[Date (Month 1, 2013)]
Article Number 1: “India’s Foreign Policy Crisis” by Harsh Pant (29 October, 2013)
This is an article on South Asian affairs published on YaleGlobal Online titled “India’s Foreign Policy Crisis” (Pant ). The overall purpose of the article is to analyze and evaluate the position of India in context if of its past 10yrs performance against the background of change world scenario. The author argues that India has failed to capitalize on past 10yrs environment. And when the role of America in world affairs is receding, it is finding lacking in depth in formulating an effective foreign policy. He further argues that the current Prime Minister, though a capable person, has failed to lead the nation in formulating strategy.
He argues that Indian leaders made a mistake in assuming that US’s interests in it would last indefinitely. Therefore, they now they’re finding themselves in “danger of becoming rudderless, especially with economic decline and political turmoil at home”. The author argues that India – US relations are now floundering. He believes that after a decade of engagement, there is a feeling of disappointment about the future of the relationship. While US is concerned at its initiative on nuclear deal hasn’t borne fruits, India is concerned about former’s pullout from Afghanistan. Moreover the recent effort on part of US, to help bring India and Pakistan together also had negative fallout.
I would agree with the author that this crisis is of India’s own making. Its inability to streamlines its own policies might kill the notion that it is an emerging power. The articles rightly puts that “In the last five years, the government in New Delhi decimated economic potential, scaring domestic and foreign investors, and making the country hostile to private investment. I believe that the author proved his points rather convincingly, and I can corroborate that from my observations over the years.
Article Number 2: “The US and Pakistan: An Incompatible Couple” by Dilip Hiro (31 October, 2013)
This is an article on globalization published in YaleGlobal Online titled “The US and Pakistan: An Incompatible Couple” (Hiro ). The purpose of the article is to analyze the estrange relationship between the US and Pakistan. It highlights the perception of citizen of both the countries towards each other. And, it talks about the major contentious issue between such as: drone attacks, Pakistan’s precarious economic situation and its continued support for Taliban. It is written keeping in mind, researcher, business persons and observers of international affairs alike.
It further delves into how Obama administration’s dependence on Pakistan, made it overlook the influence Pakistan’s ISI was having over Taliban. It is dependent on Pakistan for exit route as it withdraws out of Afghanistan. It states that while Pakistan openly supports American efforts, its actions are diametrically opposite. To further corroborate this claim, he states that Pakistan’s economy is in bad shape, and he gives data in support of it. He further quotes that US has granted further aid Pakistan, and to keep it afloat, the drones keep on flying over border areas.
I would agree with the article as it is factually correct. And it does corroborate its claim with compelling reasoning. Also, it cited date to explain the perception of citizen of each of the countries.
Article Number 3: “US-Japan Defence Accord Upsets Seoul” by Shim Jae Hoon (10 October 2013)
This article on US and Far-East relations published in YaleGlobal Online titled “US-Japan Defence Accord Upsets Seoul” (Hoon ). The purpose of the article is to highlight the complexity of relations between Japan and South Korea. This is in light of change in US strategic direction as it cuts back on active military involvement in the region. This further complicated by increasing rise of China, and its increasing aspirations.
I believe the article is very well researched and using credible facts and observations such as body language of the leaders. At the same time, it seems to overemphasising the historical aspect of Japan and South Korea relations. I believe it is more to do with how both perceive US and China, and threats resulting from it.
Article Number 4: “The Dragon’s Spear: China’s Asymmetric Strategy” by Loro Horta (17 October 2013)
The article on defence relations between US and China published on YaleGlobal Online titled “The Dragon’s Spear: China’s Asymmetric Strategy” (Horta ). The purpose of the article is to highlight how China is using asymmetric strategy till it achieves balance of power with US. The author believes that China is not only doing to have defence parity with US, but also an economic one as their economies are very interdependent.
I believe the article is well researched. Also, I believe that China’s approach is typical of a country which is rising, and needs to divert majority of its resources towards economic activity. Also, given a choice, China would prefer to be satisfied with asymmetric technologies if they are sufficient to give it economic leverage over US.
Article Number 5:”Lessons From Negotiating With The Taliban” by Marc Grossman (8 October 2013)
The article is on terrorism on published on YaleGlobal Online titled ”Lessons From Negotiating With The Taliban” (Grossman ). The purpose of the article is to highlight the lessons learnt in dealing with hardened insurgents. It states that negotiators should “set moral guidelines on end goals for the negotiating team, recognise that it’s challenging for both sides to negotiate and fight simultaneously; and apply force to back diplomacy and vice versa”. This article will be of great use to researcher of terrorism and security experts alike.
In support of the idea that it is hard to fight and negotiate at the same time, the author quotes that insurgents have problem motivating their fighters and talking at the same time. Also, the concerned government felt that insurgents agreed to talk, only to buy time to regroup.
I believe the article is well researched, and a very handy tool from the standpoint of international negotiations and diplomacy. This article will be applicable in many situations world over.
