Global Horizons

The author observes that the month of July was punctuated by erratic policies flowing from Washington that further accentuated the range of problems that have emerged since President Trump assumed office, stretching across international security, energy supplies, trade and the undermining of international law. As a result, US allies as well as developing nations are seeking new arrangements that ensure their economic and security needs.

China, meanwhile, is holding on to its cards while absorbing lessons from ongoing wars and increasing pressure on Taiwan. The US on its part is signalling that cooperation with China remains a priority for the present.

The Iran war fiasco continued to persist, with the the US-Iran cease fire MOU remaining non-functional. Iran withstood further US attacks, militarised its control over the Hormuz Strait, and demonstrated its ability to target US bases in GCC countries and Jordan. Irrespective of further developments, the post-conflict security and economic equations in the Gulf region will witness a major reconfiguration.

As the Ukraine war continued and US attention remained diverted to Iran, the onus on Europe to further assist Ukraine grew. The NATO summit held in Ankara during the month centred around the role of US allies in enhancing defence capabilities as well as support to Ukraine. Both the US and its European partners need to preserve NATO, for their own reasons.

This issue goes on to highlight significant developments in China, which included the conduct of a SLBM test, President Xi’s directions to the PLA on its 99th anniversary, and his announcement of a World AI Cooperation Organisation based in Shanghai.

Finally, the author turns his attention to India’s diplomacy and foreign policy, as it responds strategically to a changed international environment by strengthening both old and new partnerships with Europe, ASEAN and major powers of the Indo-Pacific. The substantial outcomes of summits held during the month with Japan, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand are highlighted, with each of these exchanges contributing meaningfully to mutual benefit and regional order.

To read this issue please click Global Horizons, Vol. IV, Issue 7.