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Category: International Relations
International Relations
Samriddhi Shet

Global Counterterrorism Policies with special emphasis on the Sub-Saharan Region

Global counter-terrorism policies in Sub-Saharan Africa focus on combating groups like Al-Qaida and Boko Haram through military intervention, capacity-building, and socio-economic initiatives. International coalitions and local governments collaborate to dismantle militant networks, address root causes like poverty and governance challenges, and enhance security for long-term regional stability.

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January 18, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Abhishek Kulkarni

French Colonial Legacy in Africa: A Deep Dive into Françafrique and Post-Colonial Influence

Discover the enduring impact of French colonial legacy in Africa, exploring Françafrique, migration patterns, military interventions, and cultural assimilation. This in-depth analysis reveals how historical ties continue shaping security, economics, and cultural identity, highlighting both resistance and influence in post-colonial Africa’s evolving relationship with France.

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January 18, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Manjiri Phansalkar

WOMEN AND CHILDREN UNDER ISIS

WOMEN AND CHILDREN UNDER ISIS __________________________________________________________________ By Manjiri Phansalkar ABSTRACT ISIS, also known as ISIL – the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (terrorist organisation) is a Sunni jihadist group with a particularly violent ideology that calls itself a caliphate and claims religious authority over all Muslims. With the quantum of attacks, incidents and undercover – sleeper cells persisting in the transient nexus of the twenty-first century, a very striking component of such an organisation is known to bear great repercussions as well as contribute significantly to its working. Women and children – generally considered to be the ‘softest targets’ in any area of conflict, are subjected to excessive torture and are awarded unforeseen, dreadful consequences on committing an apparent act of crime, which is deemed to be against the rules as dictated by their extremist law. It is such an unbecoming setting that calls for the long – due synthesis and analysis of the treatment offered to women and children under ISIS. This paper looks at three prime areas of detailed study, encountering the framework and mechanisms of ISIS, followed by the extremities experienced by women and children and finally a constructive analysis of the atrocities.  __________________________________________________________________ INTRODUCTION ISIS is short for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and is concurrently also known as ISIL or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Towards June 2014, ISIS chose to rename itself as the “Islamic State” accounting to the fact that it proclaimed the creation of a global caliphate. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was their leader since 2010, declared that he was the new caliph and, resultantly,  was now ruling all Muslims. ISIS, ISIL and IS appear to be mostly synonymous, however, in the particular case of ISIS, it has been long established that Abu Musab al-Zaqawi was the (extremist) founder of this organisation – in 1999 Within the next  five years, al-Zarqawi’s new group rapidly advanced in their recognition through their barbaric activities and simultaneously also chose to associate with Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda (AQI). They are known to and considered to be Islamic extremists, Islamists or Jihadists, closely linked to the dramatically popularised concept of Jihad or “struggle.” Various other terrorist organisations, such as the Taliban, Boko Haram, the Al-Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah have also been participating in the global realm of affairs and have been making the news for decades(especially now, considering the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza). However, ISIS appears to be in a strata of its own. In 2014, Al-Qaeda officially dissociated itself from ISIS, and subsequently became a self-sustained entity. Al-Qaeda refused to take responsibility for ISIS’ actions which they deemed to be “too extreme” in some cases. ISIS has proven to be a rather negatively growing potential in the acts of terror across the expanse of the globe, considering which, it has now become a force to be reckoned with. Women and children have always been a significant catalyst in events throughout history. In the case of women, it can be observed that women take various roles for the recruitment, and in that sense become agents for a shift towards radicalization and counter-extremism (Saltman, 2019). Women are the silent driving forces of society. Their involvements and dynamics directly impact the children of the society. Children are seen as the beacon to carrying such radicalised and extremist views forward for society. Focusing particularly on minors, adolescents, it is understood that they are indoctrinated for future jihad, emphasising the influential role that children can also play in terrorist operations (Spencer, 2016) . In this chapter, we attempt to analyse these roles and their impacts in current incidents, in relation to ISIS operations. DECODING : WOMEN AND CHILDREN UNDER ISIS While ISIS poses threats to the world in many ways that are manifested through unexpected scenarios, it is noticeable that not all of it is possible without the necessary requirement of manpower, which would / does essentially engage in acts of terror, in the name of an extremist-jihadist law. Although, from time immemorial, society has known itself to be patriarchal by nature, a similar algorithm applies to the mechanisms of ISIS as well. However, a surprising fact represents itself in the form of participation by women and children in acts of terror across the globe. Considering the popular opinion of women being the suppressed fraction of population under the ISIS, it is rather unlikely to witness women (and children) participation alongside men. Two reasons may be considered here. As a first, women may be subjected to forced participation, as a mandate enforced by the patriarchal guidance of laws, or perhaps they do so willingly, out of their personal choice. On the other hand, in the case of children, it is understandable that – a provocative environment- such as that of ISIS would demand only so much from a child so as to follow the traditions long-established by their forefathers, while also keeping in mind the fact that the children from those women who themselves indulge heinous acts of terror, are bound to bring their children up in a manner similar to theirs. In this section of examining the activities and treatment offered to women and children under the ISIS, a synthesis is observed through a framework of three sequential categories. Primarily, we dive into the ideology that ISIS aims to propagate, followed by the understanding of the linkage as established by the ISIS with women and children and finally produce a simple analysis of the  established linkage. ISIS – WHEREABOUTS ISIS follows a very extreme form of Islam known as Salafism (in Arabic al salaf al salih means the “pious forefathers”). It promotes violence and bloodshed to establish and maintain Qur’anic hegemony through a very strict adherence to the Qur’an and Shari’a law. ISIS adheres to an apocalyptic theology and believes that the Mhadi or “guided one” will soon arrive and redeem Islam. ISIS has declared jihad against all infidels. That includes westerners, Christians and Jews. But it also includes any

