2025

India’s Energy Independence Agenda: Weaving Economic, Environmental, and Geopolitical Priorities

India’s Energy Independence Agenda: Weaving Economic, Environmental, and Geopolitical Priorities

By Piyush Verma

By meeting clean energy targets ahead of schedule, expanding nuclear and hydrogen capacity, and securing critical mineral supply chains, India is positioning itself as a model for climate-conscious growth that does not compromise on economic or strategic goals.

How the Global South Shaped the G20 and Global Governance

How the Global South Shaped the G20 and Global Governance

By Anit Mukherjee and Caroline Arkalji

The consecutive presidencies of Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa within the G20 offers a blueprint for how the Global South can continue shaping global governance at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and a rapid rebalancing of the globalization process itself.  

A Deeper Dive: Trump Pursues American Dominance in AI

A Deeper Dive: Trump Pursues American Dominance in AI

By Sarah Box

The AI Action Plan is a clear signpost towards American dominance in AI and its impact will be felt globally. The hope is that it will indeed lead to the industrial and information revolution and cultural renaissance anticipated by the administration, and that this is not a winner-take-all race but one that allies and partners can share in.

In the Absence of Xi and Putin, the BRICS Pivot South

In the Absence of Xi and Putin, the BRICS Pivot South

By Anit Mukherjee

The BRICS Leader’s Declaration lays out in detail the process for a revision of quotas at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, representation of the Global South in the governance of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies that will shape the future, and increasing the accessibility and affordability of climate finance.

India-UK Trade Deal Sets a New Benchmark for India’s Digital Trade

India-UK Trade Deal Sets a New Benchmark for India’s Digital Trade

By Ashita Jain

The India-UK FTA reflects a significant shift in India’s digital trade approach. The commitments it makes, particularly on customs duties on electronic transmissions, data flows, and source code protection, will serve as benchmarks in India’s ongoing negotiations with the EU and the United States. 

The Quad Joint Statement: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Quad Joint Statement: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

By Lindsey Ford

There is much that feels reassuringly familiar about the joint statement that came out of the July 1 Quad meeting in DC, which maintains significant continuity in its overall tone and content. However, a close review also points to notable shifts that could erode the group’s regional influence over time.

A Streamlined Agenda as Quad Cooperation Continues

A Streamlined Agenda as Quad Cooperation Continues

By Ammar Nainar

Despite trade and tariff wars and continuing security tensions in Europe, the Middle East, and Indian subcontinent, Quad cooperation continues. But the trends this year also reflect a new and more focused agenda for Quad cooperation in the second Trump administration, including maritime, economic, and technology security, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

A New Code for Cyber Intrusion Capabilities: Pall Mall

A New Code for Cyber Intrusion Capabilities: Pall Mall

By Elsa Debargue and Jeffrey D. Bean

The Pall Mall Process is a work in progress, and only time will tell if it proves durable and successful. However, it does hint at a potential turning point in current cyber governance efforts by adapting to the realities of a decentralized, privatized, and often invisible marketplace of digital intrusion.

Five Lessons for South Asia from the Middle East Crisis

Five Lessons for South Asia from the Middle East Crisis

By Lindsey Ford

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East — which involved Israeli and then U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities, as well as Iranian retaliation against Israel and U.S. bases — carries some important lessons for potential crises between India and Pakistan.