Diplomacy
Why is Nepal’s political change being compared with Bangladesh
Nepal lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. Its size is similar to Bangladesh, with a population of just over 30 million. Though often referred to as a small country, in reality it cannot be called small. Yet the term is used due to the size of its economy. It is an economy mainly dependent on agriculture, remittances and tourism. However, Nepal’s geopolitical position is both significant and highly sensitive. On its two sides are China and India, the world’s most populous and major military powers. Nepal’s relationship with India has always been bittersweet. With each change of power in Nepal, its ties with India have also shifted. Relations with China, too, have fluctuated.
Why youths in Nepal suddenly erupted into bloody protest
Although Nepal, at the foot of the Himalayas, is well known for its geographical diversity, cultural heritage and rich history, its journey as a state has been far from smooth. Since independence the country has passed through many political experiments—sometimes monarchy, sometimes democratic rule, and at times military influence. After the abolition of the monarchy in 2008 and the transition to a republic, Nepalis hoped for a new future. People expected that after years of turmoil a democratic culture would be established, corruption would decrease, development would be for all, and governance would become transparent. Sadly, those expectations remain unfulfilled.
Rise of Myanmar’s ethnic alliance as border rulers
Almost two years ago, the Three Brotherhood Alliance (3BHA) seized a key stretch of the Myanmar-China border. They have since established themselves not only as a military force but also as an economic and political power.
Outcome of Ukraine war in Putin’s view
At the recent meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska, the focus of discussion was the Ukraine war and land swap. More than anything else, Putin clarified the ‘situation surrounding Ukraine’. Rather than ending a blood-soaked war of over three years, he repeated what he had earlier said about Russia’s lost status.
Trump–Putin meeting: Balance of success and failure
In the middle of the night on 15 August Bangladesh time, the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place in Alaska, United States. International media are reporting that there was no solution to the Ukraine war, no agreement, and that the Putin–Trump talks failed. Since the announcement of the meeting, the matter had been the talk of the world; but no one has clearly said what the agenda of the talks was, or what the aim was. Mainly, the discussion was about Ukraine; but there was no question of any agreement or treaty.
Why China and India choosing friendship over hostility
At the outset, it is relevant to mention a brief history of how India’s relationship with the United States turned from friendship to hostility, and how India is now having to consider China for a safe, close friendship.
Bangladesh in perplexity of diplomacy!
Bangladesh has been drifting in a puzzle of diplomacy. Not only Bangladesh but the world politics has met with a perplexity. Since Donald Trump was elected the US President, the suicidal decision to impose additional tariffs on the entry of products from various countries into the US market has established a valid ground for isolating the United States in world politics. And within that area, world diplomacy is becoming complicated. Of course, Bangladesh is not outside of it.
Small countries developing new strategies of war courage and power
Military power is traditionally understood through air forces, tanks, warships, and vast armies. However, this notion is now changing. Because missile and drone capabilities, along with the mental resilience of the people, have emboldened weaker nations, and the new strategic challenges they are posing against powerful states are becoming evident in the course of subsequent events.
China-India relations in new world order
Everyone knows that a new world order has been formed. In this new system, the position of each country—who is forming new friendships with whom, who is supporting whom militarily and economically—is being re-shaped. For instance, the long-standing bond between Europe and the United States saw a crack, particularly after Donald Trump became President. Their relationship is now more commercial and win-win rather than cordial. Their common interest is in standing against socialism and maintaining Western influence. Beyond that, the blind support the United States had previously given to Europe, and the various benefits extended, were withdrawn by the Trump administration. This has put Europe in a somewhat difficult position, and Europe is now busy rapidly increasing its military strength. That is, it no longer wants to be fully dependent on the United States as before. As a result, alongside the United States, Russia, and China, Europe is likely to emerge as a visible military power soon.
The reality of Gaza behind the Iran-Israel conflict
Torture, human rights violations, genocide, hunger, displacement—such heart-wrenching terms now seem reserved solely for Gaza. For the past twenty months, indiscriminate brutal killings have been ongoing in the region, targeting men, women, and children alike. The hellish massacre in Gaza is hard for any normal person to comprehend. These heart-breaking scenes are not isolated incidents—there are thousands of them. All perpetrated by Israel, backed by the United States. Millions live there in uncertainty. They have no food, no shelter, no contact with relatives. The people of Gaza are enduring an inhumane and tragic life. As if they are trapped in a nightmare. There is no accurate count of how many people have died so far. The procession of the dead grows heavier every day.