World

Russia-Ukraine War Enters 3rd Year – Years of Conflict and a Decade of Turmoil
Europe, Featured, World

Russia-Ukraine War Enters 3rd Year – Years of Conflict and a Decade of Turmoil

As the conflict enters its third year, both sides have stuck their guns, unwilling to cede ground.Russia, buoyed by recent victories, shows no inclination to end the conflict on anything but its terms.Ukraine finds itself at a critical juncture, urgently needing military support. With no peace in sight, finding a middle ground becomes crucial for ending the crisis. In February 2014, 10 years ago, Kyiv became ground zero for an unconstitutional coup, that triggered all the events around Ukraine and its now former regions ever since. It marked the culmination of the Euromaidan demonstrations, a series of public protests held between November 2013 and February 2014, organised with the involvement and support of Western countries.  On February 21, 2014, a day before the coup, U...
The Escalating Saudi-UAE Rivalry: Implications for the Middle East and Beyond
Middle East, World

The Escalating Saudi-UAE Rivalry: Implications for the Middle East and Beyond

The key battleground in the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and UAE is the economic investment and assistance to neighbouring countries. The rivalry extends to strategic sectors such as transportation and energy, where both countries seek to enhance their regional influence. As both countries compete for dominance across economic, political, and strategic domains, the region faces heightened tensions and uncertainty. In recent years, the Middle East has become a battleground for escalating geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This rivalry, spanning economic, political, and defence spheres, poses significant implications for the region's stability and global affairs. Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are vying for dominance, leveraging their economic ...
Armenia’s Shifting Foreign Policy: Balancing Relations Between Russia and the West
Europe, Featured, World

Armenia’s Shifting Foreign Policy: Balancing Relations Between Russia and the West

PM Pashinyan has a personal interest in the European dream; he wants Armenia to come closer to the West, particularly the USA and France. The final blow to the relationship between Armenia and Russia came during the second Nagorno-Karabakh war in September 2023 when Artsakh finally fell into the hands of Baku. PM Pashinyan has held Russia responsible for this crisis.It is critical to recognise that Russia, a regional powerhouse, has an impact on Armenian security either directly or indirectly. In recent months, Armenia has been at the centre of speculation regarding its shifting foreign policy dynamics, particularly concerning its relationship with Russia and potential alignment with Western powers. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's government has made notable gestures indicating a ...
Understanding Japan’s Economic Quandary and Its Effect on India
Asia, Featured, World

Understanding Japan’s Economic Quandary and Its Effect on India

Japan's economy is plagued by demand deficiency that has persisted due to various factors, including low consumer spending and restricted credit flow stemming from banking sector troubles. The reluctance of Japanese economic policymakers to embrace aggressive monetary measures can be attributed, in part, to lingering trauma from past economic bubbles and subsequent busts. As a key trading partner and investor, Japan's economic slowdown could potentially dampen demand for Indian exports across vital sectors like automobiles, electronics, and machinery. Japan's recession could also possibly lead to a reduction in its investments in India, thereby impacting job creation and economic growth.  Japan encountered an unexpected economic setback, slipping into recession due to weak domestic...
The Strategic Significance of Avdiivka’s Fall: A Turning Point in the Donetsk Conflict
Europe, Featured, World

The Strategic Significance of Avdiivka’s Fall: A Turning Point in the Donetsk Conflict

The fall of Avdiivka marks a decisive turning point in the ongoing conflict in Donbas, with profound implications for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With Avdiivka under their control, Russian forces now possess greater leverage in negotiations and can exert pressure on Kyiv to accede to their demands. The loss of Avdiivka deprives Ukrainian forces of a crucial logistical hub, complicating their ability to sustain operations in the region. Since the outbreak of conflict in Eastern Ukraine in 2014, Avdiivka has stood as a formidable stronghold, epitomizing Ukrainian resistance in the region. Its fall to Russian forces marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, with far-reaching implications for both sides.  Avdiivka, located near Donetsk, has been a key ...
Alexei Navalny’s Death – Another Stick to Beat For The Sanctimonious West!
Europe, Featured, North America, World

Alexei Navalny’s Death – Another Stick to Beat For The Sanctimonious West!

