News
The UK: Still a soft power superpower?
A stagnant economy, Brexit, budget cuts, and a renewed global focus on hard security have brought about a decrease in the UK’s soft power capabilities.
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Reading the UAE’s outreach to the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan
The UAE’s increasing presence in Afghanistan, including acceptance of the Taliban-appointed ambassador, is not contrary to trends around the region.
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Nepal's Trans-Himalayan Dream: A Journey Through High Costs and Higher Stakes
The Nepal-China Trans-Himalayan Railway Project, which was proposed under China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is taking shape on the ground. This 170 km long high-altitude rail link project will connect Tibet's Kyirong (Gyirong) to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Its estimated cost is calculated to be $2.75 billion dollars..
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China's geospatial ambitions and security concerns
The dual-use nature of geospatial technologies, combined with China's territorial ambitions and military advancements, pose significant challenges for other nations.
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Russia, North Korea and the East Asian Security Order
Putin’s recent visit to North Korea culminated in the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting closer ties and a paradigm shift in Northeast Asian geopolitics.
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Political Instability Resurfaces Again in Nepal
Nepal, nestled between the two biggest Asian economies—India and China—is again witnessing political uncertainties. The ruling Left Alliance is on the brink of collapse following the withdrawal of support from the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML), a key alliance partner in the Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda-led government.
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What next for Iran?
Although Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi’s death leaves the country to face an uncertain future, it would not have any significant short-term impact on Iran’s political stability.
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Xi and a tale of two Europes
European efforts to find a footing in China present opportunities for India.
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Reaffirming Dhaka's centrality in India's Neighbourhood First
The Indian Foreign Secretary’s visit to Bangladesh is timely, as there is a need to re-affirm the India-Bangladesh partnership in the face of China’s deepening footprint in Bangladesh.
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Understanding the South Asian fighters phenomenon in the Russia-Ukraine war
The shortage of manpower in Russia, along with the allure of higher wages and citizenship, continue to serve as pull factors for migrants from South Asia.
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