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Is Multilateralism the Answer to Preserving the Rules-Based Global Order? A CPTPP-Led Approach

It is evident that the world is changing. The strategic withdrawal by the United States from the global rules-based system has raised new questions about the future of global governance. Most nations continue to hold on to the principles of global collaboration, and for a good reason. The existing system has allowed for unparalleled economic growth in the post-World War II era through free trade. Can the rules-based system survive? I believe the existing global governance structure can be preserved through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP: A Shield and a Standard-Setter The CPTPP is one of the most sophisticated trade agreements in the world, encompassing free trade in goods and services, robust intellectual property protection, facilitated business travel, stringent labor standards, and government procurement opportunities. The trading block consists primarily of middle powers: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile...
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Redesigning Foreign Policy: The Rise of "Fashion Diplomacy"

In the complex and often theatrical world of international relations, diplomats and world leaders have long employed a broad range of tools to convey messages, build alliances, and project national identity. Beyond the carefully chosen words of speeches and the solemn signatures on treaties, a more subtle yet increasingly powerful form of communication is emerging:  “fashion diplomacy”.  This term describes the deliberate and strategic use of clothing, accessories, and style by political figures to articulate specific messages, signal ideological stances, cultivate goodwill, or even instigate subtle provocations on the global stage. The recent appearance of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a vintage CCCP (Russian for USSR) sweater in Anchorage, Alaska, serves as a striking example of this emerging trend. Alaska and the Allure of the Past: A Sweater's Provocative Message The image of a top diplomat from Moscow wearing the emblem of the Soviet Union upon...
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Trade as a National Security Strategy

For years, the conventional wisdom among political and economic leaders has been that expanded global trade leads to peace. This belief, rooted in liberal theory, suggests that countries with strong economic ties are less likely to go to war. However, in an increasingly competitive world, this idea is being challenged. Trade is no longer simply a neutral economic activity; it has become a powerful tool of national strategy. The Strategic Imperative of Trade Policy The long-standing economic partnership of the United States (U.S.) with China offers a clear example of this new reality that many established democracies face today. While Americans have enjoyed the benefits of inexpensive goods from China, this engagement has also directly contributed to China’s emergence as a major global power and a military competitor. Since the 1990s, Beijing’s economic growth has funded a significant expansion of its armed forces and a shift toward manufacturing its own advanced military tech...
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India and China: A Delicate Dance of Rivalry and Cooperation

     India and China are two ancient civilizations with a history that goes back millennia. They now find themselves in a modern rivalry shaped by ideology, geopolitics, and ambition. While both nations have significantly expanded their global influence, their relationship remains defined more by competition than cooperation. Ideological Divide: Democracy vs. Authoritarianism At the core of the Sino-Indian rivalry is an ideological divide. India, the world’s largest democracy, prides itself on its pluralistic political system, public discourse, and institutional checks and balances. While imperfect , India’s democratic institutions encourage compromise and public participation. China, on the other hand, operates under a one-party authoritarian regime founded on communist ideology. The Chinese Communist Party maintains legitimacy through economic success and global influence rather than popular consensus. Its governance model prioritizes efficiency and strategic contr...
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Trump's Tariffs: Truth or Fiction?

President Trump’s tariff strategy, aimed at revitalizing American manufacturing, continues to spark debate across economic and political circles. While the intent is clear, the broader implications raise important questions about its alignment with long-term economic trends. The U.S. manufacturing sector has steadily shrunk over the past five decades, falling from 23% of GDP in 1970 to just 9.7% in early 2025. Job losses have followed suit, prompting concern among policymakers and workers alike. Yet this decline is not unique to the United States. Similar patterns are evident in Canada , Germany , and Japan . Economists point to a natural evolution in advanced economies: agriculture gives way to manufacturing, which in turn is overtaken by services. In the U.S., the service sector has expanded from 71.8% of GDP in 1997 to 83.7% in 2025, driving employment growth and contributing to a low unemployment rate of 4.1% . While this figure suggests economic strength, it also signals...
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