China’s Long Game: How TikTok Marks a Move in the Tech Cold War

April 25, 2024

While the forced divestment of TikTok feels like a win for the US, with President Biden signing the foreign aid package that included the provision, it might be a short-sighted victory in the larger technological cold war with China.

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's "Détente" strategy, focused on deterrence to prevent a full-blown US-Soviet war in the 1970s, offers valuable lessons. As Niall Ferguson argued in his Council on Foreign Relations essay, "Kissinger and the True Meaning of Détente," Kissinger, before his death, warned of a "new cold war" more dangerous due to technological advancements. While he likely focused on weapons and artificial intelligence, his words resonate with how tech companies are becoming pawns sacrificed in this modern cold war.

Navigating Misinformation and Voter Challenges in India’s Election

April 12, 2024

As India gears up for Phase 1 of its 2024 general elections, the electorate faces a complex landscape of misinformation and voter deterrence challenges. Amid an expected heatwave on April 19, voter turnout may be significantly impacted, particularly in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh. The rising temperatures have spurred advisories from the Indian Health Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority, but the decentralized nature of electoral awareness efforts, with states issuing individual guidelines, could lead to confusion and misinformation.

Elections in the Digital Age: Navigating Technology, Policy, and Global Impact

February 12, 2024

In an era where global politics intertwine with the threads of technology and diplomacy, elections emerge as pivotal moments that shape the course of nations and the collective future of the international community. The insights from thought leaders like Fareed Zakaria at Davos underscore the intricate dance between technology, electoral integrity, and global diplomacy. As we brace for a year marked by critical elections, with the US elections drawing particular scrutiny, the focus extends beyond domestic frontiers, touching upon broader concerns about global stability, the resilience of democratic institutions, and the strategic postures shaping our era.