Category: South Asia

News and Analyses of events in South Asia

Neoliberalism: How America Got Rich, Lost Its Morals, and Built a Delusional Deep State Along the Way

The U.S. may have lost its moral compass somewhere in the neoliberal haze, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. The key to reversing the damage is remembering that not everything has to revolve around profit margins and stock prices. There’s still time to write a new story—one where collective wisdom triumphs over corporate greed, and where the American Dream means more than just getting rich while everyone else sinks.

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

Geopolitics of South Asia and the Birth of Bangladesh (1945-1975): A Comprehensive Analysis

The US-China-Pakistan axis had significant implications for the 1971 war. The United States, under President Nixon, was reluctant to pressure Pakistan over its actions in East Pakistan, largely because of Pakistan’s role in facilitating the US-China rapprochement. This reluctance was evident in the US response to the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, where reports of atrocities committed by the Pakistani military were downplayed by the US government. The Nixon administration’s support for Pakistan, despite the unfolding genocide in East Pakistan, remains a controversial aspect of US foreign policy during the Cold War.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bangladesh’s Future Hinges on Steering Through Uncharted Waters in the Post-Hasina Era

On the other hand, the end of Hasina’s rule presents an opportunity for political renewal. If political parties and civil society groups seize the moment, they can push for a broad-based coalition government committed to greater political freedom, transparency, and accountability. However, achieving this will require significant political will and compromise among Bangladesh’s traditionally polarized parties. The international community, including regional powers like India and global actors like the United States, may also play a crucial role in the process.

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Categories: America / Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Bangladesh: The Crimson Tide of a Color Revolution

Disclaimer: This essay offers a particular geopolitical perspective. I invite you to read it to gain insight into the current state of affairs, focusing more on objective analysis than on emotional or agitated viewpoints. According to Bangladesh’s Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, the ongoing conflict and violence related to the student movement for quota reform has…

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Questioning the Future of the Bangladesh-China Relationship

The nature of the MoUs also raises critical questions. Most MoUs in the joint statement speak of hope rather than tangible outcomes, reflecting a diplomatic failure from an economic diplomacy perspective by the newly formed government of Bangladesh. The inability to secure substantial financial commitments or concrete project agreements indicates a gap in effectively conveying Bangladesh’s economic needs and strategic importance to China.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

Reimagining Australia-Bangladesh Ties from Recognition to Partnership

With an eye to fortifying its Indo-Pacific strategy, Australia seeks to expand its South Asian engagement beyond its current focus on India. Bangladesh, a nation pulsating with economic potential and a population exceeding 160 million, is seen by Australia as a potential “Asian tiger” poised for a future leap. Recognizing its strategic stake in the northeast Indian Ocean’s stability, Australia is invested in maintaining maritime security and supporting regional nations against external pressure. To this end, Australia desires to cultivate a rapport with the Bangladeshi military through targeted exchanges and educational opportunities. Furthermore, Australia is keen to assist in bolstering Bangladesh’s maritime capabilities in select areas. These endeavors represent the core of Australia’s strategic interests centered on Bangladesh.

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

Teesta River Tussle: Can the Netherlands Help Untangle Rivers in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh faces a strategic dilemma. Engaging either India or China, both interested in Teesta River projects, presents its own set of challenges. India views the Teesta as part of its strategic “backyard,” with the river flowing close to the “Chicken Neck” corridor, a vital link connecting India’s Northeast with the mainland. Indian concerns center on maintaining regional stability and influence. China, on the other hand, sees the Teesta as an opportunity to expand its economic footprint in South Asia. However, Chinese involvement raises eyebrows in India, who fears a potential shift in regional power dynamics.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / South Asia

A Transformational Partnership or Power Play in the India-Bangladesh Relationship?

To translate the vision of a transformational partnership into reality will require overcoming several hurdles. Historical disputes, such as those surrounding water rights and enclaves, can create friction. Furthermore, bureaucratic hurdles on both sides can impede progress. Effective and transparent communication between the leaders and their respective bureaucracies is crucial to ensure smooth implementation of agreed-upon initiatives.

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Categories: Indo-Pacific regions / 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
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