It is generally argued that developing countries can never have an independent foreign policy in absolute terms. They are compelled to think dependently as well as act dependently. In that case a country can gain benefits through its foreign policy only if it manages to play its cards well. Compromise and collaboration can work in favour of a developing country …

The bitter reality of the entire process is that instead of proving to be ‘a game changer’, elections are considered merely a tussle among the big business entities to sell their corporate agenda to public effectively and that is why some people consider elections ‘a usual business’. The quadrennial presidential elections in the US are critically observed by the friends …

There were certain key policy interests that brought change in the US stance towards Russia under Obama Administration. Russian policies towards Central and West Asia do not bode well for the greater interests of the US in these regions. Additionally, the geopolitical influence that Russia is gradually and swiftly achieving in these regions poses a formidable challenge to the US …

According to analysts on the Middle East, if Iran goes nuclear, Israel would no longer be able to continue its ambiguous nuclear policy and will have to declare its nuclear weapons. Also, it may ignite a nuclear warfare in the region which will ultimately pose existential threat to Israel. Despite the close alliance between the US and Israel, there appears …

The equation between Pakistan and China is asymmetric. In terms of geography, economy, political structure, size of population and social values and trends China and Pakistan are poles apart. However, with all the existing dissimilarities the two states have carried on a friendly relationship and partnership based on mutual interests. And convergence of interests is what defines Pakistan and China …

For past many decades, several trends have been introduced in international economy. A number of political changes also gave way to newer economic phenomena, including the mushrooming of transnational corporations or multinational corporations (TNCs/MNCs). Moreover, globalisation, regionalisation and World Trade Organisation (WTO), all had further reinforced the influences economic regimes have been exerting on international politics and economy. The changing …

Pakistan-US ties are in doldrums yet again. The last of a series of issues related to US actions in Pakistan last year, which apparently led to a stalemate between Pakistan and the US, was the US-led Nato forces’ attack on Pakistan’s military check-post on 26 November 2011, at Salala, near Pakistan-Afghanistan border that killed 29 Pakistani soldiers. Since American SEAL’s …

The BRICS is an acronym referring to a newly emerged economic alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping, which is not yet recognized by western powers, especially the US, has drawn both criticism and support in different circles in home countries and across the globe. BRICS as a grouping has tremendous potential of playing a significant …

Given the complex nature of politics in Iran, the recent elections hold far-reaching impact on domestic as well as foreign policy front. Since the Presidential elections in 2009, President Ahmedinejad has been faced with intense criticism by clerics and other conservative leaders for intending to expand the power of the presidency, on charges of increasing corruption in his government, disrespect …

Presently, Syria is faced with intense internal crisis. In a public address in January, President Assad vowed to deal with perpetrators of violence with an iron-fist. The UN Security Council passed resolution denouncing Syrian government’s attacks on protestors and human rights violations in the country which was vetoed by Russia and China. However, the country is using diplomatic channels to …