Topics Archive

Stifling Shale: Saudi-Russia Feud

Saudi’s reduction of oil prices has intensified the price war with Russia that will also affect the U.S. Shale industry. Will the stricken world economy gain or lose?

Neighbourhood First: Building Bhutan

India is Bhutan’s most significant neighbour across dimensions. How can we foster this relationship to develop the South Asian region?

Top 10 Geopolitical Conflicts of 2020 by Synergia Group

Radical Islamists, drug wars, and fighting against the system- these are some of the geopolitical risks of 2020.

Sudan: Shedding Stigma of Terrorism

As Sudan gingerly adopts democracy, its first major diplomatic initiative is to mend ties with Israel. Will this quicken its international acceptance?

Estranged, flat-lined or natural allies

President Trump’s visit demonstrated the strong chemistry shared by the leaders of the world's two biggest democracies. Optics and cringe apart, were there significant gains from the visit?

Europe - Pax Americana vs Pax Sinica

Compelled to take a side in the US-China faceoff, its own unity in disarray, Europe is at a crossroad. Can it chart a safe route out of the gathering storm?

The Middle East -Reviving Europe’s Role

Europe is steadily losing relevance in the dynamic political landscape of the Middle East. Can it arrest this trend?

Brexit Accomplished?

Despite two general elections, the future of the UK remains a quagmire. What has been achieved, and what does the future hold for the former empire?

Qassem Soleimani- Predictable Surprises

The targeted assassination of Qassem Soleimani will continue to reverberate from Teheran to Washington. What will be the unintended consequences of this action?

Oman-Dawn of New Epoch

The demise of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, father of the 'Omani Renaissance', has left a void in mediation and diplomacy in the Gulf. How will this impact the Middle East?

Russian Reforms-Putinism Institutionalised

Putin’s Administrative Reforms have raised questions on their intent and scope. Do they point to an end-state plan or to a roost for post-2024 political influence?

LIBYA - A rebalancing act

Turkey’s decision to send advisers and extend military support to Libya, at the request of Prime Minister Fayez al Serraj’s Government of National Accord ( GNA ) followed an escalation of conflict…

The Killing Of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani

The Pentagon confirmed that the Iranian General was killed, at the direction of the US President. Have we reached a new milestone in the evolution of 4th Generation Warfare?

East Asia: Spectre of a Nuclear Conflagration

Indications are that Kim Jong Un is on the verge of breaking off all negotiations on denuclearisation and is likely to stage a significant event to mark this break just before the new year. Does this…

Lebanon-The Mirror of Middle East

Lebanon located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian hinterland has a rich history and a special cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity. By Middle East standards,…

NATO - On the Decline

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a recent interview, has described NATO as, ‘brain-dead’. In its 70th year, the US-led military alliance is showing extreme signs of stress raising the question of…

Hong Kong: Where is the violence leading to?

On 02 October 2019, in a clash with civilian protesters, a Hong Kong police officer shot an 18-year old secondary school student. The trigger for Hong Kong protests commenced on 29 March 2019, when a…

Russia-Ukraine: Prisoners of Past

The recent prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine is indicative of a thaw between the two estranged neighbours. Will this spirit survive the deep-seated animosity?

Egyptian Protests- “Springing” Back

Egypt has been experiencing political unrest and upheaval in a continuum. Egyptians are back on the streets demanding the ouster of President Sisi. Are we seeing the first signs of a new “Spring”?

Sykes- Picot & Future of Syria

The present-day borders of the Middle East are the legacy of a hasty agreement signed almost 100 years ago. This has become the cause celebre for the turmoil besetting the region ever since.