جدیدترین مطالب

Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy

Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy

SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.

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India

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the ‘Indus Waters Treaty’, along with climate data indicating the depletion of freshwater resources in various parts of the world, show that transboundary water resources in the 21st century are rapidly transforming from a technical and developmental issue into a strategic and even security variable.

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian export goods has not only severely impacted the economic relations between the two countries but has also opened a new path in New Delhi’s foreign policy. While Washington has justified this move as “punishing” India for purchasing oil from Russia, the Narendra Modi government has called it unfair and emphasized the necessity of ensuring its country’s energy security. However, India’s reaction has not been limited to mere verbal statements; Modi’s visit to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit can practically be assessed as a strategic pivot towards the East. Simultaneously, diplomatic exchanges among the three Asian powers have accelerated: China’s Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, his Indian counterpart went to Moscow, and Modi, in his meeting with Beijing’s leaders, sent a clear message of India’s desire for closer cooperation with Russia and China. In this context, the Indian Prime Minister’s lack of response to several phone calls from Trump suggests that New Delhi is redefining its foreign policy priorities in response to Washington’s pressure. Many analysts believe that India’s recent actions are not merely short-term reactions but rather a sign of a new balance of power forming in Asia’s equations.

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The expansion of the BRICS group, particularly with the addition of influential powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, has sparked a wave of concern in American policymaking circles, especially among conservative factions symbolized by Donald Trump. This fear does not stem merely from the increase in membership. Still, it is rooted in the coalition’s potential to challenge the Western-led economic and political order—particularly the dollar’s exclusive status as the global reserve and exchange currency.

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that after a period of escalating tensions, which led to the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and a downgrade in diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, the two sides have strategically resumed relations at the ambassador level. This development, which followed high-level consultations and coincided with an informal trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China in Beijing, signals a shared willingness to rebuild trust and deepen security and economic cooperation. This diplomatic shift must be understood as the result of intersecting security, economic, and geopolitical factors.

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The U.S. stance on the tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi was based on urging restraint from both sides, as the United States fears Pakistan may grow closer to China and act as a strategic pivot in anti-American equations.

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 25, 2025, a terrorist incident occurred in the Pahalgam region of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government immediately blamed Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups for the incident.

أحدث الوظائف

Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy

Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy

SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.

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India

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the ‘Indus Waters Treaty’, along with climate data indicating the depletion of freshwater resources in various parts of the world, show that transboundary water resources in the 21st century are rapidly transforming from a technical and developmental issue into a strategic and even security variable.

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian export goods has not only severely impacted the economic relations between the two countries but has also opened a new path in New Delhi’s foreign policy. While Washington has justified this move as “punishing” India for purchasing oil from Russia, the Narendra Modi government has called it unfair and emphasized the necessity of ensuring its country’s energy security. However, India’s reaction has not been limited to mere verbal statements; Modi’s visit to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit can practically be assessed as a strategic pivot towards the East. Simultaneously, diplomatic exchanges among the three Asian powers have accelerated: China’s Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, his Indian counterpart went to Moscow, and Modi, in his meeting with Beijing’s leaders, sent a clear message of India’s desire for closer cooperation with Russia and China. In this context, the Indian Prime Minister’s lack of response to several phone calls from Trump suggests that New Delhi is redefining its foreign policy priorities in response to Washington’s pressure. Many analysts believe that India’s recent actions are not merely short-term reactions but rather a sign of a new balance of power forming in Asia’s equations.

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The expansion of the BRICS group, particularly with the addition of influential powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, has sparked a wave of concern in American policymaking circles, especially among conservative factions symbolized by Donald Trump. This fear does not stem merely from the increase in membership. Still, it is rooted in the coalition’s potential to challenge the Western-led economic and political order—particularly the dollar’s exclusive status as the global reserve and exchange currency.

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that after a period of escalating tensions, which led to the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and a downgrade in diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, the two sides have strategically resumed relations at the ambassador level. This development, which followed high-level consultations and coincided with an informal trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China in Beijing, signals a shared willingness to rebuild trust and deepen security and economic cooperation. This diplomatic shift must be understood as the result of intersecting security, economic, and geopolitical factors.

