2015 in international relations

2015 in international relations was a year dominated by the intensification of the Syrian Civil War and the rise of the Islamic State, which spurred a major refugee crisis and significant military interventions. Key diplomatic breakthroughs included the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Agreement on climate change. The year also saw continued tensions in East Asia and significant activity within multilateral institutions like the United Nations and the G20.

Major conflicts and crises

The Syrian Civil War escalated dramatically in 2015, with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant capturing Palmyra and committing widespread atrocities, prompting a direct military intervention by Russia in support of Bashar al-Assad. In response, a U.S.-led coalition continued its airstrike campaign against ISIL targets in both Syria and Iraq. The conflict fueled a massive European migrant crisis, with over a million refugees and migrants, many from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, arriving in Europe, creating political fissures within the EU and leading to controversial policies by leaders like Angela Merkel and Viktor Orbán. Elsewhere, the War in Donbas in Ukraine continued following the Minsk II agreements, while Saudi Arabia launched Operation Decisive Storm against Houthi forces in Yemen, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis. A major terrorist attack in Ankara and the November 2015 Paris attacks underscored the global threat of Islamist extremism.

Diplomatic events and summits

A landmark diplomatic achievement was the finalization of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action between the P5+1 (including the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and Germany) and Iran, aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program. The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris concluded with the adoption of the historic Paris Agreement. The G20 summit was held in Antalya, Turkey, focusing on issues like terrorism and the global economy. Regional summits included the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Ufa, Russia. Tensions were evident at the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where leaders like Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, and Hassan Rouhani presented divergent views on Syria and global security. Relations between the United States and Cuba continued to thaw with the reopening of embassies in Washington, D.C. and Havana.

International agreements and treaties

The foremost agreements of the year were the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran's nuclear program and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Minsk II protocol, brokered by France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine, aimed to halt fighting in the Donbas region. Member states of the United Nations also adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, a major trade pact, was finalized in Atlanta among twelve Pacific Rim nations, though it required ratification. After years of negotiation, the UNESCO member states agreed on a Declaration of Ethical Principles in relation to Climate Change.

Economic and environmental developments

The conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations marked a significant effort to shape trade rules in the Asia-Pacific, championed by the Obama administration. Economically, Greece faced a major debt crisis, leading to tense negotiations with the European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund, and European Commission (the "Troika") and a controversial bailout referendum. The dramatic fall in crude oil prices significantly impacted economies like Russia, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. The landmark Paris Agreement set a global framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with commitments from major emitters like the United States, China, and the European Union. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda was adopted to finance the new Sustainable Development Goals.

Multilateral organization activities

The United Nations celebrated its 70th anniversary and oversaw the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The United Nations Security Council remained deadlocked on Syria but authorized measures on issues like the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean and terrorism. The International Criminal Court authorized an investigation into crimes in the Georgia conflict. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization focused on Russian actions and reassurance measures for Eastern European allies. The European Union grappled internally with the migrant crisis and the Greek government-debt crisis. The World Health Organization faced criticism over its handling of the Ebola outbreak but also worked on Zika virus preparedness. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank was formally established, led by China.

Category:2015 in politics Category:2015 in international relations Category:International relations by year