Opinion & Editorials
Op-Ed: Is Indian Democracy Still Going Strong?
India’s 2024 general elections demonstrated that voters still have the power to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Yet, growing concerns over institutional independence, press freedom, and political dissent raise a difficult question: How strong is a democracy when the institutions protecting its democracy are increasingly under pressure?
Op-Ed: The True Price Behind Bangladesh’s Economic Growth
As the cost of living rises and the economy slows, garment factories across Bangladesh have faced widespread disruption, with more than 500 temporarily closing due to the demonstrations. Thousands of garment workers have taken to the streets in defiance, where police have responded with tear gas and sound grenades, underscoring the intensity of the workers’ frustrations.
Op-Ed: Egypt Takes Factories From China and Security From the United States
Beijing is building Egypt’s factories while Washington still underwrites its security. Cairo’s two-supplier strategy is becoming the region’s template, but it only pays off if those factories export more than they import.
Op-Ed: Israel’s Election: Choice and Change
Three years after Oct. 7, Israelis weigh Netanyahu's security-first politics against the call for accountability.
Op-Ed: Not Quite Thawed: Future US-China Joint AI Ventures Remain Frozen After Trump–Xi Summit, Echoing Cold War Hegemonic Friction
The Trump-Xi summit eased trade tensions and opened the door to AI dialogue, but competition for technological leadership complicates prospects for binding AI limits. Cold War arms control offers a precedent: both powers may resist compromise as long as each expects to gain more by continuing the race, reviving the classic dilemma of a failed bargaining model.