Category: Geopolitics
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Military expansion to protect OBOR
The US Defence Department expects China to add military bases around the world to protect the One Belt One Road (OBOR) infrastructure program. What are the implications of such a military build up?
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Trump threatens more tariffs against China
America warns of additional tariffs on China after the countries were expected to sign an agreement ending their trade war. What has caused the Trump administration to threaten more duties? Two of the world’s largest economies, the US and China, are involved in a year-long trade war. Washington has….
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Israel, the Gaza Strip and Eurovision
Israel and the Gaza Strip regularly engage in violent exchanges. Israel recently employed targeted assassinations after years of restraint. Why has Israel changed its tactics now? Hamas is a Sunni-Islamist organisation marked as a terrorist group by Israel, the US and the…
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US restricts Chinese visas
Amidst economic and geopolitical tensions, America tightens its visa procedures for prospective Chinese students. Does the US gain from protectionist visa policies that could affect the flow of highly skilled workers? Graduating from American universities allows international students a period of Optional Practical Training (OPT)…
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The Dome of Argus
China and America are extending their geopolitical heft to an ice dome in the Antarctic. Why is Dome Argus at the centre of competition between the two countries in the South Pole? Dome Argus is the highest point on the Antarctic Plateau, believed to be the coldest naturally occurring place on Earth. Dome Argus is…
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Ukraine’s President-elect rejects passport plan
Ukraine’s president-elect and former comedian Volodymyr Zelensky has mocked Russia’s offer to give passports to citizens in the disputed territories of Donbass and Luhansk. The “Passport Plan” would enable Russia to identify and detain pro-Ukraine opposition leaders in the two disputed regions…
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India’s ASW readiness
China has stepped up its activity in the Indian Ocean while maintaining a sizeable number advantage to India’s submarines. Can India adapt its surface technologies to thwart sub-surface threats? Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) employs surface vessels, aircraft or other submarines to find, track and deter…
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Erdogan takes a gamble
President Erdogan is unlikely to buy oil from Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to sustained tensions. However, can Mr. Erdogan continue to buy oil from Iran given its energy requirements? Strategic issues surrounding Turkey’s procurement of Russian S-400 missile systems and American F-35 fighter jets have resulted in a strained ….
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Belarus to join Russia?
President Vladimir Putin may look beyond Russia for a window to retain status quo after his current term ends. Is President Putin looking to force Belarus’ integration with Russia as a way of staying in power beyond his last term? Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine…
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Kim Jong-Un in Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet Russian President Vlad Putin in the first trip aimed at galvanising support while talks with Washington are in limbo. Is North Korea looking for other negotiating partners after its refusal to meet with Secretary Pompeo? Diplomatic relations between North Korea and the Soviet Union…