Europe

European Elections 2023: The Triumph of Populism and the Surge of the Far Right
Europe, Featured, World

European Elections 2023: The Triumph of Populism and the Surge of the Far Right

Though Europe's future remains uncertain as it battles the dual threat of a flagging economy and illegal immigration, it is intriguing to note the rise of the far-right in several countries.The recent elections in Europe serve as a reminder that the choices made by individual nations have ramifications that reverberate well beyond their borders.The political developments in Switzerland, Poland, and Slovakia highlight that their choices can ripple across the global stage, affecting diplomatic alignments, trade partnerships, and security considerations. In the ever-evolving political landscape of Europe, recent elections have brought about significant shifts with profound implications for the region's future. From the notable rise of the far-right SVP party in Switzerland to the piv...
Robert Fico Returns to Power in Slovakia: Assessing His Election Strategy and Future Challenges
Europe, Featured, World

Robert Fico Returns to Power in Slovakia: Assessing His Election Strategy and Future Challenges

FILE PHOTO: Slovakia's former Prime Minister and leader of SMER-SSD party Robert Fico attends the party's election campaign rally, ahead of Slovakia's early parliamentary election in Banovce nad Bebravou, Slovakia, September 14, 2023. REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa/File Photo Despite Fico's electoral victory, complexities in the political landscape indicate that significant shifts in foreign policy, especially in its approach to the Russia-Ukraine war, may not be on the horizon. Fico's major challenges are the lack of a parliamentary majority, Slovakia's economic challenges, and the resonance of the Ukrainian issue with the Slovak population.His campaign promise of "no bullets to Ukraine" aligns with the reality that Slovakia has already reached its capacity to provide further assistance. ...
Can the Artsakh Conflict find an Amicable Solution? 
Europe, Featured, World

Can the Artsakh Conflict find an Amicable Solution? 

The situation in Artsakh remains fluid as the complex scenario is impacted by geopolitical factors, ethnic tensions, and changing alliances.Armenia alleges that Russian peacekeepers deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh following the 2020 Karabakh war have not effectively fulfilled their duties. The recent ceasefire agreement, accepted by Artashk in the face of overwhelming Azerbaijani military strength and a lack of external support, is a significant development.  On 19 September, Azerbaijan initiated a military offensive in the separatist Artsakh region, referring to it as an "anti-terrorism operation." Azerbaijani forces are advancing into Nagorno-Karabakh territory, aided by their artillery bombardment of Stepanakert, the capital of the separatist region, and other Artsakh military...
Decoding The Delays in Russia’s Special Military Operation in Ukraine
Europe, Featured, World

Decoding The Delays in Russia’s Special Military Operation in Ukraine

Russia's Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine faces a multitude of challenges, both objective and subjective, that contribute to its slow progress.While objective factors like the nature of the conflict, limited mobilization, and counter-battery warfare pose significant hurdles, subjective factors such as cultural ties and changing societal values are further delaying Russia's SMO.The prospects for the SMO remain uncertain and only time will reveal how this complex chessboard of military and cultural factors unfolds in the days to come. Russia's Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine has been going on for the past 15 months. As the campaign moves forward at a snail's pace, more people are beginning to show their frustration. There are several causes for that, both objec...
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor – Heralding a New Era of Equitable Growth and Cooperation
Analysis, Asia, Europe, Featured, Middle East, World

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor – Heralding a New Era of Equitable Growth and Cooperation

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor supports the vision of initiatives such as Make in India, Sagarmala, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It paves the way for self-reliance by enhancing infrastructure in the logistics and transportation sector and developing significant capacities within Bharat. In a world where connectivity is the lifeblood of economic progress, India is taking significant steps towards fostering enhanced integration and economic development, with the successful MoU signed on September 8, 2023, as part of the G20 Summit. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMCC EC) is a visionary project that aims to strengthen connectivity between Asia, West Asia/Middle East, and Europe. This MoU has great potential to reshape the economic landscape of the region....
The Great Deception: Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Death and the Web of Secrecy
Analysis, Europe, Featured, World

