Institutional Development in Indonesia and Kuwait as Resource-Dependent Countries
Brilliant Windy Khairunnisa illustrates how Indonesia and Kuwait, as natural resource-dependent nations, have found the need to develop their social-economic institutions through local and global collaborations.
Both Indonesia and Kuwait have taken advantage of the digital space to drive innovation and expand their exports beyond the limited natural resources that they possess.
Exploring China’s Strategic Partnership with Iran
Divided into three sections, the first part of the paper examines the concept of “strategic partnership” as a new framework in international relations and intentional cooperation. It also examines how this concept has become integrated into China’s foreign policy, and the reasons behind Beijing’s over-reliance on it.
The second section examines China’s historical relations with Iran up to the announcement of the so-called comprehensive strategic partnership, focusing on the motives and goals of both states. The third section highlights the main challenges that are expected in Beijing’s strategic partnership with Tehran.
Energy Crisis in Europe: Russia’s Promise of a Cold Winter
Though the Russia-Ukraine war has closed the door to the Western oil markets for Moscow, it has given the oil-exporter access to Asia’s oil-scarce states. Regardless of the Western sanctions, Russia’s oil production hasn’t been significantly impacted. On the contrary, the state increased its oil exports in April and May 2022. Maryam Ibrahim notes that the conflict has initiated an energy cold war, dividing oil importers into three categories. She asserts that where oil is concerned, states may even discard alliances.
Biden Visits the Middle East
Last week, President Joe Biden made a series of visits to various political leaders in the Middle East. While this trip marked a diplomatic milestone in his tenure, being his first comprehensive visit to a region stained with American intervention and restructuring, Hassan Saeed Khan writes that the US was too absorbed in relieving itself of the oil crisis than resolving human rights violations.
“Gold Russ-h”: The Russian Ruble vs USD
Facing enormous sanctions and economic setbacks, the Russian state is grasping at straws as it attempts to keep its economy afloat. Pegging the ruble to gold was a last-ditch attempt by Russia, but it seems to have struck gold. Or has it? The author, Muhammad Mustafa Ahmed Khan, explains the value and current state of gold, the dollar, and the ruble in the global financial markets following the sanctions on Russia.
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.
United States’ Involvement in Libya: Another Case of Oil Interests
Due to its strategic location and vast oil reserves, Libya has attracted the attention of the world’s major powers. For these states, Libya’s war-torn condition is irrelevant and only their national interests matter. The author, Ayesha Zafar, notes that since the US’s interests are linked to oil in Libya, it continuously exploits the state by not only making use of the capitalist economic order but also by supporting opposing factions—the Haftar group and the Government of National Accord (GNA)—simultaneously, within Libya. Moreover, to influence the state, the US and the major powers impose the capitalist ideology on it through policies introduced by international economic institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.
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.
Troubled Waters: Revisionist China & The South China Sea Dispute
The South China Sea is important due to economic, military, and strategic factors. This region, critical for military purposes, is rich in resources like oil and gas. The question remains: Will China fall victim to the lust for resources? Or will it use diplomacy to create a win-win situation?
CPEC: A Game Changer for Pakistan’s Energy Sector
The article details the energy projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The thesis is that the Chinese-led CPEC could finally resolve Pakistan’s energy crisis.