María Ramona Cuña Duarte, a dedicated peasant activist from Paraguay, discusses the challenges and aspirations of peasant organizations in the country. From land access battles to struggles against foreign landowners, María shares her insights into the socio-economic and political realities faced by the rural population. This interview occurs 12 years after the parliamentary coup that […]
Posted inBRICS, International relations, Opinion
BRICS: New World Order or Strategic Power Sharing?
BRICS has gained a lot of attention recently. The Kazan meeting is being seen as a representation of alternative club of nation-states by many, while others are not convinced that the idea of BRICS is to create an alternate world order. Instead, it is more towards ensuring multi-polarity. The authors discuss a few such questions […]
Posted inInterview
The Russia-Ukraine War: Escalating Conflict, Civilian Struggles, and Geopolitical Power Plays
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year, shows no signs of abating. Despite various mediation efforts by countries like Hungary, Brazil, China, and India, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Meanwhile, the human toll is growing, with attacks spilling into Russian territory, including the Kursk region. This article examines the latest developments, the […]
Posted inAsia, Interview
The Role of Media and NGOs in Bangladesh
A free press is a requirement for equitable development. It is not a luxury. In a modern state, the media is an integral pillar in addition to parliament, government, and the judiciary. In a functioning country ’civil society’ has a space besides government machinery and corporate practice. While the media can monitor the government’s actions, […]
Posted inInternational relations, Interview, Protest
Autocrats, Regime Change, and Refugees: The Tumult in Bangladesh and the consequences for India
Bangladesh is currently experiencing one of the more turbulent periods in its history. What began as a student protest against preferential treatment for independence fighters’ families has escalated into a broader political and social crisis. From violent clashes in the streets to the toppling of monuments, the unrest has drawn in a wide array of […]
Posted inenergy, Interview, Latin America, Paraguay
Paraguay’s Hydroelectric Wealth: Powering Neighbors, but Leaving Its People Behind
Ricardo Canese is a Paraguayan engineer and political figure renowned for his significant contributions to the country’s energy sector and his persistent advocacy for freedom of expression. He played a crucial role in renegotiating the Itaipú Dam power contract during Fernando Lugo’s presidency (2008-12), aiming to secure better terms for Paraguay. He has also been an MP in the Parlasur between 2008 and 2023. What has happened since 2012? What is the situation now? As an hydro-electric energy exporter Paraguay has some similarities to Norway – yet is in a very different situation.
Posted inOpinion
Does Indian mediation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have a chance?
In the third year of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, following a failed attempt at peace negotiations in Istanbul, there have been several proposals for how the conflict could be mediated. Proponents of a peace deal are becoming more vocal as it has become clear that it slides down to the war of attrition and the conflict cannot be easily won on the battlefield by either side. BRICS members—China, Brazil, and recently, India—expressed their will to play a role in conflict negotiation. In contrast with the Chinese and Brazilian proposals, which Ukraine vehemently rejected, calling them “destructive,” Indian mediation is being received more warmly by both parties. There are several reasons why Indian mediation could be more productive in conflict resolution.