Pakistan-US Relations and the Geopolitics of South Asia
While officials in the Biden Administration have emphasised that Pakistan is important to US foreign policy, especially in the context of achieving the withdrawal of the remaining US troops in Afghanistan, many believe that the White House should have been more pro-active in its engagement with Pakistan. For Islamabad, having drawn closer to Beijing, striking a balance between its relationships with the US and China has become more difficult and the US-Pakistan relationship will be greatly influenced by the Beijing-Washington nexus.
New Caledonia Independence: Paris Preparing for Close Result in December
While France has undertaken to work with both sides and to respect the outcome of the vote, if this year’s referendum results in a “yes” to New Caledonian independence, the loss of territory and influence will not be welcomed. For partners such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States, a potentially reduced French presence in the south-west Pacific at a time of growing Chinese influence in the region is likely to be viewed with some concern.
ASEAN, India and the Covid-19 Pandemic
Unlike when it first struck a year ago, the recent Covid-19 wave has affected several ASEAN countries severely. While the absolute numbers of fatalities are not high in countries other than Thailand and Malaysia due to strict restrictions having been imposed, the slow rate of inoculation remains a concern.
The Challenges to China’s National Rejuvenation – Part Two: The Failure of China’s Foreign Relations
China’s foreign relations are deteriorating rapidly in the wake of its aggressive behaviour, which has led many democracies to enact measures to reduce China’s influence and, increasingly, to act together to counter it. As China becomes more isolated from developed countries, its economy is placed at further risk with the potential also to derail General Secretary Xi’s overall plan for national rejuvenation.
A Rare Chance to Chart a New Course towards Peace
There has never before been an Israeli government representing the entire political spectrum from the extreme left to the extreme right. It offers a rare chance to chart a new course to gradually end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It will be tragic to miss this historic opportunity.
Adapting India’s Approach to South Asia in a Post-Covid World
In a post-Covid-19 world, there is a need to deepen South Asian co-operation. In such a changing landscape, it is important for India to modify its approach towards the region.