Navalny's death will bring new forms of aggression from the West, swiftly followed by expected responses from Russia which, many hoped, would be interested in a compromise. The death of the Wagner Chief Prigozhin invited blanket condemnation from the West which once viewed him as a terrorist but soon after his death portrayed him as a rebel for a glorious cause.In the next few days, there will be many more attempts made by the Western media and governments to change public perception of the public against the Russian President and the Kremlin. One of Putin's optically highlighted opponents Alexei Navalny has suddenly died in the prison he was held in. Authorities in Moscow claimed he suddenly fell ill and died while being given medical help. It's sudden because only yesterday he h...
Release of Navy Veterans | PM Modi’s Assertive Diplomacy Bears Fruits Yet Again
Featured, Middle East, National

Release of Navy Veterans | PM Modi’s Assertive Diplomacy Bears Fruits Yet Again

The release of the naval veterans reflects the massive diplomatic might that India has acquired in the last few years, under an able leadership that understands the gravity and density of geopolitical complexities.One needs to unequivocally acknowledge that, this episode would be marked as one of the greatest diplomatic victories achieved in India’s history.India’s foreign policy and strategic architecture have been revamped by Dr S Jaishankar and Mr Ajit Doval. But the Centripetal force of this strategic transformation happens to be none other than PM Modi. It had been almost four months since eight former Indian Navy personnel were sentenced to death on fake espionage charges in Qatar. There was a large fraternity of journalists, commentators and opposition party leaders, who wer...
Is Germany The New ‘Sick Man of Europe’?
Europe, Featured, World

Is Germany The New ‘Sick Man of Europe’?

Factors like a weaker Chinese economy, and geopolitical tensions, like Russia's actions in Ukraine, have contributed to a downturn. Long-term structural issues such as an ageing population, underinvestment in infrastructure, and high corporate tax rates have hindered Germany's economic efficiency. Strategic reforms and concerted efforts from all stakeholders, can revitalize the economy and reclaim Germany's status as a leading global player. Germany, long hailed as Europe's economic powerhouse, finds itself grappling with a myriad of challenges that have led some economists to label it the "sick man of Europe." As railway staff, lorry drivers, and farmers threaten strikes over various grievances, it's essential to examine the root causes of Germany's economic struggles and explore ...
Indonesia Elections | Impact On Democratization, Economy and the Neighbourhood
Asia, Featured, World

Indonesia Elections | Impact On Democratization, Economy and the Neighbourhood

Prabowo Subianto (centre) is the favourite to win the elections with Ganjar Pranowo (right) and Anies Baswedan (left) being the runner-ups. The outcome of these elections holds significant implications for Indonesia's democratization, its economic development and the neighbourhood. Under Prabowo's administration, uncertainties loom over the continuity of Jokowi's initiatives, such as the relocation of the national capital and the ambition to transform Indonesia into a global hub for battery manufacturing. Ganjar's foreign policy stance is pragmatic, focusing on fostering economic partnerships and regional stability. Anies's foreign policy outlook diverges from the traditional approach and prioritises building strategic partnerships based on shared values such as democracy, human rights...
Egypt’s Role In The Israel-Gaza Conflict: Mediation For Regional Stability Or Self-Serving Statecraft?
Featured, Middle East, World

Egypt’s Role In The Israel-Gaza Conflict: Mediation For Regional Stability Or Self-Serving Statecraft?

People gather on the Gaza side of the closed Rafah border crossing with Egypt Critics argue that Sisi's focus on regional security comes at the expense of addressing pressing economic challenges facing Egyptians. Despite pressure from Western powers to force Palestinians to resettle in North Sinai, Sisi has publicly rejected such demands, emphasizing Egypt's commitment to national security. Egypt's ability to effectively mediate and address humanitarian concerns will be critical in shaping the trajectory of the conflict and the broader regional dynamics. Amid Israel's recent military campaign against Gaza, Egypt finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its role as a mediator between Palestinian factions and the need to maintain regional stability. As the conflict escalates...