KATHMANDU, Nov 7: Geopolitical experts in South Asia have observed that the ongoing geopolitical developments worldwide are significantly impacting the region.
Addressing a two-day regional seminar on "The SAARC Region in the Context of the New World Disorder," organized by the CoSSAT and Konrad Adeneur Stiftung in the capital on Tuesday, geopolitical experts from South Asia highlighted the profound consequences of the two ongoing global conflicts: Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas. They emphasized that these conflicts amid the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 pandemic have had a direct impact on South Asia, contributing to a growing global economic challenge.
South Asia Regional Conference highlights the need for regional...
Dr Nishchal Nath Pandey, head of CoSSAT, expressed his concerns about the limitations of the United Nations' peace and security efforts due to its structural issues. He remarked on the intractable nature of the Ukraine conflict, stressing the need for global leadership that has been lacking for several decades.
Dr Pandey also pointed out that the South Asian Regional Cooperation Organization (SAARC) has struggled to address the emerging challenges resulting from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the two ongoing wars.
Dipankar Banerjee, a retired military officer from India, underscored the impact of the Ukraine conflict and issues in West Asia on South Asia. He characterized Russia's intervention in Ukraine as a diplomatic failure, leading to various problems, including food insecurity and economic crises. Banerjee also noted the rise of right-wing ideologies globally and the shifting focus to international organizations like the G-20, Quad, and the evolving dynamics in South Asia.
Andreas Klein, director of the Political Dialogue Asia program at KAS, criticized the United Nations for its current inaction. He said that just as Germany learned from World War II, the world should also learn from the recent wars. "Looking at the events of the past 10 years, it seems that the army is needed not to attack others, but also to defend itself," he said.
Experts from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and the Maldives are set to deliberate on a range of geopolitical issues that have hit the region in the two-day regional conference that began on Tuesday.
