Global Horizons
The month of March was marked by the display of ‘might is right’ without boundaries or regard for the future of mankind, as the US and Israel unleashed their war on Iran, which even their closest allies did not support. This has arguably created the greatest havoc for international relations since World War II.
These developments centred around the US belief that its unique power and other strengths allow it to act unilaterally, in total disregard of international law and the world at large. The NATO alliance, already on shaky ground before this war, was on the ropes as Europe steadily drifted apart.
The author analyses the implications of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, including its repercussions for Asia and the manifest failure to make headway towards peace.
The transactional approach of the U.S. towards India was also on display during the month, with Under Secretary of War, Elbridge Colby, defining a limited and highly qualified approach towards prospects of bilateral partnership for maintaining a stable balance in Asia.
Also in this issue, the author outlines the significance of outcomes of China’s NPC Congress and its adoption of the 15th Five Year Plan, emphasising technological and military modernisation as key goals.
Important developments in India’s immediate neighbourhood covered in this issue include the advent of new democratically elected leaders in Bangladesh and Nepal. Visits to India included those by the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of Finland, both delivering substantive outcomes.
Given its extensive equities in the Gulf region and its relations with Iran, the Government of India was heavily focussed on managing the impact of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, with both the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister engaging counterparts in West Asia and across the world. Thus far, India has been able to manage the considerable downsides of the war. If the conflict is prolonged, the author suggests that mitigation efforts of the government will need to be complemented by an all of nation approach.
To read this issue please click Global Horizons, Vol. IV, Issue 3.
