Politics

“The best politics is right action”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Editor's PickPoliticsWorld

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.

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DefenceEditor's PickPoliticsWorld

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.

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PoliticsWorld

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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Editor's PickPoliticsWorld

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.

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PoliticsWorld

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.

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Editor's PickEducationIndia

Beyond Books and Bells: Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Higher Education

Despite budget constraints, Indian universities like Jadavpur, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Aligarh Muslim University thrive, attributing their success to Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB). OCB, defined as discretionary actions benefiting the organization, extends from academic staff to students, fostering positive change within higher education institutions. The unsung heroes embody dedication, commitment, and selfless actions, impacting holistic development despite the challenges.

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Editor's PickIndiaPolitics

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.

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PoliticsWorld

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.

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Editor's PickPoliticsWorld

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.

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Editor's PickWorld

A Month Since the October 7 Attacks: Bibi’s Ground Operations to ‘Eliminate Hamas’ and Post-War Scenario in Gaza

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are now encircling Gaza treating Hamas as a target. This escalating conflict ignited anti-American sentiment in the Muslim world, with global opinion turning against Israel. A month of heavy bombardment killed over 10,000 people, including 4,104 children, leading to international calls for a ceasefire. WHO, U.N. agencies, and international charities express concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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Editor's PickPoliticsWorld

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.

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Editor's PickWorld

The Chinese Potential: Close Ties with Tehran, Dialing Down Israel-Palestine Tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, urges Israel to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and ensure Chinese interests in Israel. Amid tensions following Hamas’s multi-pronged attack, China criticizes the killing of civilians but avoids condemning Hamas. As the conflict escalates, upcoming meetings between Wang Yi and US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, could present opportunities for dialogue. Despite increasing aggression from Iran, China’s influence in the Middle East could potentially help mitigate the situation.

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Editor's PickWorld

Israel-Palestine Conflict Dynamics in West Asia

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine marked a significant turn, with a surprise attack on Israel marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Arab-Israeli war. The violence, which has been consistent since post-WWII, escalated as Hamas launched over five thousand rockets at Israel. Despite international efforts, including the Cairo Summit for Peace, a resolution seems elusive. Accusations of Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and retaliatory violence add tension, while powerful countries attempt to exert influence and propose solutions.

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Editor's PickEnvironmentSci-TechTechnologyWorld

Vulnerability of Energy to Climate: A Perspective on Thermal Power Plant & Scope of Renewable Energy

Climate change’s severity in India is escalating, driven largely by the country’s dependence on coal-based power plants. Recognizing this, the government aims to satisfy 50% of energy needs through renewable sources by 2030 and has taken steps to limit pollution with clean coal technologies. However, the transition from coal presents challenges, including fluctuating costs of natural gas and the reliability of renewable energy. Implementing new technologies and shifting towards renewables requires strong local institutions, community involvement, and private sector participation.

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Editor's PickWorld

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza Hospital Attack, Biden’s Visit, Iran-USA Powerplay

The shifting global power equation combined with increasing advocacy for regional peace through a sovereign Palestinian state necessitates that the US rethink its global strategy. Tensions in Gaza are escalating, potentially leading to a large-scale conflict as Israel plans a comprehensive offensive against Hamas. Amidst growing fears of war and a worsening humanitarian crisis, there’s a pressing need for negotiating peace and ensuring timely humanitarian aid in the region.

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PoliticsWorld

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.

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IndiaPolitics

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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EducationWorld

The Future of India’s Future: Increasing Global Education Opportunities for Indian Students

In recent years, several changes have taken place in the Indian and global landscape, which students seeking to pursue higher education overseas, as well as in India cannot ignore. Some overseas universities are likely to set up campuses in India. The West is seeking to attract more Indian students as a result of strained ties with China. In the imminent future, there will be many more joint programs between Indian institutions and overseas educational institutions. And most importantly, the focus will now be on technological skills and languages and not degrees. It is important for parents also to bring about a change in mindset.

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Editor's PickPoliticsWorld

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.

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EconomyEditor's PickWorld

Vicious Cycle of Economic Slowdown in South Asia

Sri Lanka and Pakistan are dealing with serious economic crises. Apart from serious domestic issues like shortage of essential commodities, and power cuts, both countries have meagre foreign exchange reserves. The excessive dependence on China is the main reason for the increasing debt trap. Both countries also had to seek International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance despite domestic opposition against the conditionalities imposed by the IMF. It is important for South Asian countries to work towards more robust economic linkages within the region and to shed dependence upon external assistance. 

