Category: South Asia

News and Analyses of events in South Asia

Reassessing the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Urgent Need for Bangladesh’s Withdrawal

In recent years, Western nations have been increasingly outspoken about the issue of human rights abuses by the government in Bangladesh. Western NGOs and INGOs, often referred to as defenders of human rights, have asserted that they have documented these crimes and have urged Western governments to take action. Consequently, the Rapid Action Battalion was sanctioned by the United States. However, the US’s involvement did not stop there. It exerted its influence prior to the last general election, demonstrating a lack of support for the current government. It is evident to the US that the current ruling party of Bangladesh does not align with the US’s policy of containing China. Therefore, the US will continue its efforts to effect political change, a prospect that the members of the ruling party leader may find unwise, not only for the potential loss of state power but also for the possibility of being tried both domestically and internationally under the Rome Statute of the ICC, which the law ministry ratified without any geopolitical foresight.

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Categories: America / Eastern Europe and Russia / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia / Western Europe

The Art and Science of Deterrence with an Interdisciplinary Perspective for Bangladesh

Beyond its military might, Bangladesh can leverage its economic potential. Fostering strong economic ties with regional giants like India and China creates a web of interdependence, making conflict a less attractive option for all parties involved. By becoming a crucial link in regional trade routes through efficient ports or a digital hub, Bangladesh strengthens its position.
Bangladesh’s tradition of non-alignment presents another opportunity. By avoiding entanglement in major power rivalries, it can maintain its diplomatic flexibility. Actively participating in regional and international organisations like SAARC, ASEAN, and the UN allows Bangladesh to build goodwill and forge a diplomatic shield.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

An Insight into American Soft Manoeuvres in India Before the Election

The BJP’s ability to rebuild trust with the West during this period will be under scrutiny. This is crucial, as the West, particularly the United States, has significant geopolitical interests in the region. In these cases, the US is using the pre-election period, which is typically open to political pressure, dialogue, and negotiation. The goal seems to be to curb anti-Western sentiments within the BJP. The US thinks those could be achieved through various means, such as diplomatic pressure, discussions, policy negotiations, or even public statements that signal the US’s stance without damaging the BJP to the core.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

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

Can India Be Bangladesh’s Friend and Partner in a Free Indo-Pacific?

Let’s be clear: Bangladesh understands the need for border security. However, India’s approach to securing its frontier with Bangladesh often feels excessive and disrespectful. Equating our shared border with the US-Mexico situation is a dangerous fallacy. Our two nations share a long history and cultural ties, a stark contrast to the US-Mexico dynamic. Here’s where…

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Categories: South Asia

How the West-backed Indian Publishers are Impacting on Bangladesh’s Book Industry

In the contemporary literary landscape, where globalization has ostensibly bridged gaps between cultures and narratives, the dissemination of Indian English literature through Western publishing houses has cast a long shadow, particularly over countries like Bangladesh. Let’s dive into the complex labyrinth of this literary exchange, focusing on how Western-backed Indian writers’ books, including non-fiction, are…

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South 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.

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

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

Crisis at the Border: How Myanmar’s Unrest Threatens Bangladesh

The crisis in Myanmar poses a significant threat to Bangladesh’s national security. The influx of refugees, the spillover of violence, and the potential for regional instability all contribute to the urgency of addressing this issue. Bangladesh must tread carefully in its dealings with the various warring factions in Myanmar and northeastern India, while also strengthening its border security and defense capabilities. Additionally, working closely with international partners is crucial to effectively address the crisis in Myanmar and protect Bangladesh’s interests.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia