Politics

“The best politics is right action”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Supreme Court Judgment on Election Petitions and Compliance Explained

The judgment clarifies that election petitions should not be dismissed for minor technical errors, as long as curative remedies are possible. Overemphasis on technical compliance can result in the dismissal of meritorious petitions, while ignoring procedural requirements can compromise fairness. On August 22, 2025, a two-judge bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, […]

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Decoding American Foreign Policy

Trump’s America First Doctrine: Rethinking U.S. Alliances, Power, and Global Strategy

By treating alliances as business deals and international norms as disposable, the U.S. risks eroding the very foundation of the global order that has long served its interests. Critics warn this creates a leadership vacuum that rivals like China and Russia are eager to fill, leaving America increasingly isolated and less secure. The first modern

Trump’s America First Doctrine: Rethinking U.S. Alliances, Power, and Global Strategy Read More »

Trump De-dollarisation BRICS

What Trump Needs to Understand about De-Dollarisation and BRICS

If Trump wants to make headway with Russia and China he needs to have a more realistic approach towards the BRICS organisation and economic linkages between the organization’s member states. While the domination of the US dollar is likely to stay, countries will look at all available options given the fast-changing nature of the global

What Trump Needs to Understand about De-Dollarisation and BRICS Read More »

India Grand Strategy Regional

India’s Grand Strategy: Economic Reforms, Global South Diplomacy, and Regional Integration

The economic policies pursued by India after independence were primarily based on a centrally planned model inspired by the Soviet Union and focused on state intervention and control through the five-year plans. They led to the creation of public sector enterprises in industries critical to steel, coal, and telecom; these created jobs, and built infrastructure,

India’s Grand Strategy: Economic Reforms, Global South Diplomacy, and Regional Integration Read More »

Trump Inauguration Universities Students

US Universities Caution International Students Before Trump’s Inauguration

US colleges and universities have asked international students to return to the US before the inauguration of Donald Trump. According to estimates, it is the 4,00,000 international students who are undocumented who may face serious problems. Students on F-1 and J-1 Visas are unlikely to face any problems. Significantly, during the election campaign, Trump had even mooted the idea of Green Cards to international students who graduate from US universities.

US Universities Caution International Students Before Trump’s Inauguration Read More »

Immigration Restrictionism Trumpist World

Golden Visas, H-1B, Restrictionism: The Immigration Crossroads in a Trumpist World

If one were to go by the US President-elect’s campaign speeches, he is not opposed to immigration per se but illegal immigration. During his last stint, Trump introduced several changes to the H-1B visa regulations. The biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B are Indian professionals. One of the important changes that have taken place since Trump’s

Golden Visas, H-1B, Restrictionism: The Immigration Crossroads in a Trumpist World Read More »

Insurgency Recruitment Manipur Conflict

A State of Crisis: Advanced Weaponry and Rising Insurgency Recruitment in Manipur Conflict

The use of highly advanced weaponry to strike people has reopened interest in the ongoing Manipur conflict, as several academics and media sources have labelled it an “act of terrorism”. A large number of young people who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or loss of employment are susceptible to recruitment by insurgent groups. The adolescents have turned to insurgency as a way of purpose and financial incentives, using it as a means of retaliation or survival against opposing ethnic communities. According to studies, the state’s youth gun ownership rate is at an all-time high, and the population is mainly in favour of it. This is becoming a significant challenge for counterinsurgencies to overcome

A State of Crisis: Advanced Weaponry and Rising Insurgency Recruitment in Manipur Conflict Read More »

Smog Punjab India-Pakistan

Smog Diplomacy, Punjab Centrality: India-Pakistan Thawing Relations May Address Punjab Woes

Chief Minister of Pakistan Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, recently underscored the need for greater cooperation between both Punjabs to counter the challenge of smog. Earlier this year, while speaking to Sikh pilgrims from India at Kartarpur Sahib, she had underscored the importance of ‘Punjabiyat’. The Punjabs on both sides have played an important role in people-to-people, cultural as well as economic linkages between both countries. Since 2019, when trade links between India and Pakistan, via the Wagah-Attari land crossing, were discontinued, there have been significant job losses resulting in a major setback to the border districts of Punjab (India). Maryam Nawaz’s remarks have raised hopes of resumption of engagement – albeit incremental – between both countries via the Punjabs.

