In elections 2024, three major camps emerge in America’s foreign policy debate. The ‘liberals’ believing US is a global force for good, and the ‘retrenches’ and ‘America firsters; seeking to exit certain alliances and institutions. Whoever wins, the elections will influence US’s global role, significantly affecting ongoing conflicts in Europe, Asia, and the ME. Source: Joseph S. Nye, ASPI
IMEC in Middle East? Dead on Arrival or Shadow Boxing with China?
Even before the Gaza war, US’s IMEC failed to counter Chinese influence in the ME. China already holds significant influence along proposed route, so IMEC may end up like other infrastructure projects that were dead on arrival. However this likely won’t affect India-Israel burgeoning relations. Source: Abdul Moiz Khan, Carnegie
Beyond the Battlefield: China Wins Hearts and Pipelines in Central Asia
China’s pursuit of cross-border pipeline with Turkmenistan expand its energy ties and geopolitical influence in Central Asia, aligning with the BRI. The Russian war has pushed Central Asian states closer to China, boosting Beijing’s economic influence and power projection in the region. Source: G. Donnellon-May, Lowy Institute
China’s New Near-Space Command: A Potential Game Changer in Himalayan Standoff
China’s recent establishment of a dedicated Near-Space Command has sent ripples through the international community, raising concerns about its potential implications for India in the Himalayas. What is the Near-Space Command?The Near-Space Command focuses on defending China against attacks in the lower space region, roughly between 20 and 100 kilometers above Earth. This area, often referred to as “near-space,” falls outside the traditional domain of air forces and below the operational altitude of satellites. Source: Dr Joshy Paul, CAPS
Rwanda Vote: Sunak on the Brink as Tory Rebellion Threatens Premiership
PM Rishi Sunak faces crucial vote on Rwanda Immigration Plan aiming to relocate asylum seekers to Africa. Although Sunak claims it is not his premiership confidence vote, but a defeat would create an internal rebellion within the ruling Party, possibly leading to his leadership challenge or even an early UK elections. Source: Stratfor