Category: International Relations

  • Representation of a meeting at the BRICS forum

    Central Asia’s significance in a Future Multipolar World

    As global dynamics continue to shift, the importance of countries in the Global South, such as those in Central Asia, is further elevated. This elevated importance helps explains the recent expansion of BRICS into Central Asia, and reflects the region’s growing economic and geopolitical significance. Central Asia, with its strategic location and abundant resources, has […]
    Gulshat Rozyyeva/
    May 6, 2025
  • Photographic image of a lone man exiting the interior of a mosque that is heavily shadowed

    The Assassination of Haniyeh and the Fragility of Iranian Security

    The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran not only underscores profound vulnerabilities within Iranian intelligence but also could potentially mark a shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Likely orchestrated by Mossad, this operation exploited critical weaknesses in Iran’s Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), revealing not just external penetrations but possibly […]
    Mohd Amirul Asraf Bin Othman/
    September 10, 2024
  • Two women wearing burqas walked in front of a blue mosaic wall

    A Weaker Taliban After Three Years in Power

    Is the Taliban as strong as it looks? The group continues to face several problems it is either unable or unwilling to solve. While seemingly secure in the short-term, it could threaten to undermine its hold on power in the coming years.
    Chris Fitzgerald/
    August 27, 2024
  • Bulk carrier traversing the Red Sea

    Are the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea a Solidarity Campaign or a Ruse?  – or is not the Right Question

    Recently, there has been a surge of interest in Yemen following the Houthi military campaign attacking ships traversing the Red Sea. But why and how have their campaigns increased the groups popularity both regionally and beyond?
    Kamilia Al-Eriani/
    May 29, 2024
  • Central Asia and the Conflict in Ukraine: Russia-Friendly Neutrality

     Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have adopted a neutral stance towards the conflict. Their leaders have carefully avoided passing value judgement on the war which Dushanbe, for one, still calls  “an incident that occurred between the two states”  […]
    Kirill Nourzhanov/
    May 22, 2024
  • Political fragmentation and slow diplomacy: Yemen’s long road to peace?

    In April this year, the Omani-mediated peace talks between Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia marked a hopeful move towards finally ending the proxy war in Yemen. This was an expected step following the Iranian-Saudi détente brokered by China a month earlier. Since then, officials from both sides have met for several rounds of talks, […]
    Leena Adel/
    May 22, 2024
  • KABUL, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 23

    Taliban’s Water Claims Ignite Tensions with Neighbours

    When the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021, it raised concerns in neighbouring countries about their own security. The governments in most of the Central Asian countries, and in Iran were hostile toward the Taliban when the militant group ruled Afghanistan in the late 1990s. There are now other Islamic extremist groups […]
    Bruce Pannier/
    May 22, 2024
  • Egypt COP 27: Projecting freedom and openness against a record of repression

    In November, Egypt’s Red Sea resort town of Sharm el Sheikh will be hosting the 27th annual Climate Change Conference of the Parties. When it does, if the glossy promotional material is any indication, it will do its best to appear open, free and progressive. But with an estimated 60-thousand political prisoners still behind bars, […]
    Peter Greste/
    May 22, 2024
  • China’s Growing Role in Middle East Diplomacy: Navigating Regional Tensions

    China has historically pursued a restrained and economically focused presence in the Middle East, steering clear of direct involvement in conflicts and refraining from taking positions on contentious disputes. In this, Beijing has largely benefited from the security provisions offered by the United States, thus evading the security expenses and strategic challenges encountered by Washington. […]
    Nasser Khdour and Anas Iqtait/
    June 24, 2024
  • Behind the Pitch: How the UEFA Champions League Final Reflects Sino-Arab Geopolitics

    European club football’s season is set to culminate with the UEFA men’s Champions League final being staged in Istanbul, Manchester City of the English Premier League facing Italian Serie A team Internazionale of Milan in the competition’s deciding match. On-field, it should be an action-packed showcase for European football, off-field it is less likely to be the […]
    Simon Chadwick and Paul Widdop/
    May 22, 2024
  • Bangkok, Thailand, on November 18, 2022. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives an honorary doctorate degree in the field of ‘land knowledge for sustainable development’ from Kasetsart University, in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 18, 2022. Photo by Balkis Press/ABACAPRESS.COM

    Moving past the Blue Diamond Affair: Saudi and Thai ties deepen

    On November 20th, Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman attended the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Bangkok as a guest of honor. For Riyadh, his appearance was indicative of the kingdom’s increasingly prominent presence in multilateral forums, marking a significant step in the Saudis’ efforts to deepen their relationships with key Asian countries. […]
    Adam Baron/
    May 22, 2024
  • Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with Jordan King Abdullah II at the Royal Palace in Amman,Jordan / ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

    Israel’s Upcoming Election: The View from Amman and Ramallah

    Jordan and Palestine are bracing themselves for Israel’s fifth election in just over three years, slated for November 1. Beyond Israel itself, these two countries are arguably most affected by the outcome and subsequent shifts in domestic politics. Taking primacy are Jordanian and Palestinian concerns over the future prospect of a two-state solution given trends […]
    Nasser bin Nasser/
    May 22, 2024