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The U.S. stance on the tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi was based on urging restraint from both sides, as the United States fears Pakistan may grow closer to China and act as a strategic pivot in anti-American equations.

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 25, 2025, a terrorist incident occurred in the Pahalgam region of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government immediately blamed Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups for the incident.

India

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the ‘Indus Waters Treaty’, along with climate data indicating the depletion of freshwater resources in various parts of the world, show that transboundary water resources in the 21st century are rapidly transforming from a technical and developmental issue into a strategic and even security variable.

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian export goods has not only severely impacted the economic relations between the two countries but has also opened a new path in New Delhi’s foreign policy. While Washington has justified this move as “punishing” India for purchasing oil from Russia, the Narendra Modi government has called it unfair and emphasized the necessity of ensuring its country’s energy security. However, India’s reaction has not been limited to mere verbal statements; Modi’s visit to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit can practically be assessed as a strategic pivot towards the East. Simultaneously, diplomatic exchanges among the three Asian powers have accelerated: China’s Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, his Indian counterpart went to Moscow, and Modi, in his meeting with Beijing’s leaders, sent a clear message of India’s desire for closer cooperation with Russia and China. In this context, the Indian Prime Minister’s lack of response to several phone calls from Trump suggests that New Delhi is redefining its foreign policy priorities in response to Washington’s pressure. Many analysts believe that India’s recent actions are not merely short-term reactions but rather a sign of a new balance of power forming in Asia’s equations.

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The expansion of the BRICS group, particularly with the addition of influential powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, has sparked a wave of concern in American policymaking circles, especially among conservative factions symbolized by Donald Trump. This fear does not stem merely from the increase in membership. Still, it is rooted in the coalition’s potential to challenge the Western-led economic and political order—particularly the dollar’s exclusive status as the global reserve and exchange currency.

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that after a period of escalating tensions, which led to the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and a downgrade in diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, the two sides have strategically resumed relations at the ambassador level. This development, which followed high-level consultations and coincided with an informal trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China in Beijing, signals a shared willingness to rebuild trust and deepen security and economic cooperation. This diplomatic shift must be understood as the result of intersecting security, economic, and geopolitical factors.

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The U.S. stance on the tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi was based on urging restraint from both sides, as the United States fears Pakistan may grow closer to China and act as a strategic pivot in anti-American equations.

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 25, 2025, a terrorist incident occurred in the Pahalgam region of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government immediately blamed Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups for the incident.

LATEST CONTENT

Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy

Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy

SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.

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India

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the ‘Indus Waters Treaty’, along with climate data indicating the depletion of freshwater resources in various parts of the world, show that transboundary water resources in the 21st century are rapidly transforming from a technical and developmental issue into a strategic and even security variable.

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian export goods has not only severely impacted the economic relations between the two countries but has also opened a new path in New Delhi’s foreign policy. While Washington has justified this move as “punishing” India for purchasing oil from Russia, the Narendra Modi government has called it unfair and emphasized the necessity of ensuring its country’s energy security. However, India’s reaction has not been limited to mere verbal statements; Modi’s visit to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit can practically be assessed as a strategic pivot towards the East. Simultaneously, diplomatic exchanges among the three Asian powers have accelerated: China’s Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, his Indian counterpart went to Moscow, and Modi, in his meeting with Beijing’s leaders, sent a clear message of India’s desire for closer cooperation with Russia and China. In this context, the Indian Prime Minister’s lack of response to several phone calls from Trump suggests that New Delhi is redefining its foreign policy priorities in response to Washington’s pressure. Many analysts believe that India’s recent actions are not merely short-term reactions but rather a sign of a new balance of power forming in Asia’s equations.

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The expansion of the BRICS group, particularly with the addition of influential powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, has sparked a wave of concern in American policymaking circles, especially among conservative factions symbolized by Donald Trump. This fear does not stem merely from the increase in membership. Still, it is rooted in the coalition’s potential to challenge the Western-led economic and political order—particularly the dollar’s exclusive status as the global reserve and exchange currency.

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that after a period of escalating tensions, which led to the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and a downgrade in diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, the two sides have strategically resumed relations at the ambassador level. This development, which followed high-level consultations and coincided with an informal trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China in Beijing, signals a shared willingness to rebuild trust and deepen security and economic cooperation. This diplomatic shift must be understood as the result of intersecting security, economic, and geopolitical factors.

