General elections in India – Akshaya Venkateswaran
18th General Elections in India are scheduled from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024. They are aimed at electing 543 members for the Lower House of the Indian Parliament House of the People (Lok Sabha). The fact sheet on Indian Elections 2024 was prepared by our intern, Akshaya Venkateswaran,...
Global Sino-American rivalry in the context
of the war in Ukraine
The Russia-Ukraine war fits into the broader context of the new rivalry between the superpowers in the multipolar world that has been developing for over a decade. Despite Moscow’s challenge to the West, the date of February 24 does not mark the beginning of a new “cold war” as we...
The G20 summit in the shadow of the Ukraine-Russia war
The G-20 nations produce over 80 percent of the global gross product, are responsible for 75 percent of trade and their meetings are closely watched around the world not only by politicians but also by business community. The summit that took place on November 15-16 this year in Nusa Dua,...
War in Ukraine and China’s expansion – challenges for Southeast Asia
The meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN) in Cambodia, Bali and Bangkok (to be held on November 8-13, 2022) are taking place in the shadow of the European conflict in Ukraine. In recent weeks, China has activated its diplomacy, taking advantage of the favorable situation, especially in...
The war in Ukraine from the Japanese perspective
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has opened a new chapter in the history of the post-Cold War world. It has shaken the political and economic foundations of Europe and, on the other hand, has brought the confrontation between the global ‘East’ and ‘West’ back to the fore in international politics. In...
War in Ukraine and the world food crisis
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has deepened the global food crisis which has already hit hard due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting supply chains disruptions. There was a sharp spike in grain and fertilizers prices and their shortages on African and Middle East markets. Both Ukraine and Russia are leading...
War in Ukraine: Middle East’s responses
ISRAEL’S SECURITY AND THE GULF’S ENERGY INTERESTS The Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused confusion in Israel and in the larger Middle East. Israel’s sympathies are clearly with Ukrainians and Israelis have rallied for them – sometimes in big numbers – and privately donated aid. Moreover, the Israeli government...
War in Ukraine and Turkey’s „strategic autonomy”
Turkey, which is one of the key member states of the North Atlantic Alliance, chose a “strategic autonomy” when confronted with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Turkish authorities condemned the war but also opposed the sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States on Russia. Turkish companies sell very effective military...
Beijing’s position on the war in Ukraine:
Sino-Russian alliance or strategic ambiguity?
Beijing responded to the war in Ukraine by calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, blaming Washington and celebrating its alliance with the Kremlin. China’s position, however, is more complex and is a result of various political, economic and internal factors that the Chinese authorities must take into account....
Japan’s ‘awakening’: The war in Ukraine and a Sino-Russian alliance
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the return of brutal aggression as a means of border changing means rejecting of the global order based on international law. As a consequence, the security architecture is changing not only in Europe but also in the Indo-Pacific. For Japan, the war in Ukraine –...
United Arab Emirates: Expo 2020 Dubai and 50 years of development
In December 1971, Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan – founding father of the UAE – brought together the ruling families of Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Om Al-Qaïwaïn to form a political union. A federal state was created, to which the seventh emirate, Ras al-Khaimah, joined...
Taiwan: an uncertain future between Beijing and Washington
Taiwan is a territory recognized by only 14 countries and Beijing sees it as a “renegade” province that “must be united” with mainland China. Taiwan’s existence depends on the support of the United States, for which Taiwan is “the largest aircraft carrier in the Western Pacific.” But Formosa, as the...
Israel and Arab countries one year after the Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords were concluded on September 15, 2020 between the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Israel. Embassies were opened, unrestricted trade, direct flights and tourist exchange began. However, the purpose of those agreements was not just to initiate a new chapter in difficult mutual relations, but above all building...
AUKUS: American competition with China at the expense of Europe’s security?
On September 15, 2021, United States, Australia and the United Kingdom announced the creation of a new partnership to work for security and deepening ties in the Indo-Pacific region. The so-called “AUKUS” is also intended to strengthen a peaceful and rules-based international order. The pact’s flagship project is the construction...
Diplomatic Coffee – Pakistan
Centre for International Relations, THINKTANK, Heart on Fire, National Geographic Traveler Poland and Weco-Travel invite you to an online meeting “Diplomatic coffee” – series for students, business and general public.X Our guest is: H.E. Malik Muhammad Farooq, Ambassador of Pakistan to Poland. XX The meeting is moderated by Dr. Małgorzata...
Afghanistan: Emirate 2.0.
On August 31, 2021, the last US troops left the Kabul airport, bringing a close to the longest war in US history. For the Taliban – whom the Americans had removed from power 20 years ago – this was an occasion to celebrate the victory over the US and the...
Pakistan. Economy in the shadow of politics
Nuclear arsenal and strategic location make Pakistan a key country in the security architecture of the region as well as an arena of competition between the United States and China. Economic situation hinges much on political events and international problems such as the prolonged conflict with India about Kashmir. Of...
Japan – EU: In Search for a New Security Architecture in the Indo-Pacific
On May 27, 2021, the European Union and Japan held a virtual summit at which they pledged to enhance cooperation within the framework of their Strategic Partnership. It is particularly important due to growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific, including the East and South China Seas, and in the Taiwan Strait....
For a multipolar world order. European Union’s relations with ASEAN.
ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is getting an increasingly important partner of the European Union, both due its dynamically growing economy and the size of the market (approx. 660 million people). Closer cooperation with the organization’s 10 member countries may also help Europe expand its political influence in...
India – EU: a partnership
in the shadow of Beijing
On May 8, a virtual summit between the European Union and India took place in Portugal. It brought a long-awaited breakthrough in economic relations: the unfreezing of negotiations on a trade deal and a decision to start talks on an investment treaty. These agreements – if successful – will cover...