Pelosi’s Taiwan Visit & the Worsening US-China Relations
Hassan Saeed Khan explains how House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan was driven by both domestic and international politics. With inflation encircling the US, the Democratic Party views the protection of Taiwan’s freedom essential to its success in the midterm elections. However, even Taiwan is currently witnessing a political race between the pro-Taiwan party and the pro-Beijing party.
How Russia’s Oil Exports Saved Its Economy
The West believed that the sanctions on Russia would completely leave the latter immobilized. Hafsa Ammar notes that while that was very likely, Russia’s influence and resources insulated itself from economic shocks. One significant Russian resource would be crude oil, as it has now become the primary oil supplier to both China and India—a position that once belonged to Saudi Arabia.
Putin’s Visit to Iran: Ending Western Hegemony
President Putin’s visit to Iran has caught significant attention amidst the fragile global political and economic conditions. Faran Feroze considers the visit to have raised various concerns among Washington and its allies as the two leaders met to discuss economic cooperation and deepening partnerships through an MOU between Gazprom and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and the installation of the Rasht-Astara railway line, among others.
World Order by Henry Kissinger
A book sought by CSS aspirants and students of international relations, Henry Kissinger’s World Order sets the stage by addressing the evolution of the state as a permanent and fundamental entity in conducting international relations.
He puts light on the significance of the Peace of Westphalia (1648) in the first institutionalising international order among states. In so doing, Kissinger deftly explains the role of the state and its enduring legacy in structuring relations between and among the states.
India’s G20 Presidency: 2023 Summit in Jammu & Kashmir
The G20 is a strategic platform connecting the world’s major economies, with annual summits being hosted by one of the G20 member states. India will be hosting the G20 summit for the first time in 2023. Needless to say, some of the meetings are expected to be held in the Indian Administered Jammu & Kashmir. Huda Raza believes that this move disregards the sanctity of the internationally recognised disputed status of the territory.
How Taiwan Is Hampering China-Australia Relations
Since the 1980s, the People’s Republic of China and Australia have maintained strong economic ties regardless of their political dynamics. Asra Zahid examines the history of diplomatic relations between Australia and China and how they’ve transformed. In recent years, Australia’s ties with Taiwan and its alliance with the US have led Beijing to question Canberra’s commitment to its one China policy.
Pakistan’s Participation in Chinese Trade Fairs
From textile to food, the 2022-23 trade exhibitions in China will cover numerous subjects. China will further host webinars, conferences, workshops, and delegations, all of which are of particular interest to Pakistan. Starting from August 2022, Pakistan is expected to attend 13 trade exhibitions in China.
CPEC Boosts Agricultural Development in Pakistan
Agricultural development in Pakistan is just one of the many facets of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Muhammad Bilal Farooq notes that the corridor is promoting corporate farming and boosting the agricultural productivity of Pakistan. CPEC’s infrastructure projects can reduce the transportation time and cost of agricultural produce. On top of dedicating 4 special economic zones (SEZs) to food processing, China and Pakistan, under CPEC, are also cooperating in the research and development of new varieties of crops.
China’s Polar Silk Road: The Future of Maritime Shipping
Rich in natural resources and blessed with quicker transportation routes, the Arctic has piqued the interest of countries and businesses all over the world. Hadia Ibrar notes China’s evident interest in building the Polar Silk Road across the Arctic and paving the way for the establishment of a new maritime route.
Interregionalism in EU-African Relations
The partnership theme in the EU-Africa co-operation seems to be based on mutual respect and a commitment to the SDGs. However, Zunaira Malik notes that the relationship is peculiarly asymmetrical, by virtue of the EU’s overwhelming dominance in global economics and politics.
China’s Investment in Africa: A Tale of Economic Diplomacy?
China’s use of soft power in its relations with the international community has given it an edge over the US. In Africa, China has used different forms of economic diplomacy to strengthen its ties with the regional states. Zunaira Malik notes that while China’s investment in Africa has been widely criticized by the West and even labeled as a manifestation of Chinese colonialism, the China-Africa relations are mutually beneficial for the parties involved.
China’s Failure to Ensure Hong Kong’s Autonomy
Hong Kong’s fate has largely been tied to China – with the exception of the 155-year rule by the British. The Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 was drafted to ensure Hong Kong’s “high degree of autonomy”. Referring to the national security law imposed on Hong Kong in 2020, Wasif Hassan discusses how China is failing to honor the agreement.
The Nexus Between Institutions and Economic Growth
Institutions, specifically good/inclusive ones and those from Europe and North America, have been synonymous with economic growth. Afifa Iqbal proposes to eliminate the dichotomous view of institutions and instead, pay attention to the dynamics between the concerned state and society, the socio-political realities, and the historical entanglements.
China-Taiwan Conflict: A Clash of Identities
Atiqa Javed explains the China-Taiwan conflict through the lens of social constructivism. She argues that both China and Taiwan have constructed separated identities in their respective population’s consciousness. On top of that, the clash between the growing Taiwanese consciousness and the traditional Chinese identity has heightened the tensions between the two parties, jeopardizing East Asian stability.
Pakistan’s Rice Exports to China
Pakistan is one of the leading suppliers of rice imports to China. In just four months of 2022, Pakistan’s rice exports to China have shown a significant surge, with expectations of better numbers ahead.
The Oxford Handbook of Indian Foreign Policy
The Oxford Handbook of Indian Foreign Policy is a comprehensive book with 50 essays about India’s foreign relations since the British Raj. Both the authors and editors of this book are prominent and leading experts in India’s international relations.
Kim Jong Un of North Korea: 10 Years in Power
15th April 2022 marked an auspicious day in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In 2012, Kim Jong Un became the head of state (also known as the “Supreme Leader” i.e. the head of the Workers Party, the state, and the military) after the passing of his father, Kim Jong-il. In this article, Alsa Nishat Ahmad analyzes the current Supreme Leader’s eventful 10-year regime.