World

Decoding American Foreign Policy
Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World

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

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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

Can BRICS Trump Trump
OPINION, World

Can BRICS Trump Trump?

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Multifaceted challenges confront BRICS in the aftermath of Trump’s second term. The convergence of economic strain, geopolitical rivalry, and financial pushback during Trump’s second term has undoubtedly weakened internal cohesion. But, China and India’s economies remain engines of global growth; resource-rich Russia and the Middle Eastern entrants hold keys to energy security; and Brazil and others are indispensable to food supply and climate solutions. These interdependencies ensure that the idea of BRICS, as a coalition of non-Western powers, retains appeal. The article analyses the alliance’s internal dynamics, the external pressures exerted by US policies, and the potential pathways BRICS might pursue to maintain its relevance on the global stage. The central question remains: Can BRICS navigate these turbulent times and emerge stronger, or are we witnessing the gradual erosion of its influence?

Trump Inauguration Universities Students
Education, Politics, World

US Universities Caution International Students Before Trump’s Inauguration

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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.

Maximum Pressure Iran Trump
World

‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran: The Trump Redux?

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Putin is preparing for talks with the incoming Trump administration for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine is understandably concerned about Trump agreeing to terms skewed in favour of Russia. Many believe that Trump is likely to continue with his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran. At the same time, it is important to bear in mind that Saudi Arabia’s ties with Iran have improved in recent years as mentioned earlier, despite some differences, and Russia’s proximity with Iran has increased as well. Iran and Russia have also been working together to circumvent US sanctions.

Trump 2.0 India tariff
Economy, SPOTLIGHT, World

Trump 2.0 and India: Trumping Tariff Tensions, Transactionalism Amidst Geopolitical Rebalancing

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It is tough to make any predictions regarding Trump 2.0. While some commentators believe that his policies will be as disruptionist as in his previous stint, others are of the opinion that he may be transactional but less unpredictable. During the presidential campaign, Trump had said that he would impose tariffs on countries which are trading in non-dollar currencies. It remains to be seen if he goes ahead with such measures given that several countries with close links to the US, including India, have been favouring de-dollarisation. It also remains to be seen how Trump 2.0 would perceive the Chabahar project given the current turmoil in the Middle East.

Smog Punjab India-Pakistan
Economy, Politics, World

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

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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.

Harris Trump USA World Order
Politics, World

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

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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.

Netanyahuism zeitgeist Israel-Hamas
Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World

Netanyahuism: The Zeitgeist of Our Times?

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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.

Defence, Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World

Operation Prosperity Guardian: West Asia in Splits

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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.

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

US-Iran Tensions: Pezeshkian's Foreign Policy, EU Role, and the 2024 Election Impact
OPINION, World

US-Iran Tensions: Pezeshkian’s Foreign Policy, EU Role, and the 2024 Election Impact

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While analysts remain skeptical about the reduction of US-Iran tensions under a possible Trump presidency, the possibility of Trump altering his approach towards Iran cannot be ruled out.                                         In an article titled “My Message to the New World” which appeared in Tehran Times (July 12, 2024), Iranian President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the European Union (EU)

Bahrain Arab League Summit: A Brief of Outcomes
Politics, World

Bahrain Arab League Summit: A Brief of Outcomes

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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.

India Oman FTA Gulf
Politics, World

FTA with Oman Likely: Catapulting Gulf-India Synergies

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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.

Pakistan Rigging Democratic State
Politics, World

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

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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

Riyadh Active Neutrality USA
Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World

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

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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.

Middle Eastern Chessboard Gaza-Israel Pak-Iran USA-Iran
Politics, World

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

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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.

International Relations Choices Concerns
Politics, World

International Relations: Choices or Concerns

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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.

Biden Trump 2024 geopolitics
Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World

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

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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.

Israel-Hamas Gaza Ground Operations
SPOTLIGHT, World

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

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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.

Israel-Hamas War International Pressure
Politics, SPOTLIGHT, World

Israel-Hamas War: No Endgame Amid International Pressure

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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.

Chinese Tehran Israel-Palestine Tensions
SPOTLIGHT, World

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

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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.

Israel Palestine Conflict Dynamics
SPOTLIGHT, World

Israel-Palestine Conflict Dynamics in West Asia

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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.

Vulnerability to Energy to Climate
Environment, Sci-Tech, SPOTLIGHT, World

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

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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.

Israel-Hamas Gaza Hospital
SPOTLIGHT, World

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

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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.

Saudi Swing Washington Beijing
Politics, World

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

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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.

Global Indian Students Education
Education, World

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

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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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