The U.S.-China relationship, which has wavered between cooperation and competition, has, over the past few years, veered more sharply towards confrontation – possibly because of China’s own more assertive stance. Now, Beijing’s confidence is under test, not only by these fractious relations, but also COVID-19 and an economic slowdown. Will these factors reveal its weaknesses?

Countries in the Middle East, such as Iran, Israel or Saudi Arabia, do not want a military confrontation. Yet, current circumstances conduce to the breaking out of just such a war

As Iran enters its new economic status quo, the question arises as to whether the nation will realise its potential by opening itself up to the world, or whether the elite will stifle global engagement.

A decade ago, the U.S. immersed itself in the greater Middle East with its wars on Afghanistan and Iraq. Will the current economic scenario force it to turn away from this region?

The U.S. has continually been trying to coerce Iran into giving up its nuclear program for years now, but with little success. What should Washington do to avoid both military action, and deterrence?

The Western sanctions imposed on Iran to force it to abandon its nuclear programme have succeeded in bringing Tehran back to the negotiating table, but they are a tactic, not a strategy. Any long-term policy has to aim for a democratic Iran.

Over the past thirty years, the U.S. and Iran have been at odds over Iran's alleged nuclear weapons programme. India too has a large stake with both countries - with the U.S. as a strategic partner and Iran for its oil imports - and resolving this conundrum will require some creative diplomacy.

IBSA’s abstention over Syria is an argument against Security Council reform. Critics of reform have long argued that increasing the number of permanent members to include Brazil and India would lead to paralysis.

The AKP’s reaction to this spring’s uprisings in the Middle East seemed haphazard at times. But a closer look reveals that the party was actually learning to balance hard regional interests with its stated values – as all major powers must do.

What are the implications of the political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa on the global oil market?