Latest Articles about Foreign Policy
Azerbaijan Applies for BRICS Membership
Executive Summary: Azerbaijan announced its application for BRICS membership on August 20, which has been backed by Russian leaders and emphasizes Azerbaijan’s goal of strengthening ties with China following the China-Azerbaijan joint strategic partnership declaration in July. The increased importance of the South Caucasus region... MORE
Georgia’s Path to EU Accession Depends on Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
Executive Summary: The European Parliament adopted a resolution on October 9, calling on the EU executive body to freeze aid to the Georgian government and impose sanctions against those responsible for Georgia’s democratic backsliding. The ruling Georgian Dream party’s campaigns promoting anti-European propaganda as well... MORE
Unwinnable Wars, Risks of Escalation, and the Nuclear Taboo
Executive Summary: This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, underscoring the importance of preserving the international norm against the first use of nuclear weapons amid Russia’s increasing nuclear brinkmanship. Putin has placed himself into an awkward position where his frequent... MORE
PRC Positive Messaging Frames Successful Colonization in Xinjiang
Executive Summary: Through television broadcasts overseas, like Jongugu Sapar in Kyrgyzstan, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) presents an image of ethnic harmony and economic development in Xinjiang, downplaying or omitting signs of colonialism, forced labor, or suppression of Turkic cultural identity. The PRC’s positive... MORE
Tbilisi Eyes Integration with Separatist Territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Executive Summary: Tbilisi’s ruling Georgian Dream party stated the possibility of returning the separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as part of their campaign for the parliamentary elections. Moscow has not expressed support for reintegrating the Russian controlled regions into Georgia but alternatively for... MORE
Moscow and Islamabad Discuss LNG Cooperation
Executive Summary: Pakistan and Russia are discussing a potential liquefied natural gas pipeline (LNG) to deliver Russian LNG to Pakistan, opening another market for Russia’s sanctions-bound energy industry. Another project that Pakistan is working on is the Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline, which has faced numerous obstacles... MORE
China and Russia Expand Strategic Cooperation in Arctic Against West
Executive Summary: China and Russia have agreed to form a strategic partnership in the Arctic for economic development, exploitation of mineral resources, increased use of the Northern Sea Route, and military cooperation against the West. In response to the signing of this strategic partnership, Canada... MORE
Russia’s Eroding Influence in the Middle East
Executive Summary: The first anniversary of the war in Gaza has revealed the near-total disappearance of Russia’s influence in the Middle East, as it has not been able to partner with those averse to US positions. Moscow hopes to exploit the shift in international attention... MORE
The Qin Gang Saga Reveals Security Gaps
Executive Summary: In June 2023, Qin Gang, the former foreign minister of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), mysteriously disappeared, with rumors speculating torture and execution. Recent reports suggest that he remains alive and has been demoted to a deputy director position at World Affairs... MORE
Zelenskyy’s Victory Plan Attempts to Redefine Victory and Defeat
Executive Summary: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a “victory plan” to the Joe Biden administration and two US presidential candidates. The plan envisages arming Ukraine adequately for negotiating “peace through strength” with Moscow as well as strengthening economic sanctions on Russia. The military situation, damaged... MORE