The Great Deception: Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Death and the Web of Secrecy

The truth behind Yevgeny Prigozhin's death remains enigmatic, with multiple plausible scenarios and motivations. Prigozhin's confrontations with Russian authorities, his personal ambitions, and the June 24th mutiny potentially made him a target for an assassination by the Kremlin. While many suspect the role of the Kremlin, the West's interest in targeting Prigozhin due to Wagner's actions in regions like West Africa and Syria cannot be overlooked. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner organisation, is said to have perished in a plane accident on August 23 in Russia's South West. Later, a Russian aviation investigating agency confirmed the incident, and it was discovered that Yevgeny Prigozhin was one of nine passengers aboard the aircraft, along with Wagner Commander Dmitri U...
Collusion or Cooperation? The India-UK Trade Deal’s Deceptive Facade
Analysis, Asia, Europe, Featured, World

Collusion or Cooperation? The India-UK Trade Deal’s Deceptive Facade

India's worry over the trade pact revolves around the impending inundation of the Indian market with cheap imports from the UK. As the UK grapples with its domestic economic challenges, there's a growing apprehension in India that these imports could threaten the survival of local industries. As India and the UK grapple with this pact, they traverse a tightrope between cooperation and suspicion, seeking to secure their interests while navigating a rapidly changing global landscape.The road ahead will be marked by tough decisions and delicate negotiations, as both nations strive to carve out a space that aligns with their visions. In the landscape of international trade, where nations engage in complex negotiations to further their economic interests, the India-UK Comprehensive Trad...
The Re-emergence of the Cold War?
Europe, Featured, North America, World

The Re-emergence of the Cold War?

With China and pro-Russian organisations composed of former Soviet republics on one hand and NATO and many European countries on the other, we may be witnessing the re-emergence of the cold war as neither side is showing any signs of backing down. The war between Russia and Ukraine that has been going on since 2014 has in a significant sense divided the world into two separate ideologies. The ones that support the Russian invasion, like Belarus which is Russia’s biggest supporter, have allowed Russian troops to enter its territories while other countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Kyrgyzstan have supported Russia’s agenda. On the other hand, the US has shown fierce support for Ukraine and all the NATO members are standing in support of Ukraine and have condemned Russia’s ...
US-made Cluster Bombs for Ukraine: Reasons Behind the Blatant Instigation
Analysis, Europe, Featured, World

US-made Cluster Bombs for Ukraine: Reasons Behind the Blatant Instigation

The decision of the US to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine will have a devastating impact on innocent civilians, a fact that cannot be disregarded by any side.The supply of cluster bombs to Ukraine is not primarily intended to bolster its military power but to serve as a deterrent against Russian offensives, as the unexploded bomblets can act as antipersonnel mines, urging caution in the adversary's military actions.The use of cluster bombs raises significant moral and ethical concerns apart from violation of humanitarian principles and both the US and Ukraine could be accused of war crimes. The recent announcement from the White House regarding the shipment of cluster bombs to Ukraine has sparked significant discussions and controversies. In an interview with CNN television, Presi...
Germany at Crossroads: Addressing its Energy Crisis and Economic Slowdown
Analysis, Europe, Featured, World

Germany at Crossroads: Addressing its Energy Crisis and Economic Slowdown

Lack of planning for alternate energy sources, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, the burden of hosting refugees, and an ageing population have all contributed to the energy crisis and economic slowdown in Germany.Germany, once a stalwart in the energy industry, is now grappling with the challenges of ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Russia halting gas supplies to Europe has added to the energy crisis.The European refugee crisis has added further strain to Germany's economic woes with accommodation and integration of refugees having a significant burden on the nation's resources, including housing, education, and healthcare.Germany's ageing population poses another significant challenge, as it places strains on pension systems and workforce productivity.Policymakers mus...