Understanding Widodo’s lead in presidential raceon May 10, 2019Indonesia went for local, provincial, legislative and presidential elections on April 17. There were 300,000 candidates for 20,528 seats across 34 provinces. Nearly, 193 million people cast their vote. The participation was unprecedented. President Joko Widodo has a lead in the presidential run-up. Initial counting gave Widodo 54 per cent of the votes. Prabowo Subianto from the Great Indonesia … [Read more...] about Understanding Widodo’s lead in presidential race
“The Tragedy of US Foreign Policy How America’s Civil Religion Betrayed the National Interest”on March 29, 2019The book "The Tragedy of US Foreign Policy How America's Civil Religion Betrayed the National Interest" is written by Walter A. McDougall. McDougall is the Professor of History and International Relations at the University of Pennsylvania. He has authored numerous books, including the famous 1986 Pulitzer Prize winner "The Heaven and the Earth: A Political History of the Space Age." The book … [Read more...] about “The Tragedy of US Foreign Policy How America’s Civil Religion Betrayed the National Interest”
CPEC dividendson February 26, 2019The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Indo-Pacific reflect emerging power dynamics globally. The BRI focuses is on economics and regional connectivity. The "Indo-Pacific" strategy led by the US and its allies supports India's larger role in Asia Pacific. Pakistan as part of CPEC is central to global development. Pakistan and China's relation irrespective of domestic politics, regional and global … [Read more...] about CPEC dividends
Pakistan and its villainson January 15, 2019Looking at Pakistan's short political history, whether, it was martial law or civilian government, the country has continued to march forward, while brushing aside adversarial elements and surviving through external aggression. The critics have always been apprehensive about Pakistan Armed Forces; apparently the military's role in politics is being judged. Pakistan had been intermittently governed … [Read more...] about Pakistan and its villains
Moving forwardon November 6, 2018The proponents of a weak Pakistan opine that the societal divide on ethnic and sectarian lines, skewed educational system and rampant corruption have reinforced imbalances within the society. While, the advocates of a strong resilient Pakistan are confident about the country’s future. William Darlymple in one of his articles “Pakistan Reborn” argues: “Pakistan is passing through tough times, with … [Read more...] about Moving forward
Peace in Southern Philippineson September 8, 2018The conflict in Southern Philippines carries serious ethnic, religious, security and humanistic consequences. Back in 1968, the area saw the “Jabidah massacre”, in which Muslims were killed. The petition these Muslim families filed in court was unheard of, and the ultimate reaction was an armed uprising. Muslims form the majority in Mindanao, an area located in Southern Philippines known to be a … [Read more...] about Peace in Southern Philippines
Will a new political landscape translate into new policies?on August 2, 2018With a new government to take office soon, it is hoped that finally some importance will be given to Pakistan’s foreign policy. Presently, the country’s economy does not portray a pretty picture, and while the security situation has improved, threats still exist. However, on the foreign policy front, the pace has been slow, and the country has not been able to make any headway, both regionally, … [Read more...] about Will a new political landscape translate into new policies?
Peace in the Korean Peninsulaon May 6, 2018Northeast Asia’s politics have historically been viewed through the prism of the Korean conflict. There have been efforts in the past to bring the two Koreas to the negotiating table. The Six-party talks, for instance, were an endeavour in this direction. Regional players as well as the US have been actively involved in ameliorating regional tensions.In this backdrop, the recent dialogue … [Read more...] about Peace in the Korean Peninsula
Shinzo Abe’s visit to the USon April 28, 2018Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the US marks the third US-Japan summit since Donald Trump took office last year. The top-level meetings, other than bilateral issues, have focused on regional developments. The timing of the recent summit ahead of North-South Korea talks scheduled on April 27 and the President Trump’s meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (likely in May or June) … [Read more...] about Shinzo Abe’s visit to the US
Soft power in countering extremismon March 24, 2018In the globalised world of today, where distances have been reduced, geographical access and broadband connectivity have eased interactions, a new way of life has emerged. The transnational world has also brought in new forms of vulnerabilities/insecurities. The use of media, in particular, the social networking sites to spread hate material has in away eased the job of extremist factions; through … [Read more...] about Soft power in countering extremism
