Geography still plays a major role in global politics, just like the old theories from Mahan and Mackinder said. Controlling important sea routes, land corridors, and key natural resources is still essential for countries to stay powerful and influential.
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Geoeconomics—using trade and money as tools for global influence—is changing how countries deal with each other. Whether it’s the US-China trade war, the sanctions on Russia, or China’s investments through the BRI, all of these examples show the different ways countries are using economic strategies to get ahead.
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Trump’s foreign policy, outlined in the Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance, represents a bold shift in American power. By focusing on China and the Indo-Pacific, he aims to address what he sees as the biggest geopolitical challenge of the 21st century, believing that pulling back from other regions will be worth it.
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Governance becomes untenable when media prioritizes sensationalism over facts. The Iraq War provides a stark example. Legacy media uncritically amplified fabricated claims of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), with The New York Times running front-page articles based on anonymous intelligence sources. The truth was different: UN inspector Hans Blix found no WMDs before the 2003 invasion, yet by 2004, a PIPA study showed 57% of Americans still believed Iraq possessed such weapons—a testament to the media’s influence. The consequence? Over 4,000 US troops and 100,000+ Iraqi civilians perished, while trust in Western governance eroded. By 2007, only 19% of Britons trusted their government, per Ipsos Mori.
The media’s role in exacerbating racial tensions became glaring in the wake of the 2020 George Floyd riots. While outlets like CNN and The Guardian highlighted police brutality, they largely ignored the widespread rioting that caused $2 billion in damages, as estimated by AXA Insurance. The selective narrative deepened racial divisions; a Pew Research poll found that by year’s end, 73% of white Americans felt race relations had worsened, up from 44% before Floyd’s death. Rather than fostering understanding, the media amplified discord.
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If history is any guide, these think tanks will continue to provide intellectual cover for future regime change operations. Perhaps tomorrow’s target will be Venezuela, where think tank reports have long painted Nicolás Maduro as an existential threat to regional stability. Or maybe it will be Iran again, where “experts” routinely warn about the dangers of its nuclear program, conveniently ignoring the long history of U.S. meddling in Iranian affairs. Wherever the next intervention occurs, one can be sure that a glossy think tank report will be there to justify it.
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This brings us to Karl Marx, who, bless him, thought he had it all figured out with his theory of class conflict. Marx believed history was driven by the antagonism between economic classes—the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. He predicted this would all culminate in revolution when the economic interests of these groups could no longer be reconciled. While Marx deserves credit for highlighting the role of economics in social conflict, he perhaps underestimated the sheer power of cultural forces. It turns out that intellectuals, religious leaders, and media moguls can shape society just as profoundly as any capitalist or factory owner.
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With an eye to fortifying its Indo-Pacific strategy, Australia seeks to expand its South Asian engagement beyond its current focus on India. Bangladesh, a nation pulsating with economic potential and a population exceeding 160 million, is seen by Australia as a potential “Asian tiger” poised for a future leap. Recognizing its strategic stake in the northeast Indian Ocean’s stability, Australia is invested in maintaining maritime security and supporting regional nations against external pressure. To this end, Australia desires to cultivate a rapport with the Bangladeshi military through targeted exchanges and educational opportunities. Furthermore, Australia is keen to assist in bolstering Bangladesh’s maritime capabilities in select areas. These endeavors represent the core of Australia’s strategic interests centered on Bangladesh.
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