For years, world energy politics had been centred around crude oil and the actions of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). But in recent decades, as the world shifts from fossil fuel to cleaner energy, the geopolitical balance is shifting from the oil wells to the mineral mines. And the most severe geopolitical tug-of-war is now taking place over key metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which play a vital role in electric vehicle (EV) battery pr

For China, the nine-dash line is a strategic tool for reaffirming the controversial maritime claim in the South China Sea. This grey zone between international law and state power is not merely a regional territorial issue but an enhanced test of international order's stability. Illustration by The Geostrata In this era of national interest and frequent conflicts, the significance of international institutions is being critiqued for their effectiveness. UNCLOS is one such ins

The idea of "soft power," introduced by American political scientist Joseph Nye, is extensively applied in contemporary international relations. This strategy enables nations to advance their interests without having to utilise military force. Soft power, as it is understood today, gained prominence after the Cold War, when the United States became the sole superpower. Illustration by The Geostrata The “unipolar moment” that the U.S. experienced after the fall of the Soviet U

Jakarta's streets are a canvas of anger simmering just below the surface. Over the past few days, what should have been a protest against...

We live in times when the global community stands at an inflexion point in history. The world is witnessing a tectonic shift in global...

In the last few years, the world has witnessed some events that ultimately resulted in hampering democracy. According to Freedom House, a...

The G20, or the Group of Twenty, is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. It works to address major...