Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Smart Bangladesh vision promises a future of boundless potential, yet beneath the gleaming veneer lies a crucial question: can a nation be truly smart if its citizens are not safe online?
Read moreCategory: Central Asia
News and Analyses of events in Central Asia
Aerial Strikes on ‘Terrorism’ and the Need for China’s Diplomatic Manoeuvring in the Pakistan-Iran Conflict
The international community has not forgotten the numerous instances of the US violating Pakistani airspace under the pretext of targeting radical militants, yet there has been no comparable Pakistani retaliation against US interests. Given the current tensions with three of its four neighbours—India, Afghanistan, and now Iran—it would be imprudent for Pakistan to let the situation escalate, as this could invite interference from these powerful neighbours and extra-regional actors.
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 moreGeopolitical Quagmire of Nagorno-Karabakh
The ongoing situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is a direct result of unsuccessful and insincere diplomatic efforts by both regional and global powers. Their incapacity to effectively address the issue has worsened the crisis, causing a large number of people to leave the region. Additionally, the growing polarization, both regionally and globally, has played a significant role in shaping the current mass migration scenario. This polarization, characterized by sharp divisions and disputes, has added another layer of complexity to the situation, making it increasingly challenging for displaced individuals to find safety and stability. It’s evident that the actions, or lack thereof, by these powers have had a profound impact on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Read moreHuman Rights Organisations: Demons Masquerading as Saints?
When justice is not fulfilled, it surely invites backfire. It will be reminded of the more than 13,000 people experiencing commercial sex trafficking in Sacramento County in the US state of California between 2015 and 2020, police brutality and torture causing at least 1,124 people killed in 2021, and 40 million living in poverty in its territory, let alone shocking death tolls of war crimes committed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen.
Read moreAn Analysis of Generic Strategies of America’s Regime Change Operations
When it suits American interests (strategic, economic, or ideological), it changes governments. However, Western countries led by America frequently misjudge the gravity of the dangers posed by attempting regime change in many nations.
Read moreThe West will look to get the most out of the Iran protests
The Western community will look to exert more pressure on Tehran to secure a better deal by influencing and aiding the street protests across Iran. The controversial NGO National Endowment for Democracy actively encourages street protests in Iran. The United States government has given SpaceX CEO Elon Musk the go-ahead to launch Starlink satellite internet provider so that Iranian protesters can use the internet.
Read moreSCO summit rings the bell for multipolar world order
The SCO’s evolving multilateral cooperation structures, which gather countries focusing on economic development independent from the nebulous, hegemonic “rules-based order,” are aligned with the BRI’s emphasis on trade and connectivity. Even the Modi government in India is reconsidering its reliance on western blocs, where New Delhi is at best a neo-colonized “partner.”
Read moreIs Kyrgyz-Tajik conflict a blow to Russian underbelly?
Despite Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan being members of the Russian-led CSTO and hosting its forces, that Russia lacks complete control over those two countries’ military strategies and regional dynamics in general, which significantly reduces its capacity to prevent and end regional conflicts. The recent flare-up has also come up at a time when Russia is engaged in a military campaign in Ukraine and facing a hostile outbreak along the Azerbaijan-Armenia borders.
Read moreAnalyzing the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
Azerbaijan chose not to make public its intention to launch unilateral military action in defense of what it sees as its interests, in contrast to Russia, which made a final diplomatic push for peace prior to the start of its own special military operation in Ukraine to restore the integrity of its national security red lines that NATO had crossed. In addition, the perceived threat Armenia poses to Azerbaijan pales in comparison to the existential one NATO impliedly posed to Russia in Ukraine prior to Moscow’s military participation there. In addition, Baku plainly delayed the start of its operation until Moscow suffered a military setback in Ukraine.
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