Author: synergia
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The UNHRC as a Champion of Human Rights
The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is arguably the jewel in the crown that is the United Nations system of human rights protection. Following a lacklustre performance in its first decade (epitomised by the US’ withdrawal from it), is there any hope for the world’s foremost human rights body to live up to its mandate?
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Nicaragua: What Next?
The Republic of Nicaragua, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in Central America, has been of great strategic importance dating back to the Cold War. Following a recent upsurge in military and economic aid from the Putin administration, Nicaragua is becoming Russia’s ‘Cuba of the 21st Century’.
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Venezuela: The Future As We See It
Venezuela, a nation with such immense potential, has suffered a startling collapse in a short span of five years. To this end, what does the future hold for what was once one of Latin America’s fastest-rising economies?
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The Decline of Educational Diplomacy in Trump’s America
The United States of America is home to some of the world’s finest educational institutions. With access to cutting edge technology and research facilities, American Universities are a popular higher education destination for students worldwide, irrespective of the political climate. The American higher education apparatus was construed as an instrument of soft power. Recently, however,…
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Singapore: Food Security vs Land Scarcity
With an increasing demand for land and sea resources juxtaposed with climate change, rising sea levels, pollution and invasive species, Singapore is warming up to the threat of food security. Currently importing as high as 90% of its food requirements, will this small island state – ranked in 2018 as the most food secure country…
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Huawei in Russia
Huawei has signed a deal with Russian telecom firm MTS to develop 5G technology in Russia. Why is Russia interested in Huawei and how can it ensure that the deployment of the technology is aligned to Russia’s interest?
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The Arctic’s Coldest War
Climate change has opened areas of the Arctic which provides significant economic and geopolitical opportunities to many non-Arctic countries. How do global powers view economic activities in the Arctic? How can global governance in the Arctic be improved?
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UPI decline in May 2019
After hitting a record high in March, payment transactions via Unified Payments Interface (UPI) declined second time in a row in May 2019. Can the UPI meet the Reserve Bank of India’s Vision 2021 for payment systems for a ‘cash-lite’ society.
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Trump threatens sanctions against Mexico
The US is expected to impose a 5% tariff on all goods from Mexico. The duties will increase until illegal immigration from Mexico into the US is stopped. Why has President Trump increased pressure on the Mexican government through economic initiatives?
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Pro-EU parties to control European Parliament
Populist, eurosceptic parties were expected to gain significantly in recently held European Parliament elections. Results indicate that while the European Union has largely rejected populism, some populist parties have won more seats. Simultaneously, losses are also expected to the centre parties that have dominated the EU for the last 40 years. Will these election results…