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December 12, 2024 No Comments
International Relations
Manjiri Phansalkar

GWADAR: A CHINESE GIBRALTER

“GWADAR: A CHINESE GIBRALTER” Alok Bansal. New Delhi. Pentagon Press LLP, 2023. 224 pages, ISBN 978-81-951894-8-9. Rs 995 (Hardcover) Reviewed by: Manjiri Abhay Phansalkar In the current scenario of 21st century geopolitics and geostrategy, where countries and personalities are trying to establish their foothold as a global leader, China has delicately partnered with Pakistan to attain its goals of global leadership, economic hegemony as well as establish its geostrategic supremacy by means of mobilizing and exercising the deep-sea port of Gwadar on Pakistan’s Makran coast. The text by a retired Indian Naval Captain Alok Bansal, Gwadar: A Chinese Gibraltar highlights the strategic, economic and political attributes of Chinese operation of the Gwadar port while also representing the security concerns of the bordering nations and addresses the implications and influences of the operation of the upcoming deep-water port. The book, in totality discusses the importance of the Gwadar port especially with reference to the geopolitical entities in the neighborhood. “An established South Asian expert on Pakistan and a well-known defense analyst, Captain Bansal possesses impressive academic and experiential knowledge of multiple facets of South Asian geopolitics”. His book, Gwadar: A Chinese Gibraltar introduces and discovers various facets such as geopolitical significance, geostrategic implications, economic prowess, security matters and influences on neighboring entities in a series of six compact segments. In the initial phase, the book attempts to draft out a brief context of the region of Gwadar as well as the surrounding region in reference to the erstwhile occupants, the dynamic history, demographic evolution as well as geographic features of the arena.  The author continues to bring out the significance of the Gwadar deep-sea port. This aspect is practiced in relevance with the firstly the geographical location (and the possibility of  the port being exercised as an alternative to the previously existing ports at Omara and Karachi), secondly the advancements and innovations being implemented during the development of the deep-sea port (inviting investments and partnerships from key players in the global arena) and thirdly, presenting the short comings and limitations of the operation of the port post the idealization of the state-of-the-art facilities being established at the location. Further, the book delves into the security implications for Pakistan, in both the dimensions of Internal and External Spheres. On the External Sphere of security, the main highlights are presented in the form of Maritime security-whereby Pakistan envisages a respite from possible naval blockades and trade hinderances faced by the Indian Navy. In the context of Reducing Economic Vulnerability whereupon the operation of Gwadar port in addition to the ports at Omara and Karachi provides not only an added factor of security, but also guarantees flexibility and extravagance in matters of international trade, commerce and an option of transshipment leadership Finally, merging Pakistan’s security strategies with that of China’s so as to establish safety, stability, as well as superiority in the region of tumultuous events. On the Internal Sphere of security, the author introduces the two main aspects of development of Gwadar and the impact on the region of Balochistan as well as the rection of the Balochi locals to the developments taking place on their land. It is noticeable herein, that the Balochis are particularly apprehensive of the developments on the Gwadar port, as it comes as an action to jeopardies their land so that the owners reap negligible benefits of the port. China, a decisive player in the upgradation of Balochistan via the development of the Gwadar deep-sea port is shown to have heightened importance in the book. China’s efforts to assist Pakistan in this developmental project is viewed to be firstly, an attempt to enhace its geostrategic as well as economic standing on the global sphere and secondly, allow Pakistan to establish itself as a major stakeholder in global trade while also act as a lynchpin in the commerce of the land-locked countries within the Asian continent. The author addresses the Gwadar port as a major stakeholder in China’s CPEC, i.e. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and is considered to be a leading project under China’s BRI i.e. Belt and Road Initiative. Venturing into the latter section of the book, the author attempts to bring out the primary impacts on Regional Security that majorly concern the bordering region of Pakistan, as well as the influences on the extra-regional powers. With regards to Afghanistan and Central Asian Regions (once a part of the Soviet Union), it is discovered that the Gwadar port emerges as the soul of their trade and commerce with regions outside of Asia. However, the issue of resistance by the local Baloch population remains a matter of concern for the development of the deep-sea port. In context of Iran, the Gwadar port is a clear competitor to the Chabahar port being developed by the Iranian government, in collaboration with the Indian government. Referring to the United States, the book brings out the intricacies of the global economic competition between China and the US, because of which China’s rise as a global hegemon is becoming inevitable. Also citing the intricate relationship with Russia, the Gwadar port emerges as a combined effort to exercise relations on economic forums. In the last section of the book, the author deals with the implications of the deep-sea port on India and states prime issues such as naval surveillance not only by the Pakistani Navy but the Chinese Navy as well, coupled with an attempt to jeopardies the maritime trade of the Indian subcontinent by mobilizing Gwadar as the hotspot for Asian commerce. Lastly, Chinese efforts on the Gwadar deep-sea port is visible intent to promulgate the concept of String of Pearls which aims to detrimentally harm India’s geostrategic posturing. In the concluding segment of the text, the author presents certain engaging theories and fruitful recommendations for India to effectively negate the detrimental influence of the Gwadar port on Indian trade. One striking feature is the suggestion for India to engage with Baloch nationals and promote Chabahar port over Gwadar as a preferred gateway to

