Category: East Asia

Future of Multilateral Cooperation at the SCO Summit

The timing of the summit is notable, occurring against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, and global struggles against climate change. Additionally, the rise of terrorism, a core focus of the SCO, continues to threaten peace across the region, including in Pakistan and other member states. As a multilateral organization, the SCO provides a platform to address these emerging challenges.

Founded in 2001, the SCO now comprises nine full member states, making it a unique multilateral group that spans nearly a quarter of the world’s landmass and includes 42.5% of its population. With permanent members such as China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and the Central Asian republics, along with strategic observers, the SCO has become a cornerstone of Eurasian diplomacy. Observer states like Mongolia and Afghanistan, alongside 14 dialogue partners including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, stand to benefit from the cooperative frameworks developed within the SCO.

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Categories: America / China and Pacific region / East Asia / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

The Urgent Need of Decolonisation in South Asia

Decolonisation isn’t just about kicking out the old colonial powers; it’s about kicking out the mindset that they left behind. It’s about rejecting the role of Noren-the butler, refusing to wait hand and foot on multinational corporations and global superpowers, and deciding to be the host of the party instead. It’s time for South Asia to stop being everyone else’s economic sidekick and start running the show. Imagine a South Asia where industries are owned locally, politics serve the people (not foreign interests), and culture celebrates local identities instead of mimicking Western lifestyles.

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Categories: America / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia / Western Europe

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

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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Categories: Africa / America / Australia / Central Asia / East Asia / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia / Western Europe

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

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.

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Categories: America / Central Asia / East Asia / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / Western Europe

How the US Indo-Pacific Strategy Appears as a Threat to Small Littoral States like Bangladesh

Therefore, countries like Bangladesh must reevaluate their relationships with Western countries, especially the US. Bangladesh has no intention of containing or assisting in the containment of any country in the region. Bangladesh must frankly tell the US that its unwise policies of hi-tech weaponization of one country against another will be detrimental to the security, sovereignty, and sustainability of small, coastal, and vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. The country must urge the US to ensure mutual respect within the region by prioritizing regional forums over a particular country. This is the only way to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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Categories: America / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

China vs. US-Philippines Alliance: Standoff Heats Up in South China Sea

The South China Sea, a vital artery for global trade and a treasure trove of natural resources, remains a focal point of geopolitical tension. The dispute centers on upholding rightful sovereignty amidst external pressure and a counter-narrative of China’s historical claims. China’s historical presence in the South China Sea is well documented, dating back millennia….

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Categories: East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions

A 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.

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Categories: Africa / America / Central Asia / East Asia / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / Middle East / South Asia / Western Europe

Asserting 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.

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Categories: America / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bangladesh Must Dance with France in Strategic Harmony

The Bay of Bengal stands as a vital intersection of maritime trade and strategic interests, holding immense geopolitical importance. Home to nations like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, each with unique geopolitical aspirations and alliances, this region is also at the forefront of a technological revolution, especially in security, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. With its robust technological capabilities, France is poised to play a significant role in shaping the region’s technological landscape. Within the Bay of Bengal lie abundant commercial opportunities, spanning trade, investment, and infrastructure development. France’s Indo-Pacific strategy aims to unlock these opportunities for French businesses by fostering collaboration with regional partners. This approach sets France apart from some of its allies, like the United States and Australia, who have adopted a more confrontational and competitive stance through the controversial AUKUS security partnership, which drew significant criticism, notably from France, leading to the cancellation of its submarine deal with Australia.

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Categories: America / East Asia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia / Western Europe
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