Authors: Apoorva Singh and Sujauddin Abstract One of the most discussed issues in current International Relations is the transformation of the international system from a largely unipolar order into an increasingly multipolar one. Traditional approaches to polarity have focused on material indicators such as military capabilities and economic power. This study takes a behavioral approach and investigates whether states’ diplomatic behavior in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is evidence of an emerging multipolar order. The research uses voting records of the UNGA as a comprehensive longitudinal dataset and applies Social Network Analysis (SNA) to map patterns of diplomatic alignment, alliance formation, and geopolitical realignment among the 193 member states. The study uses roll-call votes in the UNGA to construct voting similarity matrices and applies network metrics such as degree centrality, eigenvector centrality, and betweenness centrality, as well as the Leiden and Louvain community detection algorithms, to detect alliance clusters, bridge states, and changing cooperation patterns. The analysis also performs temporal comparisons across the post-Cold War, post-9/11, and contemporary geopolitical eras to explore structural changes in the international diplomatic network. In addition, the study examines issue-specific voting patterns on security, sovereignty, human rights, decolonization, development, and environmental governance to assess whether coalition structures remain consistent across different policy domains. The results indicate that the current international system has emerged as an asymmetric form of multipolarity, rather than a revival of rigid bipolarity or a continuation of uncontested unipolar pre-eminence. The agenda-setting power of a cohesive Euro- Atlantic institutional core remains important, while the counter-network centred on China and Russia has increased in structural prominence. Meanwhile, new and middle powers such as India, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye are taking on strategically crucial brokerage roles that connect competing geopolitical clusters through issue-specific diplomatic hedging rather than fixed alliance commitments. The findings also show how major geopolitical shocks—including the 2003 Iraq War, the 2014 Crimea crisis, and the Russia–Ukraine conflict—have accelerated network configuration by strengthening some alignments while encouraging strategic neutrality among many Global South states. The study finds that contemporary multipolarity is best understood as a dynamic, networked system of overlapping coalitions, institutional persistence, and strategic autonomy rather than clearly defined power blocs. This research provides a new empirical framework for measuring the distribution of global power beyond traditional material capabilities by merging International Relations theory with network science. It contributes to ongoing discussions on polarity, alliance politics, and global governance. It also demonstrates the usefulness of computational network analysis for understanding the shifting architecture of international diplomacy and provides foundation for future AI-assisted real-time monitoring of geopolitical realignments. To read the full paper, please download below……

Authors: Bhavesh Chadha, Shaun Daniel, Tanya Kumari and Rachaita Sarkar Abstract Since the launch of the “Make in India” initiative in September 2014, the Government of India has implemented higher import tariffs as a key strategy to reduce dependence on foreign goods, support local industries, and boost domestic manufacturing. This approach contrasts with the trade liberalization policies that were introduced after India’s 1991 economic reforms. This study examines India’s import tariff policies since 2014, assessing their impact on lowering import dependence and enhancing domestic production, while also addressing unintended outcomes such as rising trade deficits, conflicts with the World Trade Organization (WTO), and retaliatory measures from trade partners. Key Findings: The average import tariffs in India increased more than double, from around 7% (tradeweighted) in 2014 to 12% in 2023-24, with the simple average rising from 13% to 18.1%. Tariffs were raised on about one-third of over 12,000 tariff lines. Despite these increases, merchandise imports grew from $450 billion in 2014 to $678 billion in 2023-24. The trade deficit with China reached $99.2 billion in 2024-25, while manufacturing’s contribution to GDP remained approximately 17%, well below the target of 25%. The mobile phone sector was the most successful, with domestic production rising from $3 billion to $26 billion, a 767% increase, and imports falling by 65%. However, sectors like medical devices, defence equipment, and advanced chemicals showed limited progress even with tariff protection. Several major disputes emerged, including a WTO ruling against India on ICT tariffs in April 2023. Although the tariff increases provided short-term benefits to certain domestic industries, the broader goals of reducing import dependence and promoting sustainable manufacturing growth have not been achieved. A more balanced approach combining targeted tariff increases with essential structural reforms is suggested. Keywords: Make in India, Import Tariffs, Trade Policy, Manufacturing, Production Linked Incentive (PLI), Trade Deficit, World Trade Organization (WTO).