Introduction India and Maldives share deep-rooted ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious, and commercial ties that stretch back to ancient times. India’s early recognition of Maldives after its independence in 1965 marked the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two nations. India established its mission in Maldives at the level of CDA in 1972 and upgraded to…
Introduction Japan is grappling with an unexpected economic downturn as it enters a recession, marked by two consecutive quarters of contraction. The final quarter of 2023 saw Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP) shrink by a more severe-than-anticipated 0.4%, following a 3.3% contraction in the previous quarter. This decline has resulted in Japan relinquishing its status…
Ladies and gentlemen, the intricate narrative of Alexei Navalny’s life extends beyond his untimely demise, encompassing a remarkable journey into politics and his emergence as a formidable adversary to President Putin. Navalny’s political trajectory commenced with his rise as a fearless opposition figure, challenging the established norms in a country where such dissent carries substantial…
Introduction The Philippines has initiated a significant increase in troop presence on its islands nearest to Taiwan, as directed by the country’s defense secretary. The mandate includes bolstering troop numbers and constructing additional structures on the Banis Islands, situated less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan’s southeast coast. This strategic move by Manila reflects its proactive…
Introduction Imagine the stark contrast between the famines of Mao’s command economy and the boom of Deng Xiaoping’s reforms – that’s China’s economic journey in a nutshell. Now, after decades of dazzling growth, the dragon faces new challenges: slowing progress, debt worries, and internal strains. This analysis delves deep, exploring trade tensions, social shifts, and…
The relationship dynamics among China, Taiwan, and the Philippines are complex and historically burdened with tensions, territorial disputes, and economic entanglements. Central to this nexus is China’s stance on Taiwan as a renegade province and its pursuit of unification under the “One China” policy. Taiwan, however, stands as a beacon of self-governance with a thriving…
Introduction Afghanistan’s tumultuous history, from serving as a buffer state in the Great Game to enduring the Soviet invasion and the rise of the Taliban, has shaped its present challenges and uncertain future. Covering a vast territory with a population in dire need, Afghanistan relies heavily on agriculture and possesses rich natural resources yet struggles…
Introduction Amidst the tumultuous waters of the South China Sea, the Philippines stands resolute against the encroaching shadow of Chinese dominance. The stage is set with Manila vehemently rejecting any suggestion of a “temporary special arrangement” with China, dismissing it as a fanciful creation of the Chinese coastguard. National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya passionately…
Once heralded as a formidable alliance, the political partnership between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, has spectacularly unraveled, unleashing a wave of mutual accusations that threaten to upset Marcos’s reform agenda and inject uncertainty into the country’s political landscape. The alliance, which propelled both families to power in the 2022…
Brief overview of Indonesia’s economic landscape Indonesia’s economic prospects for 2024 show promise, albeit with some accompanying risks and challenges. The anticipated growth trajectory suggests a 4.8% expansion in 2024, followed by a modest increase to 5.0% in 2025, as the commodity boom tapers off and domestic demand stabilizes. Notably, private consumption is poised to…
