Viswapramod blog

While China is actively seeking to diversify energy routes to reduce its dependence on the Straits of Malacca, the strategic waterway still remains a safer bet than other untested alternatives. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore are one of the most vital sea lines of communication in the world, constituting the principal passage from the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. More than 30 percent of the world’s seaborne trade passes through this narrow 500 nautical-mile-long waterway. Apart from serving the strategic needs of the riparian states, China, Japan, and South Korea are reliant on this strategic waterway for their supplies, especially energy. Despite increased imports through Russia and Kazakhstan, China remains heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil, with up to  80 percent of its energy supply  passing through the Straits. Having little control over the passage, any disruption – ranging from piracy to fears of a potential naval blockade by the United States and its...

The prime International institution of the world, The United Nations Organization, which was established in 1945 post world war 2, to promote international peace and collective security, after seven decades is thinking seriously about a structural and comprehensive reform agenda. The "10 point declaration", recently proposed by UN has already received support from over 120 countries across all the continents. We would analyse the concerns and prospects around this 'hopefully promising but yet sceptical action plan' endorsed by the UN. ★ Theoretical and historical background: Well, known sociologist, Daniel Bell says   "nation states are too big for small problems and too small for big problems" Which necessitates the establishment of global institutions or Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGO's). Global institutions provide a large Network of state and non-state actors, a forum for civilised dialogue, debate, discussion, interaction and a platfor...