Topics Archive

Iran delivers an ultimatum

Tensions between Iran and the US are mounting. The US has steadily enforced more sanctions, while Iran recently announced that it was suspending compliance with two commitments under the JCPOA. Iran…

Sri Lanka bombings, who did it?

Tensions caused by the Easter Sunday bombings are heightened by Sri Lanka's history of ethnic and religious conflict. ISIS claims that the attacks were in retaliation for the Christchurch mosque…

Trump threatens more tariffs against China

America warns of additional tariffs on China after the countries were expected to sign an agreement ending their trade war. What has caused the Trump administration to threaten more duties? Two of…

Israel, the Gaza Strip and Eurovision

Israel and the Gaza Strip regularly engage in violent exchanges. Israel recently employed targeted assassinations after years of restraint. Why has Israel changed its tactics now? Hamas is a Sunni-…

Military expansion to protect OBOR

The US Defence Department expects China to add military bases around the world to protect the One Belt One Road (OBOR) infrastructure program. What are the implications of such a military build up?

The Dome of Argus

China and America are extending their geopolitical heft to an ice dome in the Antarctic. Why is Dome Argus at the centre of competition between the two countries in the South Pole? Dome Argus is the…

US restricts Chinese visas

Amidst economic and geopolitical tensions, America tightens its visa procedures for prospective Chinese students. Does the US gain from protectionist visa policies that could affect the flow of…

Ukraine’s President-elect rejects passport plan

Ukraine's president-elect and former comedian Volodymyr Zelensky has mocked Russia's offer to give passports to citizens in the disputed territories of Donbass and Luhansk. The “Passport Plan” would…

India’s ASW readiness

China has stepped up its activity in the Indian Ocean while maintaining a sizeable number advantage to India’s submarines. Can India adapt its surface technologies to thwart sub-surface threats? Anti…

Belarus to join Russia?

President Vladimir Putin may look beyond Russia for a window to retain status quo after his current term ends. Is President Putin looking to force Belarus’ integration with Russia as a way of staying…

Erdogan takes a gamble

President Erdogan is unlikely to buy oil from Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to sustained tensions. However, can Mr. Erdogan continue to buy oil from Iran given its energy requirements? Strategic…

Kim Jong-Un in Russia

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet Russian President Vlad Putin in the first trip aimed at galvanising support while talks with Washington are in limbo. Is North Korea looking for other…

Afghanistan – A way forward

Upendra Baghel visited Synergia Foundation to discuss India’s need for an independent and inclusive Afghanistan Policy. Mr. Baghel recently served as the Head of the Policy Advisory Unit of the…

Ceasefire in Doha talks: Difficult to agree, more difficult to implement.

Whatever type of ceasefire is negotiated in Doha, it would have two basic ingredients: (i) moratorium on all types of attacks by all parties, here the Government and the Taliban cessation of…

Doha Peace Process - Another Dayton Agreement?

Doha peace talks between the US and the Taliban have progressed but still one should agree with Amb. Zalmay Khalilzad, that ‘nothing is agreed till everything is agreed’. Afghans’ recent conflicts…

People centered intra-Afghan talks lead to convergences

Constitution is at the intersection of the legal system, the political system and the society in the country. It is the supreme law of the land. Foundation of legal system: rights and duties are…

Pakistan retreats from US – Taliban peace talks

Pakistan has withdrawn from US-Taliban scheduled peace talk but will continue to play a facilitating role. A series of civil wars in 1996 saw Kabul fall into the hands of the Taliban, a hardline…

Saudi Arabia building nuclear reactor

Saudi Arabia is building a small reactor in its drive to divest from hydrocarbon fuelled electricity. The move brings questions of regional nuclear proliferation to the forefront. The Kingdom of…

US’ OPIC vs China’s BRI

China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative is pitted against the US’ Overseas Private Investment Corporation in a global race for geopolitical, economic and normative primacy. The Belt and Road…

The US-Russia nuclear tussle

America and Russia are currently engaged in a legal, normative and political battle to ensure their nuclear advantage, although this may mean a new nuclear arms race. Measures for the Further…