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December 12, 2024 No Comments
International Relations
Sifat Patel

The Role of International Labour Law in Regulating Gig Economy Workers’ Rights

This article examines the critical intersection of international labour law and the gig economy, focusing on the urgent need for protections for millions of platform-based workers. It highlights the role of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in addressing the challenges faced by gig workers, identifying existing legal gaps and proposing essential reforms. The discussion underscores the importance of establishing equitable labour standards to ensure that gig workers receive the rights and protections they deserve in an evolving labour landscape.

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November 16, 2024 No Comments
International Relations
Sifat Patel

International Labour Standards for Protecting Migrant Workers: A Global Perspective.

This article delves into the role of international labour standards in protecting migrant workers, with a focus on frameworks developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations (UN). It highlights key conventions like ILO’s Migration for Employment Convention and the UN’s International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers. Additionally, it addresses challenges in implementing these standards, particularly in regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union, while advocating for a core rights approach to enhance migrant worker protections globally.

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October 13, 2024 No Comments

From Silence to Screen: Empowering Middle Eastern Voices through Film

By Vedica Karnik Cinema has played a significant role in giving a voice to Middle Eastern people by providing a platform for filmmakers to express their cultural identity and share their stories with the world. Arab cinema was born at the beginning of the twentieth century and initially consolidated as popular entertainment art and a tool with which to assert Arabs’ group identity in the face of colonial powers. It has emerged as a tool for challenging the prevalent stereotypes and misconceptions about the region and its people, by presenting intricate narratives that go beyond the simplistic misrepresentations often perpetuated in mainstream media (Doane, 1980). Going to see an Egyptian film spoken in Arabic constituted for the populations of the Arab lands as an act of faith and an immersion in their culture and language (Attia, 2016). Over the past decade, film has enjoyed a revival in the Middle East amid a cultural revolution, despite societal challenges (Ajaka, 2016). In an era of globalization where information is widely accessible, Middle Eastern cinema has allowed people from the region to share their stories, their struggles, and achievements, thereby humanizing the portrayal of Middle Easterners and breaking away from stagnant, distorted images. It captures the multiplicity of the Middle Eastern experience, emphasizing the diversity and dynamism of the region instead of reducing it to monolithic caricatures of conflict and terrorism. The impact is two-fold: it empowers Middle Eastern individuals to assert their identities, while exposing global audiences to alternative narratives that replace homogenized stereotypes with a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural, political and social contexts. The lens of Middle Eastern cinema not only encapsulates the vibrant cultures and traditions unique to the region, but also includes the resilience and strength of its people in the face of adversity. Through the distinctive storytelling of these films, the global audience can gain a nuanced understanding of the rich tapestry of life in the Middle East, and the people who are seldom given a chance to tell their own stories in the global dialogues. Thus, cinema plays a critical and transformative role in amplifying Middle Eastern voices and constructing narratives from the region (Woods, 2019). The power of cinema as a means to communicate has been effectively utilized to provide a voice for Middle Eastern people, often marginalized in narratives associated with global cultural discourses. Notionally, cinema