Neelam Deo, Director, Gateway House, talks about the significance of the position taken by NATO member countries at the recent summit in Wales. She says the increasingly acrimonious standoff between the West and Russia over Ukraine, and the stance on the Islamic State has implications for India.
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Contrary to some current commentary, NATO has remained relevant after the post-Cold War period, largely due to the perceptions it still engenders. While its symbolic power still endures, a rapidly changing international order could make it obsolete in the near future, as new narratives take its place.
Courtesy: europesworld.org
India's inclusion as a full-member will lend credibility to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which until now has been dominated by China. However, until the strong differences between member nations are resolved, it will be a while before the SCO can become a multilateral force to be reckoned with
Courtesy: Synthesio.com
Many Arab Republics are mired in political discord after the departure of the old tyrannical regimes opened up spaces for new struggles. In Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, attempts to address the turmoil through constitutional reform are facing challenges. Will a democratic federalism be attained when the battles are done?
Courtesy: Vito Manzari/Wikimedia Commons
A refugee policy that absolves more capable and resource rich nations of any responsibility towards transnational asylum seekers is archaic and has lived beyond its time. Keeping in mind the EU's receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize for advancing causes of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights, it is incumbent upon it to set new standards and reform its refugee policy
Courtesy: MEA/Government of India
Myanmar, currently listed as one of the least developed nations by the UN, provides its neighbouring countries the opportunity to invest in one of the world’s last few business frontiers. Sushma Swaraj on her maiden visit to Nay Pyi Taw should continue to strengthen ties based on economic goals to develop largely underdeveloped areas along the common border as well use Myanmar’s increasing weight in the ASEAN grouping
Courtesy: Food Corporation of India
India's refusal to budge on food security has resulted in the World Trade Organization’s failure to reach the first multilateral trade agreement in the last two decades. Having taken a tough stand can India take the lead, among developing countries, in reframing the power equations of globalisation?
Courtesy: Rajya Sabha TV
Historically, India has supported the Palestinian cause but today, shares strong diplomatic relations with both West Bank and Tel Aviv. India's vote at the UNHRC has provoked much debate within the country as it marks a distinct shift in the government's stand from a few weeks ago when it was reluctant to even discuss the Gaza crisis in Parliament
Courtesy: MEA/Government of India
Looking back at the 2008 financial crisis, when governments had to resort to bail-outs to keep economies afloat, the BRICS member countries have decided to set up a New Development Bank which will provide for a contingency fund. This initiative aims at building an alternate financial structure in terms of trade among the member states as well as creating a safety net
Courtesy: Rigues/Flickr
Recent developments at the WTO's two-day General Council Meeting that started on July 24 suggest that India will agree to sign the trade facilitation agreement only if the deal comes bundled with a permanent solution that will allow unhindered roll-out of welfare schemes such as the food security programme.
