2023 In Review: Best Reads on Politics, Foreign Policy & International Relations

As the pages of 2023 turn to a close, it is with great pride and reflection that I, as the Editor-in-Chief of The Viyug , presenting you with the recap comprising highlights and insights that have marked our publication's digital footprint throughout the year. In the ever-evolving realm of politics, foreign policy, and international relations, The Viyug has stood as a masthead, delivering incisive analysis and thought-provoking narratives that illuminate the complex structures of our world.

Our dedicated team of writers, analysts, and contributors have diligently explored the depths of geopolitical landscapes, dissecting complex issues, and offering nuanced perspectives that resonate beyond borders. As I present the top picks of the year that have graced our pages, I kindly invite you to read the defining moments, unravel the geopolitical tapestry, and engage with the critical conversations that have shaped the discourse in 2023.

Here is the list of top reads that The Viyug has passionately woven throughout the year.

1. The Indomitable Art of Siege: A Superlative War Strategy of the Century

Written by Sivasankar D , he states that from the evolution of war, the paradigm of conflict has shifted into different dimensions due to the transforming nature of the threats. Although the world has witnessed enormous conflicts and elicited diverse phenomena to sustain peace, it has concluded that war is inevitable. The author argues that the rise of war depends on various causes such as economic, political and religious ones. He discusses the invention of numerous strategies that countries used to gain dominant position in a war and one among them was Siege Warfare. Click here to read the full war strategy paper.

2. Fostering Collaborative International Policing: Assessing How INTERPOL can Complement G7 Efforts Based on Japanese Priorities

In this commentary, I try to explain the significance of fostering collaborative ties between the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) with the Group of Seven, an another intergovernmental organisation. I also attempt to jolt out a comprehensive assessment on how the international police can leverage the G7 efforts based on Japanese priorities. Click here to read the full commentary.

3. India's Strategic Significance in the Indo-Pacific: Challenges, Approaches, & Future Prospects

An analysis from our former team member, Harshit Tokas , he explains India's essential role in this region. He states that countries that are deemed dominant powers such as the US, Russia, and China need to work cooperatively with India to ensure a growth and stability of a peaceful Indo-Pacific region. India's foreign policy decisions have a greater impact on the region's security environment. Hence the relevance of this region in its strategic realm cannot be overstated. Click here to read the full article.

4. Trudeau, A Saga of Disasters

A worth reading commentary written by Shreyash Sharma , that was published in the need of the hour. As the writer states "A little too rich, a little too late" is what comes in mind when one thinks of the poor decisions/allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau amid the recent diplomatic standoff with India. The commentary takes a deep look into the political career of Trudeau who has failed to implement working policies at both domestic and international stage.

Click here to read the full commentary.

5. The Classic Case of Korea and Its Soft Power

An another commentary that is worth reading was written by Arpita Sharma . She says "Soft Power is used as a means to succeed in world politics, for those who knew how to leverage it." Despite facing lot of challenges this East Asian country has leveraged it culture to project soft power to the rest of the world. Click here to read the full commentary.

6. Iraq and Iran War: An Ideological Divide Between the Shia and the Sunnis

The only item on this list that is a Research Paper (for Academia and Scholars) which was written by Somali Chowdhuri [she/her] . This comprehensive research paper revisits the historical Shia-Sunni divide and its pivotal role in the Iran-Iraq war from 1980 to 1988, which resulted in vast casualties and a shift in global power balances. It examines events that followed Prophet Muhammad's death, the century-old conflict between the Ottoman Empire and Safavids, and how ongoing Shia-Sunni tensions contributed to the political power struggles.

Saddam Hussein's oppression of Iraq's Shia majority and Ayatollah Khomeini's rise adding fuel to the ideological conflict are discussed. The paper argues that these religious schisms significantly influenced the geopolitical conflict often considered the war's primary cause. Click here to read the full research paper.

7. Soft Power in Action: The Role of Sports Diplomacy in India's Foreign Policy

Sports, especially Cricket, play an essential role in India's diplomatic efforts, fostering international relations and enhancing the country's soft power. A different stage of analysis written by Harshit Tokas , historic cricket matches have helped stabilise India-Pakistan relations, facilitating dialogue amidst political tensions. India's sporting diplomacy has expanded to include other games and initiative such as IPL which showcase the cultural diversity on an international stage.

The emphasis on e-sports aligns with the country's broader diplomatic efforts, engaging new audiences globally. India's sports diplomacy serves as an effective manifestation of soft power influencing foreign policy and international affairs. Click here to read the full analysis.

8. India-Armenia Relations amid the Changing Regional Environment in South Caucasus

This article on the list is an expert's viewpoint written by Dr. Pravesh Kumar Gupta , an Associate Fellow at Vivekananda International Foundation which a New Delhi based think tank. Relations between India and Armenia have strengthened due to evolving geopolitics in the South Caucasus region. This stems from the Second Nagorno-Karabakh war & Turkey's increasing influence which challenges India due to Ankara's anti-India stance followed by a strong alliance with Pakistan.

To expand its geopolitical interest, India can leverage its historical ties with Armenia and enhance bilateral collaboration in agriculture, medicine, and IT. Managing its relations with Azerbaijan and counteracting disruptive goals of Turkey and Pakistan are key areas of in India-Armenia ties. Click here to read now.

9. Netanyahu Declares War Against Hamas as Israel Reminisced Yom Kippur War

A first hand account of initial days of Israel-Hamas War written by Harshit Tokas that shook the world. It paints the outbreak of violence between Israel and Gaza that escalated to alarming levels, with Palestine militants firing over 5000 rockets into Israel causing significant destruction. The attack launched by the Hamas in Gaza has had far-reaching consequences prompting a multifaceted response from nations around the world. Click here to read the full analysis.

10. The 30th Anniversary of the Clash of Civilizations Theory

Another unique and final item in this list is a 'paper review' written by Pranay Shome , a Research Associate at Defence Research and Studies (DRaS). The writer states "Clash of Civilizations theory produced tectonic shifts in the way geopolitics and religio-cultural frictions in the realm of international relations were perceived." Based on paper of same name written by Samuel P. Huntington, an American political scientist, the review postulates that following the end of Cold War, culture and religion will dictate international politics, replacing ideologies.

This contentious theory, premised on the prominent role of culture and religion in shaping societies, suggests inevitable clashes between cultures, particularly Islamic and Sinic ones. Despite criticism, the theory continues to inform the academic and political discourse, especially as societal frictions and religious conflicts remind us of its relevance. Click here to read the full review.

Ending Note

As we bid adieu to this year, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the privilege of serving as the Editor of The Viyug. The editorial process has been both a challenge and a joy, navigating the currents of global affairs to present you with a mosaic of insights, analysis, and perspectives that mirror the complexity of our world.

Each article published in our magazine has been a testament to the dedication of our contributors, offering unique and powerful perspectives that have enriched our understanding of the political, foreign policy, and international relations landscape. It is the diversity of thought, the richness of analysis, and the commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue that define The Viyug.

I also extend my heartfelt Christmas greetings and advance wishes for the upcoming year. May the spirit of the season fill your hearts with joy, and may the year ahead bring prosperity, peace, and new horizons of understanding. Thanks for taking time to read this edition, and here's to another year of insightful exploration and intellectual engagement. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Kind Regards.