Courtesy: Furmeyer/WikimediaCommons
Maritime piracy is one of the several grave security issues faced by today’s world. This problem, however, isn’t a new phenomenon, and nations have long-battled this issue. How did piracy manifest itself in the Indian Ocean in the 19th century, and what was the nature of counter-piracy efforts during that period?
Courtesy: Pete Souza/The White House
The announcement of the Pacific pivot by the U.S. in 2001 has led to several nations making bold political moves. However, the U.S. isn’t yet ready to be a regional protector against China. What does Washington have to do to prepare itself for the Pivot?
The 19th Israeli parliamentary election will take place on January 22 and opinion polls indicate the possible re-election of incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Regardless of the outcome, there are several simmering issues the winner will have to address upon assumption of the office. Simon Clement blogs.
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Despite heavy opposition from several factions, Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s propositions for altering the constitution have been approved. Although the alterations have democratic elements, the liberals and secularists bear responsibility in taking forward Egypt’s journey to complete democracy.
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The year 2012 has been a busy one for foreign policy: from escalating disputes in the South China Sea to alternate financial instruments from the emerging world. India’s foreign policy too has its shown strengths and weaknesses. We present our top foreign policy Hotspots, Sweet spots and Blind spots for 2012.
Growth at any cost is the dominant political theme across emerging markets, and Narendra Modi's victory in Gujarat proves that yet again. But is that policy good enough to make him prime minister of India one day? Gateway House's Sambuddha Mitra Mustafi blogs.
Ambassador R. Vishwanathan blogs about the current trajectory of the Mexican economy, and explains why it's likely that Mexican-made products will overtake Chinese-made products in the U.S. market, by 2018.
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Rivals Iran and Egypt have become the two most important powers in today’s West Asia. Yet, Iran is looking for neither a smooth victory nor a quick failure for Egypt’s rise. Tehran will remain the key regional player, while it’s too early to tell if Cairo is capable of overcoming Iran’s influence.
The Chinese have learned from Russia’s past mistakes at reforming state-owned enterprises (SOE), and some well-connected politicians have reaped the economic benefits that followed. Will the new administration in Beijing reform China’s SOEs or maintain the large role of government in industry?
Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
In the case of Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi, the battle for democracy is far from over. Can India use its leverage with the Myanmar government to ensure that a lasting democracy is inaugurated in that country?