Suchergebnisse

In a crowded field of sub-regional frameworks operating in the Mekong, the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) initiative continues to remain strategically relevant. It might benefit from exploring synergies with existing sub-regional cooperation initiatives and ASEAN.

As SAARC is lauded for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is premature to expect its revival as the predominant regional grouping in South Asia. Sub-regional groupings like BIMSTEC do not have to be side-lined. A multipronged approach to advancing regionalism in South Asia is the way forward.

The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) is an initial step towards formally incorporating ASEAN Centrality in the evolving Indo-Pacific concept. The AOIP has been much anticipated as different powers assert their conceptions of the Indo-Pacific region in which ASEAN claims a key role. What does this mean for sub-regional cooperation?

There is no consensus on what the Indo-Pacific concept will cover. It is not clear what kind of structure is needed for such an Indo-Pacific construct. Nevertheless, the main protagonists behind the Indo-Pacific concept continue their diplomatic efforts to crystalise such a strategy. ASEAN remains non-committal even though it has reasserted ASEAN centrality.

As progress in global governance fora decelerates, minilateralism is increasingly pushed to the fore as a complement, and more provocatively, as an alternative to multilateralism. In contrast to the multiple interests of an expanding and diverse membership, as well as the geopoliticisation of governance issues stemming from escalating US-China tensions, minilaterals offer an edge vis-à-vis informality, select membership, and a narrower issue based focus. Despite this promise, however, minilateralism has a mixed track record given factors, both external and internal, to minilaterals themselves. Considering a recent slew of recommendations for greater minilateral participation on the part of ASEAN members, and more broadly, countries within the Indo-Pacific, this report examines opportunities for and challenges to enhancing the effectiveness of minilateralism in a post-COVID-19 era, with an eye towards strengthening multilateral governance.

The Belt and Road Initiative, and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, have new dimensions and new players. But how are these concepts unfolding, and will they move past existing pitfalls?

Over the past decade, Japan and India have intensified mutual cooperation and strengthened bilateral ties, leading to the establishment of a special partnership. Although it is unlikely that this partnership would ever develop into a formal alliance, there remains enormous potential for a deepening of bilateral relations in the areas of security, defence, trade, economy, and in terms of their responses to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This report provides an update on the evolving relationship between the two indigenous powers, outlining ways in which they can continue to play a constructive role in the region.

Women in Pakistan are facing a number of problems. Their identities and rights are heavily influenced by sociocultural, legal and religious values upheld in the country. Media, as an industry and liberal agent of socialization, has become a platform for value contestation and value promotion. This paper analyzed the discourse of liberal and traditional values in daily Dawn (news, reports, articles, editorials), from July 15, 2016 to October 20, 2016, to explore how the murder of Qandeel Baloch was discussed and analyzed while constructing the liberal and traditional values about women's issues. The results show that individualism, self-interest, freedom of expression, sexual freedom, free mobility and visibility, and liberal principles of justice were constructed as rational and pro-women. Tradition, religion, religiosity, piety, modesty, submissiveness and virginity were constructed as oppressive and patriarchal constructs to be left behind on the way of modernity, liberation and empowerment. The sexual freedom and provocative activities of Qandeel Baloch were admired and praised and she was constructed as a woman of substance and honour.