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The U.S. stance on the tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi was based on urging restraint from both sides, as the United States fears Pakistan may grow closer to China and act as a strategic pivot in anti-American equations.

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 25, 2025, a terrorist incident occurred in the Pahalgam region of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government immediately blamed Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups for the incident.

ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES

Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy

Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy

SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.

Loading

India

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the ‘Indus Waters Treaty’, along with climate data indicating the depletion of freshwater resources in various parts of the world, show that transboundary water resources in the 21st century are rapidly transforming from a technical and developmental issue into a strategic and even security variable.

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian export goods has not only severely impacted the economic relations between the two countries but has also opened a new path in New Delhi’s foreign policy. While Washington has justified this move as “punishing” India for purchasing oil from Russia, the Narendra Modi government has called it unfair and emphasized the necessity of ensuring its country’s energy security. However, India’s reaction has not been limited to mere verbal statements; Modi’s visit to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit can practically be assessed as a strategic pivot towards the East. Simultaneously, diplomatic exchanges among the three Asian powers have accelerated: China’s Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, his Indian counterpart went to Moscow, and Modi, in his meeting with Beijing’s leaders, sent a clear message of India’s desire for closer cooperation with Russia and China. In this context, the Indian Prime Minister’s lack of response to several phone calls from Trump suggests that New Delhi is redefining its foreign policy priorities in response to Washington’s pressure. Many analysts believe that India’s recent actions are not merely short-term reactions but rather a sign of a new balance of power forming in Asia’s equations.

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The expansion of the BRICS group, particularly with the addition of influential powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, has sparked a wave of concern in American policymaking circles, especially among conservative factions symbolized by Donald Trump. This fear does not stem merely from the increase in membership. Still, it is rooted in the coalition’s potential to challenge the Western-led economic and political order—particularly the dollar’s exclusive status as the global reserve and exchange currency.

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that after a period of escalating tensions, which led to the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and a downgrade in diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, the two sides have strategically resumed relations at the ambassador level. This development, which followed high-level consultations and coincided with an informal trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China in Beijing, signals a shared willingness to rebuild trust and deepen security and economic cooperation. This diplomatic shift must be understood as the result of intersecting security, economic, and geopolitical factors.

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The U.S. stance on the tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi was based on urging restraint from both sides, as the United States fears Pakistan may grow closer to China and act as a strategic pivot in anti-American equations.

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 25, 2025, a terrorist incident occurred in the Pahalgam region of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government immediately blamed Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups for the incident.

ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES

Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy

Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy

SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.

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India

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the ‘Indus Waters Treaty’, along with climate data indicating the depletion of freshwater resources in various parts of the world, show that transboundary water resources in the 21st century are rapidly transforming from a technical and developmental issue into a strategic and even security variable.

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian export goods has not only severely impacted the economic relations between the two countries but has also opened a new path in New Delhi’s foreign policy. While Washington has justified this move as “punishing” India for purchasing oil from Russia, the Narendra Modi government has called it unfair and emphasized the necessity of ensuring its country’s energy security. However, India’s reaction has not been limited to mere verbal statements; Modi’s visit to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit can practically be assessed as a strategic pivot towards the East. Simultaneously, diplomatic exchanges among the three Asian powers have accelerated: China’s Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, his Indian counterpart went to Moscow, and Modi, in his meeting with Beijing’s leaders, sent a clear message of India’s desire for closer cooperation with Russia and China. In this context, the Indian Prime Minister’s lack of response to several phone calls from Trump suggests that New Delhi is redefining its foreign policy priorities in response to Washington’s pressure. Many analysts believe that India’s recent actions are not merely short-term reactions but rather a sign of a new balance of power forming in Asia’s equations.

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The expansion of the BRICS group, particularly with the addition of influential powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, has sparked a wave of concern in American policymaking circles, especially among conservative factions symbolized by Donald Trump. This fear does not stem merely from the increase in membership. Still, it is rooted in the coalition’s potential to challenge the Western-led economic and political order—particularly the dollar’s exclusive status as the global reserve and exchange currency.