Smog Diplomacy, Punjab Centrality: India-Pakistan Thawing Relations May Address Punjab Woes Read More »

Harris Trump USA World Order

Harris vs Trump: The Battle for USA Amidst a Changing World Order

The November 5 US elections is likely to be a close one and could swing either way. The US foreign policy is likely to be driven by ground realities and will remain the same on fundamental issues. Going by his election campaign and his previous tenure as President, Donald Trump could be more isolationist – especially on economic issues. Unlike Donald Trump, Kamala Harris is unlikely to ruffle feathers with allies and partners over economic issues, though she could be more vocal on issues of human rights and freedoms even vis-à-vis friendly countries.

Harris vs Trump: The Battle for USA Amidst a Changing World Order Read More »

Netanyahuism zeitgeist Israel-Hamas

Netanyahuism: The Zeitgeist of Our Times?

The humanitarian crises unfolding in West Asia and Eastern Europe, along with the inability of the international community to enforce peace in these regions can be captured in a larger phenomenon engulfing the world today – ‘Netanyahuism’. Netanyahu’s approach of ‘eye for an eye’ has become popular all throughout the world. The taboo against the use of instrumentality of military actions to achieve foreign policy objectives is declining. The international community must show moral courage and start calling out the militaristic approach of both Iran and Israel. Solutions need to be found on the diplomatic table, not on the battlefield.

Netanyahuism: The Zeitgeist of Our Times? Read More »

Operation Prosperity Guardian: West Asia in Splits

The Arab world has been witnessing exacerbating conflicts and spillovers in the region. Home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, Bahrain is the only Arab state to be part of the U.S. Naval Armada, Operation Prosperity Guardian. Both Iran and Saudi have been careful to not directly hit at each other since the restoration of their diplomatic ties. With this picture in mind, Saudi also would not want to harm the Iranian-backed Houthis. Like the Saudis, the Emiratis want to secure the Red Sea but do not want to be viewed as supporting Israel instead of solidarity with Palestine. With the nightmares of the previous Arab-Israeli wars still very much etched in the soil, the states have been trying to not escalate the tensions while trying to grapple for a balanced approach whilst also being steadfast in their solitude with Palestine.

Operation Prosperity Guardian: West Asia in Splits Read More »

Navigating Leadership in a Complex World: Balancing Tradition, Innovation, and Global Challenges

Navigating Leadership in a Complex World: Balancing Tradition, Innovation, and Global Challenges

Politicians must continually strive to define the “balanced line of history.” Leadership strategies, with all their contradictions and similarities, must prevent their nations from descending into a “form of illusion.” Political leaders today may have moved beyond traditional concepts of democracy and the nation-state, seeking quantum procedural, methodical, or systemic solutions to the challenges they

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Navigating Nepal's Public Policy: Challenges, Innovations, and the Path to Good Governance

Navigating Nepal’s Public Policy: Challenges, Innovations, and the Path to Good Governance

If the state’s government and administrative activities are committed and meticulously managed, the living standards and well-being of the people can be significantly improved. Public policy is an essential policy related to prudent and timely management of public and international affairs. It includes the appropriate policies required under the government’s division of functions according to

Navigating Nepal’s Public Policy: Challenges, Innovations, and the Path to Good Governance Read More »

Bahrain Arab League Summit: A Brief of Outcomes

Bahrain Arab League Summit: A Brief of Outcomes

The primary focus of the Manama summit is the enduring Palestinian cause, a perennial concern topping the agendas of all Arab summits. Additionally, the summit will address numerous issues stemming from the failures of Arab states, exacerbated by civil wars and unrest in Sudan and Yemen, with Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Libya facing similar challenges.

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Navigating-Geopolitical-Waters-Assessing-Iran-Pakistan-Relations-Amidst-Regional-Tensions

Navigating Geopolitical Waters: Assessing Iran-Pakistan Relations Amidst Regional Tensions

Pakistan would want to have cordial relations with Iran and finalize the gas pipeline project soon because of its desperate energy needs. However, the geopolitics of the region are preventing this development. Pakistan knows that any expansion of economic relations with Iran will come at a high cost, as The US and Iran are sworn

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India Oman FTA Gulf

FTA with Oman Likely: Catapulting Gulf-India Synergies

The India-Oman CEPA will give a significant boost to bilateral trade between both countries. It will help Oman achieve its objective of reducing its dependence upon oil. The Gulf nation, which is strategically located near the oil transit point of the Strait of Hormuz, is especially important for Indian businesses — since they can set up manufacturing facilities and leverage Oman’s location and other advantages for exports to other West Asian nations and Europe.

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Tightrope Walk for Indonesia After Elections

Subianto’s Win in a Polarized World: Indonesia’s Balancing Act Must Continue

While it is an uphill task, Indonesia under Subianto will need to stick to a balanced foreign policy, which is nimble and deft, given the ASEAN nation’s economic and strategic interests. The ability to successfully walk a tightrope between the US and China and on other complex issues will depend upon several factors.

