Glossaries World Affairs
Afghanistan and Regional Security Introduction Afghanistan occupies a strategically important position at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia and the broader Middle East. Its geography has historically connected major regional powers, trade routes and political spheres of influence. Afghanistan’s regional importance derives from its location, borders, security environment, ethnic and social connections across neighbouring…
Türkiye, Iran and Middle Eastern Powers Introduction Türkiye and Iran are two major regional powers whose geographical position, historical depth, military capabilities, economic relationships and diplomatic networks give them influence well beyond their immediate borders. Together with major Arab states and other influential countries of the Middle East, they play important roles in the region’s…
Global South and Emerging Powers Introduction The Global South is a broad political, economic and analytical concept referring generally to developing and emerging countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and parts of Oceania. It does not correspond to a single geographical region, political ideology or institutional organization. The growing…
South Asia: Regional Concepts and Institutions Introduction South Asia is a major geopolitical region centred on the Indian subcontinent and its surrounding areas. It is characterized by geographical proximity, historical connections, cultural diversity, economic interdependence, security competition and shared transboundary challenges. The region generally includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka….
India-Pakistan Relations Introduction India-Pakistan relations are among the most consequential bilateral relationships in South Asia. The two countries share a long border, historical connections, cultural links and economic and environmental interdependence, while also experiencing prolonged political, territorial and security disputes. The relationship has been shaped by the legacy of the 1947 Partition, wars, the Jammu…
Kashmir and Regional Disputes Introduction The Kashmir dispute is one of the longest-running territorial and political disputes in South Asia. It involves India and Pakistan and has important consequences for regional security, diplomacy, nuclear deterrence and the political aspirations of people living in the wider Jammu and Kashmir region. The dispute has historical, territorial, legal,…
China and the Rise of China Introduction China has become one of the most important actors in contemporary international relations. Its economic transformation, technological development, military modernization, diplomatic activity and expanding international partnerships have significantly affected the distribution of global power. The Rise of China refers broadly to the growth of China’s economic, technological, military,…
Russia and Eurasian Power Introduction Russia is a major Eurasian power whose international significance derives from its geographical scale, nuclear capabilities, military forces, energy resources, natural resources, diplomatic relationships and permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. Eurasian Power refers to the strategic significance of states whose geography, resources and political relationships span Europe…
European Powers and European Union Introduction Europe is a major centre of economic, political, technological and diplomatic power, but European power is distributed among individual states, the European Union and other European institutions. The European Union currently consists of 27 member states and has a distinctive institutional structure combining supranational and intergovernmental elements. European power…
India and Emerging Powers Introduction India is an important emerging global power whose international significance derives from its population, economic scale, geographic position, military capabilities, technological development, diplomatic relationships and role in the Global South. The concept of Emerging Powers refers to states whose economic, political, technological or strategic capabilities are increasing sufficiently to give…
Japan and East Asian Powers Introduction Japan is a major East Asian economic, technological and diplomatic power. Its international role is shaped by its advanced economy, technological capabilities, maritime geography, alliance with the United States, participation in regional institutions and evolving security policy. The broader concept of East Asian Powers includes states whose economic, military,…
United States and American Power Introduction The United States is a major actor in international relations whose influence derives from a combination of economic capacity, military capabilities, technological resources, diplomatic networks, institutional influence and cultural reach. Understanding American power requires more than examining military strength. In international-relations analysis, national power is multidimensional and includes economic,…
African Union and Regional African Organizations Introduction The African Union (AU) is the principal continental organization of Africa. It succeeded the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and provides a framework for political cooperation, peace and security, economic integration and continental development. The AU currently comprises 55 member states representing the African continent. Its stated objectives…
OIC, GCC and Islamic Regional Organizations Introduction The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are two important institutions associated with the politics of the Islamic world and the Middle East. The OIC is a broad intergovernmental organization whose membership spans Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other regions. It describes…
QUAD, AUKUS and Other Strategic Groupings Introduction Contemporary international politics includes a growing number of strategic groupings, minilateral arrangements and security partnerships that operate alongside traditional alliances and international organizations. The QUAD and AUKUS are two important examples in the Indo-Pacific. The QUAD brings together Australia, India, Japan and the United States and functions primarily…
SCO, BRICS, G7 and G20 Introduction The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), BRICS, G7 and G20 are important groupings in contemporary international relations. They differ substantially in membership, institutional structure, geographical scope and purpose. The SCO is a Eurasian regional organization with a strong emphasis on security, political cooperation and economic interaction. BRICS is a grouping…
SAARC and South Asian Regionalism Introduction The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is the principal formal regional organization associated with South Asia. SAARC was established through the signing of its Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. Its current membership comprises eight states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka….
ASEAN and Asia-Pacific Institutions Introduction The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a major regional organization in Southeast Asia and an important institutional centre of the wider Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regional order. ASEAN’s approach to regional cooperation emphasizes sovereignty, non-interference, consultation, consensus and peaceful settlement of disputes. These principles are commonly associated with the…
NATO and European Security Introduction NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a political and military alliance established in 1949 around the principle of collective defence. Its central strategic concept is that an armed attack against one Ally can trigger a collective response by the Alliance. NATO’s decision-making is based on consensus, meaning that decisions…
European Union and European Institutions Introduction The European Union (EU) is a unique regional political and economic organization created through a long process of European integration. It combines elements of intergovernmental cooperation with significant forms of supranational decision-making. The EU has developed institutions that exercise authority in areas transferred to the European level by its…