ISDP Voices

The return of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan in October 2023 from self-exile in London raised many expectations. However, neither did Nawaz Sharif become the Prime Minister after the general elections in February 2024, though his party leads the government, nor has Pakistan left any stone unturned in raising the Kashmir issue—something that […]

Semiconductors are indisputably strategic commodities today and serve as the foundation for an array of both critical and emerging technologies. Semiconductors pose a dilemma between economic gain and security risk due to their importance in both civilian and military products. Semiconductor Global Value Chains (GVCs) are dominated by the U.S., Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Europe, […]

The foreign policy perspective of Pakistan has consistently been a topic of rigorous examination and evaluation, particularly within the context of domestic political instability. Following the general elections held on February 8, the newly formed coalition government under the premiership of Shehbaz Sharif faces many significant foreign policy matters to address. Given the fact that […]

The sea remains troubled by bad actors.  Piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing, among others, continue to threaten our seas.  Some criminals have no affiliation with nation-states, while others operate with the permission of, if not outright affiliation with, various governments who find such criminality a means to further their political interests.  The recent attacks by […]

Tourism and culture are interconnected and boost the social, cultural and economic growth of a country, playing a major role for building a soft power influence in terms of the rich history and dynamic culture of a country. It strengthens public diplomacy, paving the way for the exchange of cultures, social interactions and sharing ideas […]

In February 2024, the United Nations convened its second conference on Afghanistan in Doha. According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the conference covered all the major areas of concern in Afghanistan. He further added that it was also discussed that Afghanistan should not become a safe haven for terrorist activities and in order to become […]

Considering the fluid nature of the global geopolitical environment, together with grave concerns over ruptures of supply chain chokepoints, Tokyo is leveraging its extensive network of friends to safeguard its national security interests and promoting values that are consistent with its vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” At present, Japan is on edge over […]

The Next China is still China, said Wang Yi, in response to a question at the press conference held on the side-lines of the National People’s Congress (NPC). The phrase reveals the self-assured posture that the Party wishes to project, which is already being adopted by China’s diplomats overseas. Drawing from confidence in China’s capabilities […]

In Middle Eastern geopolitics, the relationship between Iran and Hezbollah is emblematic of the intricacies of regional power dynamics. Rooted in a shared ideology, this alliance has burgeoned into a formidable partnership, wherein Iran has adeptly harnessed Hezbollah as an extension of its strategic interests, pushing its influence beyond its borders without direct military engagements. […]

China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) met for the respective annual sessions during March 5-10. While much of the work done was routine and without any surprise, there was a lot to read between the lines, particularly at the NPC. Some of these issues and priority areas for […]