The IP Blog: Navigating the Complexities of International Politics
Hello and welcome to The IP Blog!
If you have an interest in international politics—whether it’s the latest global developments, historical events shaping today’s world, or the intricate dynamics of diplomacy—this is the space for you.
This monthly blog will critically examine the evolving landscape of global politics, unpacking key geopolitical shifts, economic trends, technological advancements, and strategic affairs. We’ll also delve into historical moments that, while seemingly disconnected from present realities, help us understand how international politics has evolved. Additionally, this space will feature recent publications by Pune International Centre (PIC) in the field of International Relations.
A Decade of Global Upheavals
The past few years have been nothing short of transformative for the international order. We began this decade with a world-altering pandemic, followed by two major wars— Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict. Each of these events has reshaped global alliances, tested multilateral institutions, and forced nations to rethink their strategic priorities.
The Pandemic’s Political Fallout
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as we knew it, but beyond the health crisis, it also triggered a political and economic reset. The crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, making it evident how heavily the world relied on a single country—China—for manufacturing. When factories shut down, the ripple effect was felt globally, leading to shortages in essential goods, from medical supplies to microchips.
The pandemic also highlighted deep inequalities in international relations. Vaccine diplomacy became a tool for soft power, with countries like India, China, and Russia leveraging vaccine exports to strengthen global ties. At the same time, the unequal distribution of vaccines—referred to as vaccine apartheid—exposed how wealthier nations hoarded resources while developing countries struggled to access life-saving doses.
Additionally, the pandemic raised critical questions about global health governance. The World Health Organization (WHO) faced scrutiny for its handling of the crisis, while national governments responded with varying degrees of efficiency. The crisis underscored the need for stronger global health infrastructure—a topic we will explore in future blogs.
Russia-Ukraine: A War Beyond Borders
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the world was forced to confront a geopolitical crisis that extended far beyond the battlefield. The war
disrupted energy security, food supply chains, and global trade, sending shockwaves across the international system.
While Western nations, led by the US and EU, rallied behind Ukraine with military aid and economic sanctions against Russia, other countries—including India—chose a more strategic path. New Delhi maintained its neutrality, balancing ties with both the West and Russia. Despite immense pressure, India did not join the US-led embargo against Russia and continued purchasing Russian oil, maintaining its strategic autonomy.
Beyond the immediate conflict, the war also exposed the racial biases of Western media. The large-scale displacement of Ukrainians was covered with a tone of surprise— many journalists openly admitted they associated war and refugee crises with third world countries, not Europe. This starkly contrasted with the media’s treatment of conflicts in the Global South.
In a future post, we will take a closer look at India’s diplomatic response to the Russia-Ukraine war, its strategic autonomy, and how this conflict is reshaping global power equations.
The Palestine-Israel War: A Deep-Rooted Conflict
The Palestine-Israel conflict resurfaced violently in October 2023, with Hamas’ attack on Israel triggering an unprecedented military response. While some framed this as the beginning of the war, a deeper historical understanding reveals that the roots of this conflict go back decades.
For years, Palestinians have resisted Israeli occupation, facing displacement, military crackdowns, and restrictions on basic rights. The Hamas attack was brutal, but Israel’s response was devastating, with Gaza facing relentless bombardment, mass civilian casualties, and the near-total destruction of infrastructure.
The world’s response to the war was deeply polarized. While the US, UK, Germany, and others backed Israel’s military action, countries like South Africa, Spain, and Ireland condemned it as a violation of international law. Meanwhile, the conflict also disrupted diplomatic efforts—just before the war, the US was working to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states through the Abraham Accords. The violence has now stalled those efforts, reinforcing the reality that no lasting peace in West Asia is possible without addressing Palestinian statehood.
Additionally, this war has impacted India’s strategic ambitions, particularly the India Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). With West Asia in turmoil, the future of IMEC remains uncertain—a topic we will analyse in detail in a future blog.
The India-China Border Standoff
Closer to home, India’s tense border relationship with China reached a boiling point in 2020 with the Galwan Valley clash. A conflict between Chinese and Indian troops led to a violent skirmish in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. The incident marked a turning point in India-China relations as this was the first such violent conflict since 1975, leading to a freeze in diplomatic engagement and increased military presence on both sides of the border.
Recent negotiations have led to partial de-escalation, with both sides agreeing to withdraw from some conflict zones. However, the broader India-China tensions remain unresolved. The trade imbalance between the two nations continues to widen, with India heavily dependent on Chinese imports despite its push for self-reliance.
This blog will explore the long-term implications of the India-China border dispute, how it fits into China’s regional strategy, and what it means for India’s foreign policy.
What to Expect from This Blog
Through this platform, we aim to provide insightful and thought-provoking discussions on a wide array of topics in international politics. Regular contributors will include Koena Lahiri, Policy Research Associate at Pune International Centre, and Amb. Gautam Bambawale, Former Ambassador to China and Bhutan and Former High Commissioner to Pakistan. We will also feature guest writers specializing in fields like technology, economics, healthcare, space diplomacy, and security studies.
New posts will be published at the beginning of every month, covering in-depth analyses of major international developments. However, if a significant global event unfolds, we’ll bring you timely insights and expert opinions as it happens.
Stay Tuned!
Whether it’s the shifting balance of power, economic rivalries, technological competition, or security concerns, The IP Blog will be your go-to space for engaging, critical, and well-researched discussions on international politics.
We look forward to exploring the world with you!
About the Author
Koena Lahiri is a Policy Research Associate at the Centre for Geopolitics and Geoeconomics, Pune International Centre.
