Courtesy: Dying Regime / Flickr
Maldives’ new president, Ibrahim Solih, has had two election wins in a span of six months – his own in September 2018 and his Maldivian Democratic Party’s landslide victory in the Majlis elections about three weeks ago. An analysis of what this win says about democratic politics in Maldives, improved relations with India and the complex equation it shares with China
Courtesy: PTI
The growing use of technology in the election process has made cyber security a crucial issue. Instances of the spread of fake news, manipulation of voter behaviour and hacking show how digital technology can be misused. These issues need to be addressed in the long term
Courtesy: The Diplomat
Philippines, Cambodia and Lao PDR face a range of development challenges at home even as they respond dynamically to shifting priorities in external relations. With U.S.-China competition increasingly shaping this part of the world, will India provide some balance? An insider’s account of how three less noticed ASEAN countries are coping with geopolitical changes
Courtesy: Wikipedia
With Misson Shakti, India is now part of a rarefied club of global space powers which have demonstrated capability for missile-based anti-satellite weapons
Courtesy: akross
China’s economy is in trouble, a situation that has been exacerbated by the trade war with the U.S. They can either reduce the debt burden and accept slower growth or boost the already high level of debt, which can end in a slump.
Courtesy: Fatemeh Bahrami / Anadolu Agency
The Islamic Republic of Iran, which turns 40 in April 2019, has come a long way from the Persia of the past. Some changes in the last four decades have been beneficial, and while people do support the regime, they are disaffected with its handling of the economy and foreign affairs
Courtesy: The Daily Star
Bangladesh faces several major challenges in its external relations. It showed humanitarianism in receiving the fleeing Rohingyas, but its diplomatic efforts to repatriate them have not succeeded. It must also maintain a balance between relations with India and China and show proactive leadership in garnering regional cooperation
Courtesy: Instinctif Partners
Europe’s integration process may seem doomed, but more choices exist than a return to the nation state of the 20th century or a bold move forward to a complete and new sovereign European state. Here is an opportunity for Europe to reunite through a ‘club’ structure
Courtesy: cnn.com
The state of the American Union is both polarised and ironic. Moderated presidential messaging is needed if there is a chance to become more united and avoid perpetual acrimony
Courtesy: GMA Network
Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines, is a popular, yet controversial figure in a complex country, battling a mix of challenges. In external relations, he has followed a careful balancing policy, giving primacy to China, U.S. and the ASEAN