BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is one of the major platforms of the five emerging economies, aiming at promoting peace, security, inclusive development and cooperation. The platform represents 43% of the world’s total population and 30% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Since its establishment against the backdrop of the 2008 global financial crisis, as a potential alternative to G7 platform. The BRICS has grown substantially as an effective platform to articulate views of countries in the Global South as at least one country is present from every different continent across the region. Economy, being in focus point of the grouping, the initial decade of BRICS has advanced coordinated policy initiatives in the field of global economic governance.
Category: Analysis
Hong Kong’s National Security Law and its Potential Impact on Foreign Entities
The new national security law a legislation under Article 23 has been passed in Hong Kong Parliament. This is the second in a row of national security laws since 2020. The legal personnel has feared that the new law shall broaden the scope of defining sedition and state secrets, with tougher penalties for anyone under conviction. The new law encompasses treason, espionage and external interference is being closely watched by foreign businesses. Notably, the most serious offences are sometimes punishable with life imprisonment, convicted of involvement with ‘external forces’.
India’s Arunachal Pradesh or China’s Zangnan?
For a substantial period of time, the border conflicts between India and China have centred around the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed by China and administered by India. Reflecting the severity of the conflict, following the Sino-Indian War of 1962, both nations have been constantly in conflict with one another. Since then, Beijing has primarily concentrated on using covert warfare techniques to sabotage India’s sovereignty, renaming Indian land, intensifying military buildups in border regions and defying signed pacts, norms & procedures, while the dragon has never faltered in its will to put mounting pressure on New Delhi.
To what extent has North Korea achieved Economic Liberalisation?
North Korea has a communist style of governance, and the role of market allocation schemes is limited. Basically, the country has a centrally planned economy with a total GDP of nearly 20 billion USD. It was expected to reach 21.24 USD billion by the end of 2023 and 25.06 USD billion in 2024. Comparably, North Korea’s GDP is 57 times smaller than that of South Korea’s GDP. The Gross Value Added (GVA) of the country is dominated by agriculture, followed by the manufacturing and construction sectors. North Korea had a similar GDP to its neighbour from the time of the Korean War until of mid-1970s. However, estimating the isolated nation’s GDP is actually a difficult task because of the lack of availability of data.
Is the United States facing a Third World Future?
The United States has long been considered a global superpower and a symbol of prosperity and democracy. However, recent developments and global power shifts towards Asia have raised questions about the country’s standing. As the world’s largest economy, the United States has traditionally been at the forefront of global leadership, championing democratic values and capitalist ideals. However, a closer examination of the country’s current situation reveals a complex picture that warrants analysis.
How Fast Food Chains fuel Food Insecurity?
Today, almost half (44%) of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture. In the past few decades, the crop yield has also significantly increased due to various factors like improved farming techniques and better seeds. While there is abundance of food production to feed everyone, the problem of food insecurity still persists. Figures estimate that access to healthy food is unaffordable for almost 3.1 billion people worldwide. UN’s FAO defines food insecurity as a situation where “a person is considered food insecure when they lack regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life”. The fast-food chains that offer cheap, convenient, calorie-dense meals are one of the key contributors to the food insecurity problem across the globe.
West Papua Conflict: Silent Struggle in Indonesia’s Easternmost Province
The conflict between Indonesia and West Papua has its roots in the decolonisation of Indonesia from the Netherlands and the disputed referendum called the Act of Free Choice in 1969. The referendum, which was widely criticised, resulted in West Papua becoming part of Indonesia. However, the process was perceived as fraudulent by many Papuans, who believe that their civil and political rights were violated during the decolonisation process. The conflict has persisted, with core grievances remaining unresolved. The Indonesian government views the Act of Free Choice as the final stage of a decolonisation process, while many Papuans see it as a fraudulent process backed by state violence and international acquiescence. The Indonesian government has been sensitive to perceived foreign intervention and has restricted efforts by journalists, diplomats and non-governmental organisations wanting to report on the conflict.
Role of the Indian Diaspora in 2024 General Election
This year is significant because many of the countries have their general elections. India, being the largest democracy, the general election set to begin on April 19. The major contenders in this election are the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which the current ruling party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is part of; and the Indian National Congress (INC). For this election, the Congress has formed a new alliance Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) with several regional political parties. The influence of the Indian diaspora on Indian elections eventually increased over the decades.
India-China Rivalry: Boon for USA’s Dominance in Asia
When considering the United States, its robust economy and formidable military are typically the foremost aspects that come to mind. However, if these strengths were ever endangered, it becomes crucial to contemplate potential scenarios. One significant concern would arise if India and China were to align their efforts. However, we are living in a realistic world where this scenario doesn’t seem likely to happen. This article discusses why such cooperation would be detrimental for the United States.
India must Recalibrate its Diplomatic Ties with Russia
When he arrived in India, the Foreign Minister delivered a noteworthy statement, asserting that India’s longstanding ties with Russia are rooted in a ‘Soviet Legacy’ that is gradually dissipating. He urged New Delhi to reconsider its relationship with Moscow and align more closely with Kyiv, reflecting Ukraine’s perspective on the evolving global landscape.