Subianto’s Win in a Polarized World: Indonesia’s Balancing Act Must Continue Read More »

Pakistan Rigging Democratic State

The Political Drama of February 8: Pakistan’s Rigging Episode and the Fall of Curtains on a Democratic State

From a hybrid democratic system, Pakistan has descended to an authoritarian system of governance much like the Central Asian republics and the many Mukhbara states in the Middle East. There is little hope for a transformation of Pakistan from an authoritarian system towards even a semblance of democracy. As expected, the 12th General Elections of

The Political Drama of February 8: Pakistan’s Rigging Episode and the Fall of Curtains on a Democratic State Read More »

Iranian American Chinese Russian

The Iranian Playfield: American Hostilities, Chinese Investments, Russian Cooperation

The US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal led to closer ties between Iran, China, and Russia. China pledged $400 billion in investments, but remains cautious due to US sanctions. Iran must balance these alliances to avoid over-dependence and navigate the geopolitical landscape with flexibility and pragmatism.

The Iranian Playfield: American Hostilities, Chinese Investments, Russian Cooperation Read More »

Riyadh Active Neutrality USA

Riyadh’s ‘Active Neutrality’ at Play: SCO, OPEC+ and Proposed Defence Deal with USA

In March 2023, Riyadh entered the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner. Saudi Arabia had also signed a Beijing-mediated agreement with Iran to resume diplomatic ties. The Gulf nation has played an important part along with Russia in the OPEC+ cuts in oil production much to the displeasure of Washington DC. Yet, in recent days, Saudi Arabia has been pushing for getting a defence pact with the US ratified before the US election of 2024.

Riyadh’s ‘Active Neutrality’ at Play: SCO, OPEC+ and Proposed Defence Deal with USA Read More »

Middle Eastern Chessboard Gaza-Israel Pak-Iran USA-Iran

The Middle Eastern Chessboard: Gaza-Israel War, Escalations between Pakistan-Iran & USA-Iran Hostilities

Wars often have unintended consequences, and the Israel-Gaza war is no exception. The earlier Iranian strikes in the region and the very recent Jordanian strike killing American soldiers imply that greater conflict in the Middle East emanating from the Israel-Gaza war cannot be contained and can spill out eventually in unforeseen circumstances. The decades-old Palestinian-Israeli conflict will persist causing the entire Middle East region to be further embroiled in persistent conflict, turmoil, and instability to the detriment of world peace.

The Middle Eastern Chessboard: Gaza-Israel War, Escalations between Pakistan-Iran & USA-Iran Hostilities Read More »

BJP Congress 2023 elections

BJP drubs Congress in Hindi Heartland, Congress Consolidates in the Peninsula: The Larger Trends in India’s Electoral Politics post-2023 Assembly Elections

National issues and leadership cannot be relegated totally to the sidelines in assembly elections, even though it is not possible to win state elections without strong regional leaders. What is clear from the election results of the MP, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana is that welfare schemes, which often draw strong criticism from certain commentators, strike a chord with the voter. All political outfits have also begun to focus on welfare schemes specifically targeted at women.

BJP drubs Congress in Hindi Heartland, Congress Consolidates in the Peninsula: The Larger Trends in India’s Electoral Politics post-2023 Assembly Elections Read More »

International Relations Choices Concerns

International Relations: Choices or Concerns

The dichotomy of realists’ pessimism and liberalists’ optimism frames political debates globally. With international relations often dominated by authoritarian tactics, democracy becomes a challenging but desirable method in garnering global consensus. Though imperfect, democracy can offer strategies for balancing emotion and reason in its practices. Autocratic and democratic nations approach these issues differently. International society strives for a universal experience, aiming for cooperation despite differing political ideologies. Thoughts are converging, ushering in an anthropocentric world focused on existential rationality and mitigating global catastrophe.

International Relations: Choices or Concerns Read More »

Biden Trump 2024 geopolitics

Biden Vs Trump 2024: The Geopolitics of Russia-Ukraine & Israel-Hamas in USA’s Politics

A recent poll by The New York Times and Siena College found former President Donald Trump leading over President Joe Biden in five key swing states for a potential 2024 presidential election match-up. The poll suggests Biden is losing support among young and black voters, and despite improvements in economic indicators, voters appear pessimistic about the US economy. Trump’s potential win could have significant implications for the ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East.

