A Crossroads for Indonesia

A historic presidential election was held on July 9, after which both candidates declared themselves the winner. There were 190 million registered voters, and 450,000 polling stations with 4.1 million polling workers deployed in more than 6000 inhabited islands across the huge archipelago. This is one of the most polarized elections the country has seen. Voter turnout was an impressive 75 percent given the nationwide excitement over the elections. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim co

Germany's new supply chain law targeting human rights violations an opportunity for collaboration

Germany and Singapore enjoy strong economic and trade relations. In 2020, Singapore's exports to Germany were around $7.1 billion and German exports to Singapore amounted to approximately $8.9 billion.

Both are export-driven economies that have strong global competitiveness. Under the 2018 Global Competitive Report by the World Economic Forum, Singapore was ranked as the second most competitive economy and Germany the third.

Rohingya repatriation deal problematic

On Jan 15, Bangladesh and Myanmar held discussions to finalise the details of a repatriation deal. The agreement will see thousands of Rohingya repatriated from Bangladeshi refugee camps to Myanmar within a two-year framework starting this month.

Myanmar has said that the repatriation process can begin once the paperwork is finalised. It is now making the final preparations to receive the first batch of refugees from Bangladesh from a temporary camp and two reception centres.

According to Myin

The Leftist Alliance Victory In Nepal: Implications For Domestic And Foreign Policies

The provincial and parliamentary elections in Nepal in December 2017 witnessed the leftist alliance of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist and the Communist Party of Nepal sweeping into power. The results were a disappointment for the ruling Nepali Congress which won a mere 23 seats and was relegated to third position. There is a general belief that the elections will usher long-term stability, reconstruction and economic development into the country.

It’s high time that India bans landmines

Ridding the world of landmines has become the new mantra for human security and post-conflict development under the framework of international law. In 1997, 124 countries ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction. The Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, is a legally binding international agreement that bans the use of landmines, makes requirements for mine clearance, and provides victim

Appointment of a New Chief Minister in Nagaland: An End to the Power Struggle?

The appointment of T R Zeliang as NagalandÔÇÖs new Chief Minister (CM) on 22 July 2017 was an unexpected decision.1 He was chosen by Governor P B Acharya after the latter dismissed the CM Sh??rhozelie Liezietsu for skipping the floor test of a special session of the legislative assembly three days earlier.2 He had been facing criticism from some party members for picking his son Khriehu Liezietsu as his advisor with cabinet status and salary.

A New Chapter in Indo-German Relations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Germany on 29 and 30 May 2017 to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel was an opportunity for the two partners to explore ways to further cement economic and trade relations. The two leaders signed a dozen agreements. The need to resume free trade talks between India and the European Union (EU) was also included in the agenda. India and the EU have been unable to reach a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) despite enduring negotiations since 2007.

Transitional justice: An uphill task

For the victims, acknowledgment of the painful past is necessary for them to move on with their lives. Reconciliation should include the acknowledgement of past atrocities along with vision of a new society

Nepal’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), a transitional justice body, is unlikely to accomplish reconciliation with its current approach and pace of work. The TRC has already disappointed many victims and their families since the first phase of the investigation is long overdue. Re