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Editor's PickEducationPoliticsWorld

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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Editor's PickIndiaSports

Odisha: A Guiding Light for Sports Tourism and Paradiplomacy

Hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, Odisha is the first state in India to host the event for the second time in a row. This is an important feat and highlights the fact that Odisha — along with Punjab — has emerged as a key nursery for Indian hockey. Odisha’s focus on sports, especially hockey, also shows that every state should create its own template for economic prosperity and give a boost to tourism. Its success in hockey, where all stakeholders have worked in harmony, is important not just from the dimension of sports but also economy and para-diplomacy. Other states should seek to emulate its success!

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CultureIndiaWorld

G20, Dharamshala Declaration and Northeast: The Trident to Boost Incredible India’s Tourism

There is no doubt that India’s Presidency of the G20 is an important opportunity for India to give a strong boost to its tourism sector. This will give a much-needed fillip to the country’s hospitality industry and the economy. Showcasing cities which do not get the attention they deserve and a greater focus on the North-Eastern region, by holding meetings there, is a welcome step.

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CultureEditor's PickIndiaSocietyWorld

North-East Festival: A Roadmap To Domestic And Global Ties

North-East Festival is a festival that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and integrity of North-East India. The USP of this festival is the way in which we seamlessly integrate elements of social cohesion, cultural heritage, and economic welfare, making them an immersive experience for all. This also seeks to give a fillip to ties between North Eastern India and the increasingly important ASEAN region. The festival is important for a number of reasons. First, it highlights aspects of the region’s culture and economy that residents in other parts of India are not familiar with.  Second, it can give a boost to tourism in the region. Third, it can open up new horizons for entrepreneurs from North Eastern India, and the rest of the country.

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PoliticsWorld

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. 

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EconomyEditor's PickWorld

The Growth Story Of ASEAN Powers: Indonesia and Malaysia

While the Malaysian economy has been adversely impacted as a result of political instability, the Indonesian economy has benefited immensely from political stability. Also, Malaysia has been lagging behind Indonesia in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). But still Malaysia continues to be one of the most attractive investment destinations in ASEAN.

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Editor's PickEducationWorld

The New Geopolitics Of Global Education

Geopolitical issues have affected the people-to-people links and higher education adversely. While the UK, like other developed countries in the West, is keen to attract talented professionals as well as students who could contribute positively towards its economy, it is mooting the idea of restricting the inflow of international students who get admitted into ‘low-quality degrees’, and also bring in their dependents through the student visa route. On the other hand, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy makes a clear reference to strengthening people-to-people contact with different parts of Asia and seeks to enhance Canada’s international student program with permanent residence and job opportunities for students from the Indo-Pacific.

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PoliticsWorld

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.

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PoliticsWorld

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.

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Editor's PickSportsWorld

A Rundown of Sports Diplomacy

The ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar once again highlights the importance of sports in foreign relations. Sports, over the years, have helped unite nation-states with opposing ideologies. Diplomacy through sports harnesses soft power in geopolitics. Major sporting events like the Dynamo Moscow Football Tour after WWII stands as a testament to two rival countries coming together to settle their indifferences through the means of sport. The ping-pong game between China and the US helped end two decades of animosity between Sino-US relations. In recent years, sports diplomacy has been used to promote legitimate means of peace and development infrastructure in countries while hosting major sporting events. A country with a strategy of sports diplomacy will benefit in economic development and will leave a positive impact.

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PoliticsWorld

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. 

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PoliticsWorld

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.

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PoliticsWorld

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.

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BusinessPoliticsPublic PolicyWorld

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.

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Editor's PickPoliticsWorld

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.

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World

Nepal: Semantics of Judiciary – To Be Just, Not Unjust

Judiciary faces a challenge to its independence, impartiality, autonomy, and fairness. It is to be just and not unjust; the judiciary has to be cognizant of the constitution. Parliamentary impeachment of chief justice cases triggered after the 2007 Constitution of Nepal and a political role of Chief Justice becoming Interim Chief Executive to conduct Constituent Assembly Elections in 2013 are clear examples of why the judiciary is mired in political changes and the political subjects of interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution. Judicial review and legal activism are the domain of the Courts, and the judiciary in Nepal is the medium for monitoring, enforcing and resolving these constitutional and legal issues. In Nepal, the judiciary is a resort to observe, abide and pursue these two judicial service deliveries among many tasks to make our society just and democratic. Criticisms are rife over the conduct of justices in Nepal and it is a serious matter that needs to be paid adequate attention by those who would like to realize that justice prevails over injustice or truth prevails over falsity, or honesty/integrity prevails over vices/manipulations.

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PoliticsPublic PolicyWorld

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.

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