How French Colonialism in Africa Never Ended
Through the example of the Franc of the Financial Community of Africa (CFA franc), the author argues that France is practicing a form of neo-colonialism in Africa. France ensures this euro-backed currency for the 14 states part of the CFA franc zone—12 of these states are former French colonies. In return, it demands 50% of their foreign reserves to be deposited in the French treasury. Moreover, France has maintained a presence in the banks established for the implementation of the CFA franc policy, giving it control over the financial and exchange rate policies of the former colonies.
The Rising Tide of Islamophobia in France
In the last decade, Islamophobia has been on the rise in France. The situation worsened after the French president, Emmanuel Macron, called Islam a “religion in crisis”, defended blasphemous caricatures, and declared that he would make Islam “compatible” with French republican values and liberate it. The author notes that although the French government claims that it introduced policies like the hijab ban and the religious disassociation in schools, offices, and public areas, to curb radicalism, separatism, and Islamism, they marginalized the entire Muslim community in France. The author asserts that France witnessed a 53% increase in religious violence last year, and if the gap between the French Muslims and the rest of France continues to increase, the Muslim population will become easy targets for terrorist organizations.
United States vs Russia: An Unabating Security Dilemma
The long history of hostility and rivalry between Russia and the United States has internalized mutual suspicion. US political actors use the rhetoric of insecurity and ‘attack on democracy’ by Russia, while Putin builds on the anti-American sentiment. The author discusses how the United States is likely to keep considering Russia a threat due to the ongoing security dilemma, perceptions of identity and security, and implications of human rights violations.
The Arabization of Pakistan: Shedding its Indo-Persian Roots
How is it that a land thoroughly washed in the Indo-Persian culture, has now become a follower of Arabization? The article explores the ways in which Arabization has infused itself into Pakistan’s culture and society, gradually effacing its Indo-Persian roots. It also analyzes the impact of the cultural shift on Pakistan’s sociopolitical landscape.
Neo-liberalism, Neo-Confucianism, and the Coronavirus: How China, the US, and Others Responded to the Pandemic
Comparing neoliberalism, Neo-Confucianism, the states representing these ideological approaches and how they handled the pandemic, reveals that China as an authoritative Neo-Confucian state, has been more proficient in handling the virus than the neoliberal states. The author supports this argument by explaining how states like the US, the UK, Italy, Spain, and France have proven themselves incapable of handling the pandemic, while China has effectively limited the proliferation of the virus and ensured the safety of its citizens. The author argues that since the US focuses more on the distribution of power and less on administrative efficiency, it cannot react quickly to unpredictable circumstances.
The Destruction of the Great Barrier Reef by India’s Adani Group
The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a World Heritage-listed site, is witnessing the destruction of its reefs by the Australian government and India’s Adani Group. Protests and movements by various NGOs and international institutions are spurring the need for conservation initiatives and projects.
SBP Amendment Bill 2021: More Power & Zero Accountability
The SBP Amendment Act 2021 gives significant autonomy to the State Bank of Pakistan. The author notes that due to this autonomy, the bank and its officials cannot be held accountable for illegal acts by any investigative agency, be it the FIA or NAB. Moreover, the bill is quite vague when it comes to defining the authority of the Parliament over the central bank. The author explains that the power given to the State Bank of Pakistan will lead to a lack of policy coordination, and divide the economic objectives of the government and SBP and the forecast about the state of the economy.
What is Olympic Diplomacy?: The Case of the 2022 Winter Olympics
Olympics diplomacy is a type of diplomacy that hasn’t garnered much attention in the international diplomatic arena. Both (the hosting and the participating) states try to assert dominance through the performance of their athletes. The Olympics can also build alliances, which was the case with China and the US in 1971. However, China’s alarming human rights violations have called for a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Failure of Democracy in Myanmar: What Went Wrong?
The author seeks to explain the democratic insufficiencies and the violation of civil and political rights in Myanmar against a backdrop of Martin Luther King Jr.’s words. The violence against the minorities – particularly the Rohingya Muslims – has unveiled cracks that lay just beneath the surface of Myanmar’s so-called ‘democracy’.
The Elusive Afghan Peace Process
The US was never really in control of Afghanistan. Trillions of dollars spent, over a 100,000 casualties, & two decades later – the US is now stuck in a stalemate. Negotiating directly with the Taliban via Khalilzad seemed to be helping the US, but the recent change of date for the withdrawal of troops (from May 01 to Sep 11) can potentially hamper the peace process.
Israel and Trump: The Weakening Peace Prospects for Palestine
President Trump’s era proved to be markedly different from the traditional policies and narratives of past presidents. President Trump has pursued an increasingly biased foreign policy towards Israel – bestowing Israel with legitimation, and acceptance of its oppressive and violent policies in Palestine. By appointing like-minded officials on important positions, the president had made it clear that he would not be accommodating the Palestinians and their demands.
Cybersecurity in Pakistan: A Grave Vulnerability
Pakistan is one of the top 10 most vulnerable states when it comes to cybersecurity. Since cyberattacks can be carried out from any part of the world – with the possibility of the perpetrator never being caught – they present immense challenges for Pakistan. The author notes that 2018 was the most dangerous year for Pakistan due to the number of cyberattacks on the state’s institutions. He not only discusses the challenges Pakistan is facing from cybercrimes, but also provides recommendations for the state to counter them.
Civil War in Myanmar and Human Rights Violations
Myanmar has been subjected to a civil war since the time of its independence. In the last 7 decades, the state’s leadership has failed to ensure peace and stability; on the contrary, it has aided the instability and the failure of democracy. The military coup of 2021 and the human rights violations under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi have proved that militarization and human rights abuse are interlinked.
Pakistan Peoples Party: Zardari’s New Survival Strategy
Although the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has witnessed a shift in its leadership, the party’s reins are still controlled by Asif Ali Zardari. The author notes that the policies implemented by the former president have pushed Bilawal Bhutto to the shadows. He further explains that Zardari’s new strategy has landed the party in a tight spot; it now stands to lose its value to the ruling party and in the Pakistan Democratic Movement.
Diplomacy of Pakistan: Right Choices, Wrong Management
Pakistan’s past choices — the creation of Pakistan itself; the decision to join the American bloc; the decision to wage the war on terror; and choosing China as an ally — have defined its present status. Although these choices have been deemed appropriate, the mismanagement resulted in an economic downturn and an impairment of its diplomatic ability.
Pakistan and Russian Relations: A New Dawn
Although Pak-Russia relations have been marked by distrust and suspicion in the past, ties between the two states seem to be positively changing due to diplomatic visits and joint exercises. The recent visit of the Russian Foreign Minister to Pakistan and the mutual stance on the Afghan peace process have emboldened ties between the two nations. These bilateral relations have enormous potential in the areas of defence, mining, energy, tourism, among others.
Administrative Reforms in Pakistan: The Past, Present & Future
The article explores the administrative reforms in Pakistan from the time of the pre-independence era, and, in light of the present difficulties faced by the executive branch, suggests several recommendations that could address the faults in the system. While continuing to maintain its main role as a provider of public goods, the state will be expected to provide regulatory standards and maintain quality assurance to ensure that non-state actors can also provide high-quality services to the citizens.