World Geopolitics

# **Middle Eastern Energy Policies and the Renewable Transition: A Strategic Evolution**   ## **Historical Reliance on Hydrocarbons**   The Middle East has long been synonymous with vast oil and gas reserves, which have underpinned both its economic growth and geopolitical influence. For decades, hydrocarbon revenues have financed infrastructure, public services, and sovereign wealth funds, embedding fossil fuels at the core of regional energy policies. However, the global shift towards decarbonisation, coupled with fluctuating oil prices and climate commitments, has compelled Middle Eastern nations to reassess their energy strategies. This transition is not merely environmental but also economic, as countries seek to future-proof their economies against the risks of a declining fossil fuel market.   ## **National Visions and Renewable Energy Targets**   Several Middle Eastern governments have launched ambitious national visions to integrate renew...

# The Geopolitical Consequences of AI Dominance in Semiconductor Manufacturing   ## The Strategic Importance of Semiconductors in Modern Geopolitics   Semiconductors underpin nearly every facet of contemporary technology, from consumer electronics to advanced military systems. As such, control over their production has become a cornerstone of national security and economic strategy. Nations like the United States, China, and South Korea have long recognised the strategic value of semiconductor manufacturing, investing heavily in domestic capabilities. However, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into this sector introduces a transformative variable. AI-driven automation and optimisation could accelerate production efficiency, reduce costs, and enable rapid innovation, but it also risks consolidating power in the hands of those who master these technologies first. The geopolitical implications of such a shift are profound, potentially reshaping global alli...

 **Title: The Rise of BRICS as a Counterbalance to Western Economic Hegemony**   **Introduction: The Emergence of BRICS in a Western-Dominated World**   The BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has emerged as a formidable collective challenging the West’s historical dominance over global economic and political systems. Originating as an acronym coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, BRICS has evolved from a theoretical concept into a coalition advocating for a multipolar world order. This review explores how these nations, despite their disparities, have leveraged economic growth, institutional innovation, and political solidarity to counterbalance Western hegemony, reshaping narratives of global governance.   **Historical Context: From Acronym to Alliance**   BRICS gained momentum in the post-Cold War era, a period defined by American unipolarity and the consolidation of Western-led institutions like the IMF and World ...

  # Assessing India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and Its Implications for South Asian Stability   ## Introduction: A Regional Imperative   India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy (NFP), formally conceptualised in 2008 and revitalised under Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014, prioritises diplomatic, economic, and security engagement with South Asian neighbours. Rooted in the understanding that regional stability is integral to India’s global aspirations, the policy seeks to counterbalance external influences, enhance connectivity, and address shared challenges such as terrorism and underdevelopment. This review evaluates the NFP’s strategic objectives, achievements, and limitations, while analysing its implications for South Asian stability.   ## Historical Evolution: From Idealism to Pragmatism   The NFP’s foundations trace back to India’s post-independence foreign policy, which initially emphasised idealism under Jawaharlal Nehru. His vi...

# How Does Climate Change Reshape Geopolitical Alliances in the Arctic Region?   ## The Arctic’s Transformation from Frontier to Hotspot   The Arctic, once a peripheral zone of geopolitical interest, has emerged as a critical theatre for 21st-century power dynamics. Climate change, accelerating at twice the global average in this region, has catalysed profound ecological and economic shifts. Melting ice caps are unlocking previously inaccessible resources and maritime routes, redrawing the strategic priorities of Arctic and non-Arctic states alike. This transformation is fostering both collaboration and competition, as nations recalibrate alliances to secure influence over a rapidly changing landscape.   ## Resource Competition and Territorial Claims   The retreat of Arctic sea ice has exposed vast reserves of hydrocarbons, rare earth minerals, and fisheries, estimated to be worth trillions of dollars. Russia, which claims over half the Arctic coa...

# Evaluating NATO’s Role in Addressing the Russia-Ukraine War Escalation Post-2024   ## Introduction: NATO’s Strategic Context in a Shifting Conflict   Since 2024, the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war has tested NATO’s capacity to adapt to evolving geopolitical challenges. As the conflict intensified, with Russia consolidating territorial gains and Ukraine pursuing counter-offensives, NATO’s role shifted from a reactive to a proactive stance. The alliance’s actions have been scrutinised for their effectiveness in deterring Russian aggression, supporting Ukrainian sovereignty, and maintaining transatlantic unity. This review assesses NATO’s strategic, military, and diplomatic contributions to managing the crisis, while addressing criticisms and limitations in its approach.   ## Strategic Realignment: Reinforcing Eastern Flank Defence   Post-2024, NATO prioritised the reinforcement of its eastern flank to counter potential spillover risks. Enhan...

 **The Impact of US-China Trade Wars on Global Supply Chains and Emerging Economies**   **Introduction: Escalating Tensions Reshape Global Trade Dynamics**   The US-China trade wars, initiated under the Trump administration in 2018 and persisting through the Biden era, have profoundly disrupted global economic frameworks. Characterised by tit-for-tat tariffs, export restrictions, and technological decoupling, these conflicts have forced multinational corporations (MNCs) and emerging economies to recalibrate their strategies. While the immediate effects included supply chain bottlenecks and inflationary pressures, the long-term repercussions are reshaping globalisation itself. This review analyses how these trade tensions have reconfigured supply chains and influenced the trajectories of emerging markets.   **Disruption of Global Supply Chains: A Costly Reconfiguration**   The imposition of tariffs—exceeding 25% on $550 billion of Chinese good...