Biden Vs Trump 2024: The Geopolitics of Russia-Ukraine & Israel-Hamas in USA’s Politics Read More »

Israel-Hamas War International Pressure

Israel-Hamas War: No Endgame Amid International Pressure

In response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the United Nations General Assembly has called for an immediate ceasefire. The warfare has resulted in significant casualties and prompts international concerns about an impending humanitarian catastrophe. Despite global pressure, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, remains resolute to continue ground operations. Simultaneously, diplomats are considering possible administration changes in Gaza post-conflict. The international community continues to advocate for a two-state solution, emphasizing the significance of justice, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.

Israel-Hamas War: No Endgame Amid International Pressure Read More »

Saudi Swing Washington Beijing

Saudi Arabia’s Changing Foreign Policy: Becoming a ‘Swing State’ or Just a Swing from Washington to Beijing Camp?

Saudi Arabia is looking to enhance its strategic and economic clout globally. Riyadh has been showing interest in China-dominated organizations SCO and BRICS. Saudi has already joined SCO as a dialogue partner and has applied for membership in BRICS. However, its relationship with US is still economically and strategically important. US has a strong military presence in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries. Further, Saudi Arabia’s economic and strategic interests on key issues could diverge from both Beijing and Moscow.

Saudi Arabia’s Changing Foreign Policy: Becoming a ‘Swing State’ or Just a Swing from Washington to Beijing Camp? Read More »

Ukraine Zelenskyy Military Opposition

Ukraine: Military Opposition Building Up Against Prez Zelenskyy

There are many influential “groups of dissatisfied” against the policy of the Ukrainian President and his team among the officers of the Ukrainian army. However, it is already visible to the naked eye the contours of a formidable military opposition which the head of state may encounter in the near future.

Ukraine: Military Opposition Building Up Against Prez Zelenskyy Read More »

Civil Society's Activism Action

From Activism to Action: Civil Society’s Response to Present-Day Issues

In contemporary India, civil society, comprising a diverse array of organizations, movements, and individuals, continues to play a pivotal role in catalysing positive change and confronting the urgent social, economic, and environmental issues facing the nation. As Indian society navigates through complex challenges, civil society’s significance has further intensified, as it responds to the pressing demands for transformative action. This essay delves into the transformative journey of civil society from activism to concrete action, exploring its dynamic response to the present-day issues that require immediate attention and sustainable solutions in the Indian context.

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US China Spy Ukraine

Ukraine Conflict, ‘Spy Balloon’ and Evolving US-China Relationship

In recent weeks, tensions between Beijing and Washington seem to have escalated after the incident of an ‘alleged’ Chinese spy balloon being spotted in US airspace. The Biden Administration may not want ties with China to deteriorate further and it may also seek to find common ground on important global issues. It is likely however to continue with its tough economic stance vis-à-vis China in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential election. The important factors which will influence the trajectory of the Washington-Beijing relationship are the course of the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s stance on the same as well as China’s approach towards Taiwan.

Ukraine Conflict, ‘Spy Balloon’ and Evolving US-China Relationship Read More »

Protectionist UK Indian Students

Protectionist UK Restricting Indian Students May Backfire

Limiting the number of students from India or changing rules pertaining to the graduate post-study work visa will make the United Kingdom a less attractive destination for higher education for Indian students. The UK needs to understand that Indian students contribute significantly to the UK economy, not just in the form of tuition fees, but also through their talent and skills. 

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Australia China Relationship Wong

Australia-China Bilateral Relationship: Penny Wong’s Visit to Beijing

The visit of the Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, to China could pave the way for reducing tensions between both countries, though it would be unrealistic to expect substantial progress in the short run. Any thaw between both countries will require a significant course correction in Xi Jinping’s foreign policy, which so far has been fundamentally different from that of his predecessors. 

Australia-China Bilateral Relationship: Penny Wong’s Visit to Beijing Read More »

China West Golden Era

China and West Cooperation: Is the Golden Era Over?

It is important that China and the West ensure that their relations do not slide further. It is important for both sides to refrain from a zero-sum approach and that they cooperate on important global issues. At the same time, countries wary of China’s increasingly aggressive behaviour, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, need to come up with a cohesive strategic and economic vision to counter the same.

China and West Cooperation: Is the Golden Era Over? Read More »

Pacifism Militarism Sounding Brass

Pacifism in Words, Militarism in Actions: The Sounding Brass Leaders of 21st Century

These days politicians are so convicted that their opinions are correct that they don’t hesitate to dissemble any facts that are contrary to their position. They always make loud statements. However, at times their words and actions do not jibe. It involves trouble for nations and more for whole regions. And that is particularly true for the Indo-Pacific region, where many countries have their own great ambitions and also have enough military power to achieve their objectives. It should be well understood that sooner or later this kind of double-standard policy will fail. The lessons of world history inevitably prove it. It is very important to stop in time and think about it. It seems that it is time to stop just making loud statements.

