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Syed Munir Khasru
Professor Syed Munir Khasru is chairman of the international think tank IPAG Asia-Pacific, Australia, with a presence also in Dhaka, Delhi, Dubai, and Vienna. (www.syedmunirkhasru.org)
The region’s journey to carbon neutrality highlights both the challenges of moving away from fossil fuels and the great potential for progress.
Amid rising demand for AI and cybersecurity, Southeast Asia’s lower costs, renewable energy and political neutrality are proving attractive.
As Pakistan struggles to keep its military out of politics, the actions of Bangladesh’s army last month point to an alternative approach.
The efforts of the steel industry show that even the most traditional sectors can adapt and thrive in a low-carbon economy.
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The timing of Modi’s visit to Moscow offers a window into India’s strategic priorities and diplomatic balancing act
The ‘Act East’ policy needs fine-tuning but is likely to remain a key part of India’s increasingly close ties with Southeast Asian nations.
Incidents along the border, particularly since 2017, have tested the limits of both nations’ strategic patience. But if Modi wins a third term, he may be motivated to seek a thaw and improve his legacy as a statesman.
As Asia looks to the future, the continued growth of green jobs in the energy transition will be a cornerstone for building a more prosperous, resilient and sustainable regional economy which outpaces the progress seen in developed countries.
Palestinian militants have made significant geopolitical strides since the outbreak of war in October. The conflict has posed diplomatic challenges for Israel and triggered hostilities throughout the region.
The country’s powerful army kept Imran Khan out of the ballot but no amount of orchestrations could stop candidates affiliated with the former prime minister from winning the most seats.
Temperatures could continue to set records for years to come as the greenhouse effect is intensified by a robust El Niño releasing heat from the Pacific Ocean.
Recent successes in state elections indicate that India’s prime minister and his party are well positioned for victory in next year’s national elections. Concerns about inflation, youth unemployment and rural inequality remain, but the opposition is struggling to mount a concerted challenge.
Attendees at COP27 failed to prioritise the urgent climate adaptation and mitigation policies needed to promote water security worldwide. Water scarcity must be high on the agenda at this year’s meeting or the crisis risks becoming irreversible, driving new levels of conflict and suffering.
The challenges of AI do not negate its potential; instead, they underscore the necessity of a synergistic approach: combining AI with human skills to maintain the essence of personal care in healthcare
The green transition that all economies must make to avert climate disaster will require hefty investments the developing world just does not have. India must use its G20 presidency to bridge the funding and skills gap.
Imran Khan’s imprisonment and removal from politics is the latest development in months of political turmoil since his removal from office last year. National elections are due soon, and the establishment’s influence means there is little expectation the upcoming vote will be free and fair.
Geopolitics is a threat to international cooperation on AI legislation, resulting in patchwork strategies, competing goals and disjointed global standards. The ongoing chip war between the US and China could make things worse, leading to uneven enforcement and unequal protection.
India’s policy of strategic autonomy raises questions about whether it will enter into a formal alliance with the US, continue engaging with China or uphold long-standing ties with Russia.
Focusing on the effects of climate change on women and ensuring they are involved in climate decision-making can help build a just and sustainable future for all.
The Global Gateway is primarily a values-based effort aimed at expanding Europe’s influence in developing and neighbouring countries. Despite obstacles, the EU is positioning itself as a competitor to deliver tangible results on the global stage.
Paralysed by India-Pakistan enmity and with Afghanistan’s status in limbo, with members unwilling to recognise the Taliban government, SAARC is becoming moribund.
The twin presidencies of Japan and India are a chance to foster North-South cooperation in vital areas such as climate change, energy, food and infrastructure. A joint Kishida-Modi diplomatic effort could see both leaders brokering peace in Moscow and Kyiv.
Both countries must be more prudent in devising a strategy that is mutually beneficial. With regional disputes and rivalries growing increasingly tense, future Sino-Australian rapprochement must be based on maintaining stable economic relations despite geopolitics driving a wedge between them.
Formed during the Cold War, the non-aligned movement allowed newly independent and developing countries to pursue their own goals free from US or Soviet influence. With the world again split, emerging economies must once more assert their autonomy and prioritise their own development needs.
As the only country to be the victim of a nuclear attack and then have constitutionally underpinned pacifist values, Japan is in a unique position to lead the global discourse on the dangers of nuclear rhetoric and the consequences of a potential nuclear attack.
At a time of weakened unity within the G20, new host India will have its work cut out tackling issues like the Ukraine war, Indo-Pacific rivalry and pandemic recovery. New Delhi must use its position as a champion of multilateralism to carry the group through the next 12 months.
Leaders from countries that could make a difference in stopping climate change – including from China and India – are either absent or making token appearances at COP27. There are also more than 600 fossil fuel lobbyists at the summit, outnumbering any community affected by climate change and threatening to stall negotiations.
November’s meeting in Bali will be attended by world leaders increasingly at odds with one another amid rising geopolitical tensions. First-time host Indonesia has a chance to position itself as a champion of diplomacy and consensus building.
While fractures have long existed in the group of former British territories, they remained more or less held together by the unifying power of Queen Elizabeth. As Charles takes on the hereditary role of head of the Commonwealth, many members will again question the value of the group and the legitimacy of its figurehead.
Climate change threatens Australia’s fragile ecosystem as well as lives and livelihoods, yet the country remains heavily dependent on its massive coal industry. The challenge facing the new Labor government is how to pursue progressive environmental policies without driving economic hardship.
