Thumbnail images: 

North Korea has regarded China as its most natural ally and supporter since the Korean War. The relationship had begun to show signs of strain after the continued nuclear tests by North Korea and it became increasingly difficult since Xi Jinping came to power. The last Chinese leader to visit North Korea was Hu Jintao in 2005. Even though China is the only country helping North Korea manage its domestic problems and economic difficulties, the relationship has started to show signs of strain.

Thumbnail images: 

The need is to prevent the stabilising of a Wahhabi outpost already breeding dozens of ISIS fighters at the trade routes of the western reaches of the Indo-Pacific.

Thumbnail images: 

The rise of China to an economic and military power has had the most significant effect on its relationship with Taiwan. China has always been assertive about the use of One-China Principle in its dealings with Taiwan. However, the change of the political system in Taiwan from an authoritarian to a democratic system has further complicated this relationship.

Images: 

Intelligence is key to any counterterrorist operation, but the challenge in sustaining intelligence throughout the period of counterterrorism (CT) demands recognition. This proposition is especially true in the case of Kashmir militancy. The Indian security forces have conducted numerous CT operations and eliminated high and mid ranking militant leaders. However, the challenge has been in sustaining channels of intelligence for extended periods of time.

Thumbnail images: 

At the height of the Cold War, the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) founded the Committee on International Security and Arms Control (CISAC) in 1980 under the leadership of W.K.H. Panofsky. Many back channel dialogues were held under its aegis with Soviet (later Russian) scientists on issues of nuclear deterrence, arms control and related matters. Eight years later, the Vice-President of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Prof.

Thumbnail images: 

The 21^st century saw two important developments, which led to a paradigm shift in international politics. The demise of the Soviet Union in 1991, led to the end of an international system characterised by tight bipolarity of power between the US and Soviet Union; and was accompanied by the rise of multiple poles of power, leading to a multipolar international order, populated by several multilateral organisations. However, even within the multipolar system, the various poles of power have varying degrees of power in relation to one another.

Thumbnail images: 

It ought to have been a “no-brainer” that dialogue was essential between the United States and by far the largest geographical entity on earth, the Russian Federation, more so as the interests of both countries could through agreement intersect rather than collide.

Images: 

In the last decade, China has consistently made inroads in South Asia with its investment and aid diplomacy. This has helped Beijing gain access to major strategic points, the most prominent cases being Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. China has also started investing heavily in infrastructure projects in Nepal and Bangladesh. The ‘all weather friendship’ between China and Pakistan has been a cause of concern for India for a long time.

Images: 

India and Nepal, two South Asian countries share a multi-layered and unique relationship, which is tied by many factors. The economic, cultural and political aspects have motivated both the parties to strengthen and maintain the relationship. In fact, both of them require each other’s support in order to maintain geopolitical balance in the region. Nepal is traditionally, an important strategic ally of India and conversely, India is Nepal’s largest trading and business partner.

Thumbnail images: 

Beijing Not Moscow