has the capacity to bring to light the rich culture, profound history, and complex lives of these people. Films like “Zero Dark Thirty” (2012), which chronicled the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, offers a distinctive perspective on Middle Eastern geopolitics and the subsequent ripple effects on its people (Diaconu, 2016). Similarly, the Turkish film “Mustang” (2015), which narrates the story of five teenage girls navigating the obstacles of tradition and modernity, counters the stereotype of Middle Eastern women, showcasing their dreams, resilience, and fortitude in the face of societal pressures (Dönmez, 2016). However, it’s pivotal to acknowledge the disparity in representation, with a majority of Middle Eastern characters appearing in crime or geopolitical dramas, often as terrorists or villains, reinforcing harmful stereotypes (MCLAUGHLIN, 2015). This has prompted Middle Eastern writers in the US film and TV industry to call for greater representation, demanding characters that reflect the diverse experiences and identities within the Middle Eastern community. While negative stereotypes persist, organizations like Alwan for the Arts, a New York-based organization, working towards promoting Middle Eastern cultures through events and movie screenings, signify a shift towards more authentic portrayals. Therefore, cinema’s role in giving a voice to Middle Eastern people is multi-faceted, serving both to challenge prejudices and to illuminate the complex realities of Middle Eastern lives (ramadan, 2004). More than often, media has depicted a distorted image of the Middle East, associating the region with terrorism, violence, and cultural oppression, primarily after the 9/11 attacks. Such representation has had severe consequences, including discrimination, racial profiling, and an overall degradation of the Middle Eastern identity. However, cinema has taken up the task of challenging these stereotypes and misconceptions, presenting a more profound insight into the lived experiences of people from this region. Films like “Suleima” have started focusing on the grassroot narratives rather than concentrating on the international political landscape. These films offer a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the region, its culture, traditions, and the vibrant diversity of Middle Eastern people. “Wadjda” stands as a groundbreaking cinematic achievement, being the first full-length film to emerge from Saudi Arabia’s creative landscape. Behind its creation is the visionary Haifa Almansour, an accomplished Saudi female writer and director. The film revolves around a determined young Saudi girl, resolute in her quest to defy certain societal norms. Central to the tale is her aspiration to buy a bicycle, a simple desire hampered by customary limitations. As the plot unfolds, her journey unfolds — an odyssey entailing her involvement in a Qur’anic recitation contest to win the cash prize. This cinematic masterpiece casts a revealing illumination upon the challenges faced by Saudi women as they navigate the intricate web of societal restrictions. Organizations such as the MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition are working towards increasing the visibility of Middle Eastern performers, thus providing them with a global platform to challenge narratives and dispel stereotypes (KHATAMI, 2018). Hence, cinema is no longer just a source of entertainment; it is a powerful tool of social commentary and a reflection of the cultural memory of a region, and for the Middle East, it is a platform to voice their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Consequently, the role of cinema in giving a voice to Middle Eastern people is becoming increasingly significant and impactful. Cinema also holds an influential role in how societies perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. In the case of Middle Eastern representation, cinema has been examined as a key player in providing a platform for the voices of Middle Eastern people, but its effectiveness and limitations are critical to scrutinize. Films like Yousry Nasrallah’s Cannes-nominated “After the Battle” (2012) have highlighted the complex

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July 13, 2024 No Comments