Geopolits - Central Asia Archives

Trump’s Gaza Takeover and the Chaos That Will Follow

February 6, 2025March 31, 2025

And then there’s Israel, which might be celebrating now but could soon regret this whole thing. Sure, the Israeli government loves a plan that involves fewer Palestinians in Gaza, but at what cost? If Hamas gets stronger, Hezbollah gets bolder, and international condemnation reaches new heights, Israel could find itself more isolated than ever. Even its European allies, who have been fairly tolerant of Israeli policies, might start pulling away. Because, let’s face it, even the most pro-Israel European leaders will struggle to justify a U.S.-led eviction of Palestinians. At some point, the international community might have to draw the line, and when they do, Israel could find itself in a diplomatic mess of its own making.

Pakistan and Afghanistan Locked in a Spiral of Strife

December 30, 2024March 31, 2025

In this increasing chaos, there are glimmers of potential solutions. Diplomatic engagement remains a vital avenue. Recent initiatives, such as the visit of Pakistan’s special envoy to Afghanistan, signal a willingness to address shared concerns. However, dialogue must be sustained and substantive, focusing on practical measures like joint border management and intelligence sharing. The involvement of regional powers like China and Russia could also provide a neutral platform for negotiations. China, with its investments in Pakistan and security concerns in Xinjiang, has a national stake in regional stability, while Russia’s historical experience with Afghan insurgencies positions it as a potential mediator.

Categories: Central Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

The Influence of Religious Prophecies on Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Geopolitics

December 11, 2024April 1, 2025

In modern times, religious prophecies continue to influence geopolitics in profound ways. The belief in Christian Zionism, rooted in the idea that the return of Jews to Israel fulfils Biblical prophecy, has shaped U.S. foreign policy. Evangelical Christian groups view the establishment of Israel in 1948 as a necessary step toward the Second Coming of Christ, influencing American political support for Israel, especially under leaders such as Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. Similarly, in Iran, Shia eschatology played a pivotal role in the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Ayatollah Khomeini framed the revolution as a step toward the eventual return of the Mahdi and the establishment of a divinely guided Islamic state. This vision continues to shape Iran’s foreign policies and regional alliances, from its support for Hezbollah to its involvement in the Syrian Civil War.

Another Syrian Quagmire in the Making

December 11, 2024April 1, 2025

Israel, sensing an opportunity in the growing chaos, will likely intensify its military activities in Syria, particularly occupy full of Golan Heights and establish a mighty strategic presence in Syrian battlefield. With Russia and Iran distracted or scaling back their involvement, Israel could press forward with its encroaching strategy, seeing the instability as a chance to further secure its borders and push against Iranian influence. While the US may align with Israel’s goals in curbing Iranian expansion, Israel’s unilateral actions could further complicate the broader regional balance.

Categories: Central Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia

Class Warfare is Not Just About Money, It’s About Who Controls the Hashtags

October 4, 2024April 1, 2025

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.

Hypocrisy in International Relations is the World’s Favorite Double Standards

September 13, 2024September 13, 2024

Countries that pride themselves on being champions of human rights have barely lifted a finger to meaningfully intervene. Thousands of Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, which has been left to shoulder the burden of this humanitarian disaster with minimal support from the very countries that love to talk about refugees and justice. Europe, the U.S., and other global powers loudly criticize the atrocities, but conveniently remain silent when it comes to putting real pressure on Myanmar. They’re too busy with trade deals and political maneuvering to actually stand by the principles they so eagerly promote. The Rohingya crisis is a glaring example of how the world’s most powerful nations are willing to let human rights violations slide when it doesn’t suit their interests.

It Is High Time for Bangladesh to Rein the Social Engineering Media

March 21, 2024

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?

Aerial Strikes on ‘Terrorism’ and the Need for China’s Diplomatic Manoeuvring in the Pakistan-Iran Conflict

January 18, 2024January 18, 2024

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.

Categories: Africa / Central Asia / Middle East / South Asia

A Geostrategic Perspective of the Decline of Hegemonic Stability Theory and Emergence of Augmentism

December 13, 2023

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.

Geopolitical Quagmire of Nagorno-Karabakh

September 28, 2023

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.

Categories: Central Asia / Eastern Europe and Russia