Putin’s War on Ukraine: Why and What Now?
In a televised address on February 24, Putin declared war on Ukraine. War is a diplomatic failure, a tragedy, and a crime. Although Putin’s actions are not defensible, America and NATO cannot be vindicated as innocent players in this crisis either, as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine confrontation stems from the US-Russia tensions over NATO expansion.
The author, Palwasha Aftab, concludes that in view of the sensitivities and far-reaching implications of the current security crisis in Europe, it is imperative to carve out balanced and sustainable peace in Europe, for the achievement of which a speedy and consensual settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war in particular and the build-up of a new European security order in general, remain intrinsic.
The Foreign Policy of US as Dictated by the Israel Lobby
The Israel lobby is one of the strongest lobbying groups in the United States. Through it, the state of Israel has been able to influence every aspect of US foreign policy and molded it according to its needs. The author, Muhammad Osama Asghar, notes that the US’ unconditional support for Israel – despite the atrocities being committed in the Israel-Palestine conflict – is the result of this lobbying. It is this very support that has caused the US to lose its prestige among the Muslim states, mainly in the Middle East.
Growth Versus Development: The Case of Pakistan
Growth or development? Which of the two would states choose and why? The author, Zahra Michelle Khan, mainly aims to explain both arguments and the pros and cons of each. She also assesses the external factors that influence the decision of a state to pick either, or both. The example of Pakistan, as well as possible ways to help the state develop, are also discussed towards the end.
Pakistan & Uzbekistan: Celebrating 30 Years of Bilateral Cooperation
President Shavkar Mirziyoyev’s two-day state visit to Pakistan marked the 30 years of diplomatic ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The delegations deliberated over matters of regional and bilateral significance. The author, Syed Haris Shah, notes that this visit is immensely important for Pakistan to cultivate better economic and political relationships with the Central Asian Republics (CARs).
The Russian War in Ukraine in Light of International Law
Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibits states from using force against each other. Yet, in the case of the Russian war in Ukraine, the article is being blatantly violated. Though Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that the state will utilize its right to self-defense against Russian aggression, President Putin has refused to acknowledge the violation of international law. The author, Fatima Musa Malik, explains that amidst the crisis, the United Nations Security Council has reached a deadlock, and the responsibility to resolve the conflict has fallen on the UN General Assembly.
Decoding the Bias & Double Standards of Western Media over the Ukraine Crisis
The international media groups have been focusing on the Russian invasion of Ukraine very closely. Claiming the people of the West as more “civilized” than those in Africa and the Middle East, there is no doubt that leading media groups have a prejudiced mindset. The author, Syed Haris Shah, believes that the Orientalist aspect is still present in the media and within the intellectual circles of the West. The coverage of the Ukrainian crisis exhibits an elitist-inclined narrative that disregards the similar woes of those in the East and South.
The Iran-China Deal of 2021: 25 Years of Cooperation in Energy, Infrastructure, & Telecom
The increasing cooperation between China and Iran is seen as a threat by the United States, and by Iran’s rival oil exporters. The Iran-China deal (signed in March 2021) will further consolidate these relations and ensure China’s involvement in the region for the next 25 years. The author, Rooha Javed, notes that as a part of this deal, China will invest in Iran’s infrastructure development, oil and petrochemical industry, and telecommunications. She asserts that the Iran-China partnership can already be seen in China’s inclination towards reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and its current infrastructure projects in Iran.
Understanding the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left the world quaking. President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine are presently resisting the assault of the Russian forces on their sovereign state. The authors, Alyan Waheed and Muskan Moazzam, discuss the events that set the scene for the current war.
Joint Naval Exercise CHIRU-2Q22 in the Indian Ocean: Indication of an Eastern Axis?
The author, Syed Haris Shah, explains the reality from the perspectives of China, Iran, and Russia. Already a part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), these three Eastern states have been repeatedly partnering in joint naval exercises to maintain maritime security in their waters against the United States.
The Strategic Importance of the Indian Ocean to China and India
The changing dynamics of global politics has pushed the Indian Ocean region into the limelight, and so the author, Allah Nawaz, examines the strategic policies and alliances of China and India. Although both China and India have a huge disparity in conventional and non-conventional capabilities, the US and Israel’s role in making India a regional power has intensified Indo-China relations.
The Digital Economy in the 21st Century: Blockchain for Real Estate
Digital currencies have been turning heads since their emergence. They have the ability to operate independently of a central authority, raising alarm for some and relief for others. The author, Ayesha Zafar, also gives a sketch of blockchain’s influence on the real estate business.
Re-examining Pakistan’s NFC Awards
Pakistan has introduced seven National Finance Commission (NFC) awards for the distribution of revenue between the center and provinces since 1975. The author, Mohammad Ali Zafar, argues that while the 7th NFC Award has increased the share of the provinces in the divisible pool, it has also raised concerns for the center, especially when it comes to debt servicing and defense. Moreover, since the provinces of Pakistan have been, somewhat, unable to generate provincial revenues as per their capacity, they have remained financially dependent on the center.
Russia’s Conflict with Ukraine: An Analysis of the Past & Present
Since October 2021, the number of Russian troops at the Russia-Ukraine border has reached more than 127,000. Moscow’s decision to deploy more troops is a cause for concern for Ukraine and the NATO member states, especially the US, as they believe that Russia is preparing to invade its neighboring state. Zuha Tiwana explains that Russia’s conflict with Ukraine has now become a global issue. She argues that if the conflict persists, and NATO imposes new sanctions on Russia, the latter might retaliate by cutting off its natural gas supply to Europe.
The UK’s Ode to Brexit
The author, Muhammad Yasir, presents a comprehensive analysis of the historical trajectory of Europe in the realm of power politics, religion, and the economy as well as the culmination in the recent phenomenon of Brexit.
How Climate Change in Afghanistan Is Forcing Migration
The drastic changes in climate have left millions of people vulnerable, causing them to migrate from their homelands in search of more stable environments. The effects of climate change have been particularly devastating for Afghanistan. Rooha Javed explains that droughts, earthquakes, and floods have become increasingly common in the state. In 2019 alone, 287,000 people, mainly from the western and northern regions of Afghanistan, had been displaced due to a drought.
Is China’s Soft Power Being Affected by Its Negative Global Image?
China’s “wolf warrior diplomacy” and its human rights abuses have caused its global image to become increasingly negative. With China’s soft power declining, and its policies becoming aggressive, the international community has started to distrust the state. As a consequence, states like the US, Australia, and Britain have boycotted the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The author, Zuha Tiwana, asserts that this mistrust has caused the favorability of the Belt and Road projects, among the European states, to decline. The European Union has even put investment agreements with China on hold.
Class Conflict and Inequalities in Capitalist Societies
Although capitalism can be credited with creating wealth and opportunities, the author, Muhammad Wajahat Sultan, claims that it has also aggressively divided class systems. Hence, he proposes for capitalism to pivot away from an economic outlook and towards that of an ethical or social frame. The economic aspect of capitalism, he believes, is causing social class antagonism and class warfare.
