Over the past three years, the transatlantic alliance has demonstrated considerable cohesion in evolving geopolitical dynamics and shifting domestic priorities. The alliance has demonstrated considerable cohesion by delivering substantial military aid, enforcing strict economic sanctions, and contributing over €185 billion in support of Ukraine. Yet, as Russian aggression persists and public support in parts of Europe diminishes, the strategic landscape has changed with a potential return of a Trump. Under this emerging paradigm, the U.S. strategy has anticipated a pivot away from military engagement and extensive financial assistance to Ukraine and press European partners to assume a larger share of the defence burden.
Category: The Americas
H-1B Visa Politics: US Immigration Policy and its Impact on India
The triumph of the Republican leader Donald Trump as the President of the United States has brought the political focus on immigration issues and the H-1B visa programme to the forefront. The tough posture on the H-1B programme in his first tenure has softened his stance in his second tenure with courtesy of his Silicon Valley ally and supporter Elon Musk whose company thrives on a global talent pool for whom he says “we cannot do without them…go to war for visa issue if necessary”. With Musk appointed as the head of the New Government Efficiency Commission tasked with cutting down the federal budget from US$6.75 trillion to US$2 trillion, Trump intends to make the US into a manufacturing superpower to accomplish his mega project of ‘MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN (MAGA).
Justin Trudeau Resigns as Canada’s Prime Minister
On January 6th Justin Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister, announced his resignation. Over the past year he has became an isloated and deeply polarising figure as supporters have abondoned his Liberal Party, angry that it has failed to tackle inflation, housing costs and the strains from high immigration. In the coming weeks the Liberals will be gripped by a leadership struggle. Potential replacements include Mark Carney, who ran the Bank of England, and before that the Bank of Canada; Chrystia Freeland, whose surprise resignation as finance minister precipitated the crisis that forced Trudeau out; and Dominic Leblanc, who succeeded Freeland as finance minister.
What Trump’s Return to the White House Means for America, the World and India
As the world braces for another chapter in the American experiment, the return of Donald Trump to the White House promises not just a change in leadership, but a seismic shift in the global order—one that will be felt in corridors of power, war-zones, and beyond.
Why isn’t the United States Using its Oil Reserves?
The United States’ oil reserves, particularly the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), have played a crucial role in the nation’s energy security strategy since its establishment in 1975. The SPR, located in underground storage facilities in Texas and Louisiana, serves as a vital emergency stockpile of hundreds of millions of barrels of oil, ready to be utilised in times of crisis. Over the years, the U.S. government has maintained this reserve to shield the country from energy disruptions caused by various events, such as natural disasters, military conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
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.
The Viyug’s Guide to Understand Haiti’s Ongoing Crisis
Haiti represents a complex and multilevel challenge that has gripped the nation in a relentless cycle of turmoil and suffering. Defined by deep-rooted political instability, pervasive extreme poverty, and the seismic impact of president’s assassination, Haiti finds itself at a critical crossroads.
Terrorism and Hunger Grip Haiti on the Brink
The once vibrant streets of Haiti, now echo with gunfire and the desperate cries of a nation in peril. Gang violence, a festering wound for years, has metastasised engulfing the country in a humanitarian catastrophe. Haiti is engulfed in anarchy and falling into the hands of notorious gang leader Barbecue.
TikTok Conundrum: Fanning the Flames of the Second Cold War
The potential ban on TikTok in the US has triggered reactions both domestically and internationally, with discussions on social media platforms like Weibo reflecting mixed sentiments. The ban is a significant step in addressing perceived national security threats posed by Chinese-owned apps operating in the US, setting the stage for further debates on data privacy, surveillance, and trade dynamics.