong Kong, Friday, June 17, 2022. Hong Kong marks the anniversary on July 1, 2022. (Image: AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Hong Kong handover, 25 years later

Hong Kong marks 25 years under Chinese control on July 1. Jacques deLisle, director of the Center for the Study of Contemporary China, discusses where Hong Kong stands now and what the future might hold.

Kristen de Groot

Putin, personalism, and the war in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen at the end of a long table

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of the government via teleconference in Moscow, March 10, 2022. (Image: Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Putin, personalism, and the war in Ukraine

Christopher Carothers of the Center for the Study of Contemporary China discusses how Putin managed to personalize power for himself and what that means for Russia’s neighbors and the world.

Kristen de Groot