Pacifism in Words, Militarism in Actions: The Sounding Brass Leaders of 21st Century Read More »

Taboo in the arms of propaganda

The Better Storyteller Wins the War: Taboo in the Arms of Propaganda

The most famous historical facts of mass sexual crimes are connected in the minds of ordinary people with the image of Nazis during World War 2, with the Japanese militarists who carried out the Nanjing Massacre or with the genocide of the population during the civil war in Rwanda. However, let’s put this theme in the context of the continuing war in Ukraine. 

The Better Storyteller Wins the War: Taboo in the Arms of Propaganda Read More »

ASEAN Great Power Politics

ASEAN’s Foreign Policy: Managing The Great Power Politics

ASEAN is likely to be the driver of economic growth in the imminent future. While a number of ASEAN member states have stated that they do not subscribe to the US vision of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, they are also aware of China’s increasingly expansionist tendencies and its aggressive stance over the South China Sea Issue. While ASEAN has numerous opportunities, it needs to ensure that differences within the bloc do not impact its functioning.

ASEAN’s Foreign Policy: Managing The Great Power Politics Read More »

Pakistan China USA De-hyphenation

Pakistan’s China-USA Policy: De-hyphenation or Zero Sum?

In order to put its economy back on the rails, Pakistan needs to maintain good relations not just with China, but also put its bilateral ties with the US back on the rails. Given the deterioration in Washington-Beijing ties, it remains to be seen if Islamabad can manage the same. While Pakistan, like many other countries, has said that it does not want to be pushed into making any choices, it remains to be seen whether this will be possible in the changing geopolitical landscape.

Pakistan’s China-USA Policy: De-hyphenation or Zero Sum? Read More »

Odisha ASEAN Connect Paradiplomacy

The Rise of Paradiplomacy: Harnessing Odisha’s ASEAN Connect to Attract Investment

There has been a paradigm shift in practices of wooing investors for boosting the economy. States have been attempting through special summits. Indonesia and Odisha have shared historical links. Every year in November, the festival of ‘Bali Yatra’ celebrated commemorates the maritime history of Odisha and Bali (Indonesia). In this regard, India’s outreach and connectivity vis-à-vis ASEAN should focus on harnessing the historical linkages and geographical advantages which states possess with respect to the ASEAN region.

The Rise of Paradiplomacy: Harnessing Odisha’s ASEAN Connect to Attract Investment Read More »

Saudi Arabia UAE Balancing

Saudi Arabia and UAE: Playing the Balancing Act

Two Gulf countries – Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) – have re-oriented their external relations significantly in recent years. The improvement in ties between both these Gulf countries, especially UAE, and Israel is a strong reiteration of the same. UAE along with Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan normalised ties with Israel via the Abraham accords signed in 2020. Even at a global level, not just the Middle East, both Saudi Arabia and UAE are trying to re-position their foreign policy. One important change has been the strengthening of UAE-China and Saudi Arabia-China relations, much to the discomfort of the US.

Saudi Arabia and UAE: Playing the Balancing Act Read More »

Nepal at UN: A Perspective

Nepal’s membership in the United Nations has passed 67 years since its accession in 1955. Nepal provides the second largest peacekeeping contingent under the Blue Berets of the UN. Nepal espouses norms and values of world peace and follows international law. But sanctity of Nepal’s sovereignty must not be compromised. The world community at UN gatherings has to listen to countries – not only the powerful but also the powerless, not only the great but also the small, not only the loud but also the feeble.

Nepal at UN: A Perspective Read More »

Japan The Land of Rising Militarism

Japan, The Land of Rising Militarism

By 2028, the military budget of the Land of the Rising Sun will exceed $80 billion. The Russian-Ukrainian crisis, the rising tensions around Taiwan, and North Korea’s continued missile tests are all reasons for the drastic increase in Japan’s defence spending. Its defence ministry is now considering the prospect of purchasing new weapons: advanced missiles and air defence systems capable of intercepting rockets launched from China and North Korea, including hypersonic missiles.

Japan, The Land of Rising Militarism Read More »

The Chip War US China

The Chip War: US Restrictions, China’s Ambitions and the Semiconductor Industry

Semiconductor chips form a very crucial part of the technological and strategic competition between the US and China. The disruptions in the supply and value chain due to the pandemic and trade tensions with China have brought out the significance of semiconductor chips. These are crucial for technological progress and responsible for the country’s growth as an economic power. The present article looks at the present US-China tensions and the implications of such spillover on the semiconductor ecosystem.

The Chip War: US Restrictions, China’s Ambitions and the Semiconductor Industry Read More »

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