Cherry Hitkari

How Korean War Continues to Shape South Korean Politics

The Korean War (1950-53) which marked North Korea's unilateral attempt to reunify the Korean peninsula by absorbing South Korea had far reaching implications for...

Shifting Alliances: China, Saudi Arabia and the United States

The Chinese President Xi Jinping has received an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to visit Riyadh. Interestingly, the invitation comes amidst...

“Speeding” Development: The Mallima Movement and North Korea’s Political Economy

Speed Battles (속도전) or time bound, mass socialist construction campaigns have been a recurrent feature of the North Korean political economy since the very...

The Weakness of the Strongest Institution: South Korea’s Presidential System

Like all post-colonial democratic societies, South Korea suffers from an imbalance of power between the three organs of governance -- Executive, Legislature and the...

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: Biden’s North Korea Policy

North Korea started the year 2022 with literally a 'bang' as a spree of missile launches were conducted including an intermediate range ballistic missile,...

The Friend Between the Foes: China, Saudi Arabia and Iran

China's proximity to Saudi Arabia comes to the fore yet again as reports claim Beijing to be helping Riyadh in developing its own ballistic...

Whither Sino-US Relations?: Key Takeaways From the Virtual Summit

Nov. 16 brought what many across the world were eagerly waiting for -- a bilateral meeting between the United States and China. Though the...

Is It Possible to Move on? 20 Years of 9/11 and the Afghanistan Debacle

Perhaps there is nothing more tragic than seeing the Taliban officially inaugurating its government in Kabul just 4 days prior to the 20th anniversary...

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Greenland, and the Arctic Turn in U.S. Policy

Greenland is no longer just a partner—it’s a test. U.S. appointments signal an Arctic turn from consent to power, forcing Denmark, Europe, and Nuuk to defend self-determination against strategic coercion.

The Conflict between Cambodia and Thailand: A Crisis with Domestic Roots

Cambodia–Thailand tensions aren’t just about borders. They reflect domestic politics: an unstable but real Thai democracy versus Cambodia’s entrenched autocracy.

Syria 2.0? Mali and Russia’s Failed ‘Syrian Model’

Syria 2.0 in Mali? Russia’s feared “Syrian model” is failing fast. Bamako blockaded, mercenaries ambushed, rebels advancing. The myth of Moscow’s ruthless counterinsurgency prowess is melting under Sahel realities.

Building the New Silk Artery: Kazakhstan’s Expanding Role in Eurasian Logistics

Kazakhstan is turning the Middle Corridor into Eurasia’s new silk artery—faster, safer Europe–Asia trade, backed by major finance, private logistics, and rising geopolitical relevance beyond northern routes.

U.S. Leftover Weapons and the Taliban’s Legacy

U.S. weapons left behind after the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal are now fueling militancy in Pakistan. From Taliban stockpiles to TTP hands, abandoned arms have become active drivers of regional instability.