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In Iran, China’s strategic advantage meets strategic vulnerability
THE US-ISRAEL attacks against Iran and the perceived likelihood of this now turning into a prolonged conflict both confer advantages to China as well as raise concerns for it..
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India in Africa: From Deliverables to Purpose
CAN INDIA’S AFRICA policy do better? The question will obviously be answered in the affirmative whether by Indians or by Africans if nothing else, because India is a rising and ambitious power in global politics. Capacity issues are frequently cited but those are applicable to Indian foreign policy in general and are being addressed, however…
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China’s anti-corruption machine tightens its grip
GEN Zhang Youxia, first-ranked Vice-Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission and its senior-most general, has been placed under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law”, along with another member, Gen Liu Zhenli. This leaves the commission…
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Russia, China and the Uneasy Terms of Authoritarian Coexistence
WESTERN PRESSURE HAS pushed Moscow deeper into China’s orbit, even as Beijing shapes the terms of an increasingly asymmetrical partnership. The alignment remains functional, useful, and resilient despite its tensions. India has long trusted in the sentimental and strategic weight of its Russian ties. But in this evolving landscape, how secure can that trust remain?..
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Is Regional Cooperation Possible Without Bilateral Cooperation?
THIS PAPER ARGUES that while regional cooperation is often viewed as a positive good, it is not sustainable in the long term without strong ties between its constituents. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization exemplifies this reality, given the significant and long-standing tensions between two of its members, India and China…
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China’s Global Initiatives: Preparing for the Collapse of International Institutions
CHINA ANNOUNCED A new global initiative during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, called the Global Governance Initiative. It adds to the three ongoing, previously announced global initiatives on development, security and “civilisation.” The initiatives speak to an increasing Chinese confidence that its ideas will find global reception amidst the chaos generated by American…
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US-China Relationship is about Competition but also about Similarities
ALTOGETHER TOO MUCH discussion on the US-China relationship today focuses on a contrast between the two countries. On the one hand, there is hand-wringing and head-slapping about America’s increasing global weaknesses and unpopularity, its seemingly inevitable decline engendered by the zero-sum…
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Above All, Look after Yourself: Conflict Mediation with Chinese Characteristics
BIG POWERS NOT only start conflicts or take sides in them, they can sometimes act as mediators trying to end a conflict. As hard as it may be to believe today, the US has been involved in settling at least 11 conflicts since 1990, including in Central America, Northern Ireland, the former Yugoslavia and Sudan. Unsurprisingly,…
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ചാരുന്നേയുള്ളൂ ; ഇന്ത്യ ചായുന്നില്ല
സജീവമായ സാമ്പത്തിക-ഭരണ വ്യവസ്ഥാപരമായ പരിഷ്കാരങ്ങളില്ലാതെ ഇന്ത്യയുടെ ചൈനാനയം പരിമിതപ്പെടുകയും സൈനിക-സാമ്പത്തിക ശക്തിസന്തുലനം ചൈനയ്ക്ക്അ നുകൂലമായി നിൽക്കുകയും ചെയ്യും…
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India-China thaw — real progress or an impression of progress?
PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA Modi will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders’ summit at the end of August but attention will be focused on the bilateral relationship…
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As long as Pakistan lives rent-free in India’s head, there’s no catching up with China
THE IRONY IS that this ‘normalisation’ of ties with China is not one that is the result of hard bargains or one that showcases any advantages for India