The strategic rationale for NATO’s enlargement was rooted in both idealism and realpolitik. Proponents argued that expanding NATO would consolidate a Europe “whole and free,” ensuring ‘’stability and democracy’’ in regions historically susceptible to authoritarianism. However, critics contended that this rationale failed largely when the war in the Balkans broke out in the late 1990s and the enlargement was considered a provocative move, encircling Russia and undermining its regional security interests. This dichotomy between Western aspirations for a hegemonic international order and Russia’s perception of encirclement set the stage for the geopolitical discord that would eventually manifest in the war in Ukraine.
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News and Analyses of events in the America region
The Houthis and the Global Trend Towards Offensive Realism Redefining Resistance
This maneuver by the Houthis has precipitated a crisis in the US’s hegemonic status. America’s foremost objective has been to contain the Israel-Palestine conflict, preventing its escalation into a full-fledged regional war. However, the involvement of the Houthis, coupled with Hezbollah’s participation, transforms the conflict into a regional affair, albeit one restrained by diplomatic efforts and international pressure.
Read morePan-Arab Fraternity Can be a Game Changer Against the Israeli Genocide in Gaza
Recent developments in the region underscore the urgency of this call for a pan-Arab fraternity movement. The Arab world continues to grapple with complex geopolitical challenges, often exacerbated by external influences. While there have been instances of attempts to unite Arab nations and peoples, they have often fallen short due to internal divisions and the imposition of foreign ideologies. To address these issues effectively, it is imperative to foster a sense of shared identity and purpose that transcends sectarian and national boundaries, and this can be achieved through a pan-Arab fraternity movement.
Read moreA Geostrategic Perspective of the Decline of Hegemonic Stability Theory and Emergence of Augmentism
The proposed “Augmentation Theory” or “Augmentism” represents a comprehensive approach to geostrategy that integrates key elements from the Theory of Defensive Realism, the Theory of Balance of Power, the Theory of Neoclassical Realism, and the Theory of Liberal Institutionalism. Augmentism is a very delicate balancing act that will seek to work only on the positive and sustainable growth of international relations, not otherwise, but one that can lead an emerging power into a more secure and influential position in the global arena.
Read moreBeyond Ballots: Reimagining Democracy in Bangladesh for Social Justice in Global Contexts
The influence of external actors, including former colonial powers and international corporations, are skewign the priorities of Bangladesh. These influences often reinforce a narrow conception of democracy, emphasizing electoral processes over the broader democratic principles of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity. As a result, the potential of democracy to serve as a vehicle for social justice is compromised, and the concept becomes a tool for maintaining the status quo rather than a means of transformation.
Read moreThe Precipice of Political Discord: Bangladesh’s Struggle for Stability in a Global Maelstrom
The political unrest within Bangladesh’s borders is not insulated from global influences. There are indications that the United States and its strategic allies are extending covert support to the opposition. While such maneuvers may be driven by geopolitical considerations, particularly those aligned with the US’s Indo-Pacific strategy, they risk destabilizing Bangladesh. The potential for creating a security vacuum in the strategically vital Bay of Bengal region is a cause for concern, particularly given the region’s significance in the power dynamics involving China and India.
Read moreStrategic Insights into Israel-Hamas War, Information Warfare, and the Quest for Lasting Peace
The Hamas offensive, Israel’s defence strategies, and the wider implications across the Middle East have unveiled the bursting nature of regional politics. This ever-evolving chessboard, where alliances shift and new actors come to the forefront, underscores the utmost importance of a deep understanding of the interplay between power, diplomacy, and conflict. Besides, the erosion of trust in mainstream media echoes the profound influence of information warfare on public discourse. In a world awash with falsehoods and competing narratives, strategic thinkers must adeptly distinguish fact from fiction and appreciate the broader consequences of these trends on the global political stage. Additionally, we must keep in mind that the illusory nature of ceasefires stands as a poignant reminder that peace is not a mere absence of conflict but a multifaceted endeavour requiring the resolution of underlying issues. In the realm of strategic thinking, we must acknowledge that temporary halts in hostilities do not guarantee enduring peace. True peace necessitates a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of conflict and aspires to establish a genuine, lasting stability.
Read moreAsserting Sovereignty, Bangladesh Must Condemn the US Visa Restrictions Policy
Some observers argue that the United States aims to foster a pro-US government in Bangladesh to facilitate agreements such as the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), among others. These agreements could potentially open the door for the deployment of military equipment, including the contentious possibility of nuclear assets, within Bangladesh’s borders. Such actions, seen by some as a way to exert strategic pressure on regional powers like India and China, raise significant concerns about Bangladesh’s sovereignty and its role in shaping regional security dynamics.
Read moreUnited States, Hypocrisy and the Vicious Visa Vendetta
The United States, located 8,500 kilometres from Bangladesh, has nonetheless inserted itself into the heart of Bangladeshi domestic politics. To US Indo-Pacific policymakers, this may seem like a distant adventure, but for Bangladeshis, it has the potential to be a source of political instability for years to come. By interfering in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, the US has opened the floodgates for other powers, such as India, China, Russia, and Japan, to do the same. Therefore, the US must take the total responsibility if Bangladesh faces any catastrophic political consequence.
Read moreSikhs and the Interplay Between India, and the Anglo-Saxon Double Standards and Hypocrisy
Following Justin Trudeau’s startling assertion, it becomes evident that the Sikh community, constituting a modest 1.7% of India’s populace, now occupies a focal point within a geopolitical manoeuvre spearheaded by Canada. This intricate manoeuvre enjoys veiled support from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, collectively operating under the umbrella of the Anglo-Saxon intelligence alliance referred to as ‘the Five Eyes.’
This scenario underscores a significant message: If India seeks to forge a partnership with the Western powers for national development, it must acknowledge that it cannot exercise full strategic sovereignty without the approval of the Anglo-Saxon coalition. In this context, Indian intelligence operations within the framework of the Five Eyes will be subject to Western scrutiny, differing from Western intelligence practises.
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