International Relations and Policy – Page 2

The Militarization of the Seas

Global oceans are rapidly transforming from neutral commons into contested, militarized arenas driven by intensifying geopolitical rivalries. This shift is evident in persistent U.S. naval deployments through key chokepoints and China’s fortification of artificial islands in the South China Sea. Regional powers like Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines are also modernising their navies, adding to…
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Drowning in Ambiguity: The Status of Islands in Maritime Law

While maritime law is an expansive body of law, one aspect often goes underappreciated – the struggle over the ambiguity of the legal status of islands. This issue has profound geopolitical implications, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This article explores how international conventions, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the…
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ASEAN’s Economic Landscape and Digital Transformation: A look into SMEs, E-Commerce and the Asian Financial Crisis

ASEAN’s economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation; the evolution is often credited to hurdles such as the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-98, exposing systemic vulnerabilities. The focus on economic growth and integration is driven by digitalisation and the resilience of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This article is set to explore the same…
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The Key Pillars and Priorities of India’s Act East Policy and Examining it’s Northeast Region: A Book Review

This article is set to critically review the book Northeast India and India’s Act East Policy, edited by Amarjeet Singh and examine it’s arguments. The book delves into India’s evolving engagement with Southeast and East Asia and the central role of it’s Northeast region owing to it’s proximity. The book discusses the shift from the…
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Indo-US Ties in the Trump Era: Strained Relations or Economic Realignment?

By : Purvi Agarwal Abstract This article is set to provide and substantiate a perspective on the America First Policy following the swearing-in of Donald Trump as the President of the United States of America. The United States has withdrawn from many multilateral organisations and agreements, thereby causing a lot of unease and instability in…
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Geopolitics and Soft Power Through Underwater Cultural Heritage: The Battle Over Maritime History

By : Purvi Agarwal Abstract Underwater Cultural Heritage is a relatively less explored part of the maritime domain and does not occupy the space in international discourse that it deserves. This article seeks to understand and define Underwater Cultural Heritage(UCH) and how it is entangled in international disputes, legal battles, and economic interests, highlighting its…
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The Resurgent Silk Road: How China Uses Culture for Hegemony

By : Shivali Yadav Abstract Culture and heritage possess an intrinsic capacity not only to mirror societal values but also to actively shape our understanding of them. China has been harnessing and manipulating its culture to suit the narrative they are showing on the global stage. By analysing Beijing’s strategy to invoke the history of…
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Whose History Is It Anyway? Cultural Heritage and the New Diplomacy

ultural heritage has become a powerful tool in global politics, shaping diplomacy, national identity, and international influence. Nations leverage historical artifacts, language, and historical narratives to assert sovereignty, reclaim lost treasures, and justify political actions. The repatriation of looted artifacts, such as the Benin Bronzes and Parthenon Marbles, is not just about justice but also…
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The Great Digital Firewall: Tech Decoupling in a Post-Trump Trade War

By: Tarinee Gupta Abstract The ongoing technological separation between the United States and China, intensified by Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign, has reshaped global digital commerce. Stricter U.S. export controls, scrutiny of Chinese tech firms, and laws like the “U.S.-China AI Decoupling Act” have accelerated China’s push for self-sufficiency, forcing U.S. allies to navigate economic…
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Geopolitical Crossroads: Panama’s Strategic Decision

After the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Panama, earlier this month, the Central American nation pulled out from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on February 3, 2025. US President Donald Trump and Rubio had warned Panama that the US would be compelled to take tough measures, if the Central American nation…
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Handcuffs and Deportation: The US-India Immigration Controversy

On February 5, 2025 a US C17 military aircraft with 104 Indian nationals, who were illegal immigrants, landed in Amritsar. Amongst the deportees were 19 women and 13 minors. It is likely that 487 Indian nationals are to be deported from the US soon. India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri in a press conference, on February 7,…
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The Fabric Of Diplomacy: Designs Shaping Global Image

This article aims to talk about the complexities hidden underneath the layers of clothing and highlight the symbolic representation of clothes. It explains how fashion diplomacy, is used to convey the power of designing. The article uses traditional historical examples and several modern-day examples to prove that designs play a pivotal role in moulding global…
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