Geopolits - South Asia Archives

The Fragility and Resurgence of Bengal’s Glory in the Garden of Time

December 23, 2024April 1, 2025

The question now is: Can the grandeur of the Bengali deltaic civilization be revived? The short answer is that reviving the glory of a declined civilization, such as the Bengal deltaic civilization, requires not only a deep understanding of its historical strengths but also a strategic alignment with modern realities. Harnessing its rich cultural heritage, intellectual legacy, and natural wealth can serve as the foundation for renewal. Prioritizing ecological restoration in the delta region, fostering sustainable agriculture, and leveraging its waterways for trade can rebuild its economic backbone. Emphasizing education, innovation, and cultural diplomacy can reestablish its intellectual and artistic prominence on the global stage. Most importantly, encouraging inclusive governance and societal unity ensures resilience against both internal and external challenges. With blending the wisdom of its past and the opportunities of the present, a once-fading civilization can bloom anew.

Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Shadow Waltz: India, the U.S., and the Dance of the Alleged Deep State

December 15, 2024April 1, 2025

Ultimately, whether or not the U.S. deep state is truly scheming against Modi, the BJP’s claims reflect a broader reality: in our interconnected world, politics is never confined to national borders. Every dossier, every leaked document, every investigative report carries the potential to shift narratives and unsettle governments. And while the deep state remains an elusive figure in this news, its ability to quietly shape global events is undeniable.

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

Strategies for Countering Indian Media’s Information Warfare Against Bangladesh

December 6, 2024April 1, 2025

While it is important to act quickly, the country must also focus on long-term resilience against future information warfare. Education and media literacy are key components in this strategy. Investing in educational initiatives that teach students how to critically engage with information will help build a future generation that is both media-savvy and resistant to the manipulative tactics of disinformation campaigns. Incorporating media literacy into school curricula, from primary schools to universities, will ensure that young people are equipped with the tools to discern between reliable and unreliable sources. Public awareness campaigns aimed at raising the population’s awareness of the dangers of misinformation could also be rolled out across multiple platforms, including radio, TV, and social media. These campaigns would educate the public on how disinformation harms society and how to protect oneself from it, fostering a more resilient population.

Bridging the Dragon and the Elephant: Strategic Implications of Sino-Indian Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

October 27, 2024April 1, 2025

However, the path toward deepened cooperation is not devoid of obstacles. Persistent gridlocks in their relationship continue to pose significant challenges. Historical mistrust, rooted in past conflicts and competing territorial claims, has fostered a climate of scepticism that cannot be dispelled overnight. The border resolutions, while promising, address only a fraction of the complex issues that beset their relations. Divergent strategic interests, such as India’s concerns over China’s Belt and Road Initiative and China’s apprehensions about India’s engagements with other regional powers, contribute to a delicate balance of competition and cooperation. Additionally, economic disparities and trade imbalances have engendered protectionist sentiments in both countries, complicating efforts to forge mutually beneficial agreements. Navigating these gridlocks requires sustained diplomatic efforts, confidence-building measures, and a willingness to reconcile divergent interests in pursuit of common goals.

Categories: America / China and Pacific region / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Future of Multilateral Cooperation at the SCO Summit

October 20, 2024April 1, 2025

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.

Bollywood, Blockades, and Backroom Deals in India’s Charm and Strong-Arm Strategy in South Asia

October 12, 2024April 1, 2025

But this is where things start to get interesting. India’s hybrid strategy for keeping its neighbours, like Bangladesh, in check is as intricate as it is insidious. It is not just about guns and tanks—though those are certainly part of the package. No, India has perfected the art of the subtle squeeze. Diplomatic manoeuvring? Check. Economic dependency? Double check. Political influence? Absolutely. And let us not forget the soft power card, which India plays with the finesse of a skilled gambler. From infrastructure projects to educational exchanges, India extends its influence with all the charm of a seasoned salesperson selling you a car you do not really need.

Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

The Urgent Need of Decolonisation in South Asia

October 7, 2024October 7, 2024

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.

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

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.

How Western Powers, Missionaries, and Separatists Plot to Carve a Christian Utopia in India’s North East

October 1, 2024

On the geo-economic front, the North East has been blessed with natural resources—oil, natural gas, coal—that should theoretically make it an economic powerhouse. But instead of becoming the Dubai of India, the region remains underdeveloped, underappreciated, and, of course, under constant threat of insurgency. The region’s isolation hasn’t helped either. It’s like being invited to the world’s richest potluck dinner but realizing your table is at the other end of the banquet hall with no clear path to get there. India’s Act East Policy, designed to turn the North East into a bustling gateway to Southeast Asia, remains a distant dream as long as insurgents, militants, and foreign missionaries keep throwing a wrench in the works.

Now, the Western powers would have us believe that this Christian buffer state they’re supposedly cooking up would bring peace and stability to the region. Because clearly, breaking apart India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh to create a religiously homogeneous buffer nation is the surest way to calm things down. After all, what could go wrong with cutting a giant geopolitical hole in the middle of one of the most volatile regions in Asia? This new buffer state would, in theory, not only weaken India and China but also give the West a shiny new pawn in their Indo-Pacific chess game. And of course, if they get sea access via Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, well, that’s just icing on the cake.

Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia