Global Horizons

In this issue, the author reviews the continuing negative impact of US actions on the international system, the strategic openings perceived by China, the unsettled conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, and India’s stepped up engagements with the SCO, Central Asia and China.

He argues that the US in making efforts to re-establish global domination in a world scenario that has drastically changed since the end of the Cold War, including through neo-colonial approaches, unmindful of the lack of trust this is generating worldwide and with little regard to established principles of international law. China, which is unable to directly challenge the US except on trade, is using this moment of uncertainty to float the idea of a China-US-Russia dialogue, which bodes ill for multilateralism and multipolarity.

During the month, the US turned to maximalist economic sanctions to pressure Iran amidst a stalemated situation in their six month long conflict, while three regional Sunni Islamic powers (Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan) established a new mutual security pact which will require careful monitoring and suitable countermeasures by India.

There were two glaring examples of the neo-colonial mindset of the US administration in the Western Hemisphere: an attempt to coerce Canada into curbs on its sovereign decision making over trade, and a 100 year lease on 20% of Venezuela’s oil reserves, with the Pentagon as a 35% equity holder. Cuba, on its part, was subjected to a deepening economic stranglehold.

In East Asia, Trump’s overtures towards the DPRK and curbs on military exercises with ROK created destabilising uncertainty and left US allies reeling.

India’s active regional diplomacy was on display in Central Asia,  with an upgraded relationship with Uzbekistan and prominence at the SCO summit, which endorsed reform of international governance and a commitment to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The Special Representatives of India and China met for the 25th time in Beijing, advancing discussions on boundary “delimitation” and border management, the first of which will be difficult to take forward based on past experience and pronouncements.

In South Asia, India’s relations with Bangladesh were rocked by an online press conference addressed by former leader Sheikh Hasina. India provided prompt and substantial assistance to Nepal after a devastating Himalayan flood disaster.

Heading into September, India will host the BRICS summit at a time it faces multiple external challenges. Delivering on decisions of important summit meetings, and building leverage through accretion of national strength, will be the way forward. To read this issue of Global Horizons, Vol. IV, Issue 8, please see the PDF attached.

To read this issue of Global Horizons, Vol. IV, Issue 8.