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that after a period of escalating tensions, which led to the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and a downgrade in diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, the two sides have strategically resumed relations at the ambassador level. This development, which followed high-level consultations and coincided with an informal trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China in Beijing, signals a shared willingness to rebuild trust and deepen security and economic cooperation. This diplomatic shift must be understood as the result of intersecting security, economic, and geopolitical factors.

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The U.S. stance on the tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi was based on urging restraint from both sides, as the United States fears Pakistan may grow closer to China and act as a strategic pivot in anti-American equations.

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 25, 2025, a terrorist incident occurred in the Pahalgam region of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government immediately blamed Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups for the incident.

ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES

Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy

Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy

SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.

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India

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

India-US Relations: Strategic Distance or Tactical?

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat stated that India will keep its differences with the United States limited and at the bilateral level, and will not join any power bloc against other powers.

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

The Role of Bilateral Agreements in Securing Water Shares Between Countries

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over the ‘Indus Waters Treaty’, along with climate data indicating the depletion of freshwater resources in various parts of the world, show that transboundary water resources in the 21st century are rapidly transforming from a technical and developmental issue into a strategic and even security variable.

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Shanghai Summit, New Global Order, and Iran’s Position

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, can be considered one of the most significant events in recent years in terms of global power dynamics. Through its impressive hosting and the announcement of various economic and political initiatives, China attempted to present an image of a gradual transition from the West-centric financial order. The presence of leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian countries also demonstrated that the idea of multipolarity is no longer merely a slogan but is being pursued through economic and institutional cooperation. The coincidence of the Shanghai Summit with the military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan also highlighted the integration of the “hard power–soft power” strategy on the international stage.

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

India’s Diplomatic Pivot from Washington to Beijing and Moscow

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the United States’ imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian export goods has not only severely impacted the economic relations between the two countries but has also opened a new path in New Delhi’s foreign policy. While Washington has justified this move as “punishing” India for purchasing oil from Russia, the Narendra Modi government has called it unfair and emphasized the necessity of ensuring its country’s energy security. However, India’s reaction has not been limited to mere verbal statements; Modi’s visit to China and participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit can practically be assessed as a strategic pivot towards the East. Simultaneously, diplomatic exchanges among the three Asian powers have accelerated: China’s Foreign Minister visited New Delhi, his Indian counterpart went to Moscow, and Modi, in his meeting with Beijing’s leaders, sent a clear message of India’s desire for closer cooperation with Russia and China. In this context, the Indian Prime Minister’s lack of response to several phone calls from Trump suggests that New Delhi is redefining its foreign policy priorities in response to Washington’s pressure. Many analysts believe that India’s recent actions are not merely short-term reactions but rather a sign of a new balance of power forming in Asia’s equations.

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperation with Global Alliances

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

BRICS Initiatives to Reduce Countries’ Dependence on the Dollar and Their Challenges

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The expansion of the BRICS group, particularly with the addition of influential powers such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, has sparked a wave of concern in American policymaking circles, especially among conservative factions symbolized by Donald Trump. This fear does not stem merely from the increase in membership. Still, it is rooted in the coalition’s potential to challenge the Western-led economic and political order—particularly the dollar’s exclusive status as the global reserve and exchange currency.

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

An Analysis of the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior analyst on South Asian affairs stated that after a period of escalating tensions, which led to the mass expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and a downgrade in diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, the two sides have strategically resumed relations at the ambassador level. This development, which followed high-level consultations and coincided with an informal trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China in Beijing, signals a shared willingness to rebuild trust and deepen security and economic cooperation. This diplomatic shift must be understood as the result of intersecting security, economic, and geopolitical factors.

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

A Look at the U.S. Approach to the India-Pakistan Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The U.S. stance on the tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi was based on urging restraint from both sides, as the United States fears Pakistan may grow closer to China and act as a strategic pivot in anti-American equations.

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Perspectives on India-Pakistan Water Crisis

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: On April 25, 2025, a terrorist incident occurred in the Pahalgam region of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government immediately blamed Pakistan-backed Kashmiri groups for the incident.

ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES

Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy

Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Indicators for Choosing Between War and Diplomacy

SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.

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