Flashback

In the thirty years after Central Asia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, China’s connections with the former Soviet Central Asian Republics (CARs), especially Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have grown significantly. Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the independence of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, China moved fast to restrict its borders with these three Central Asian countries, as well as with Russia. Following the completion of this task, the Shanghai Five were formed in 1996 to foster increased collaboration between these countries. With the admission of Uzbekistan in 2002, it became the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). One of the primary motivations for China’s desire to demarcate its borders with Central Asian countries was to ensure peace in East Turkestan, which it dubbed Xinjiang (New Territory). When the People’s Republic of China was created in 1949, China seized this territory with the support of the Soviet Union.

Silk Route Trade

Great developments have occurred in China over the past forty years of reform and adoption of the open economy policy. With China’s high level of global commitment, it became evident that the government was not separating itself from global events. The quick development of new concepts and practices in Chinese diplomacy was founded in the rapid rise of the Chinese economy and the country’s developing relations with the rest of the globe. The “two fronts and one circle” strategy characterizes China’s great diplomacy today. The “two fronts” are a new type of great power relationship with countries like the United States, Russia, India, and major European nations, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which focuses on developing countries. As a result, the “one circle” refers to China’s peripheral diplomacy, which is primarily focused on its Asian neighbors. The statement by Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 7, 2013, in Astana, Kazakhstan, of the rebirth of the old Silk Road underscores the central importance of Central Asian countries for China. President Xi Jinping proposed working closely with Central Asian nations to jointly establish the New Silk Road Economic Belt during his first visit to the region (NSREB). President Xi stated that China-Central Asia will work to improve rail and road connections by building strong networks of highways, airfields, and bridges to create a strategic regional thoroughfare from the Pacific to the Baltic Sea, and gradually work toward the establishment of a transportation network connecting East, West and South Asia regions.

Recent Developments

This year highlights the 30th anniversary of China and Central Asian countries establishing diplomatic relations. Because of the ongoing pandemic, the West was engaged in a “diplomatic boycott” earlier this year, and key leaders did not attend the event. The five presidents of Central Asia, on the other hand, all attended the Beijing Winter Olympics, which began in the Chinese capital. “A rising, affluent, stable, and vibrant Central Asia is in the common interest of China and other nations in the region”, Wang Yi, the People’s Republic of China’s Foreign Minister, said later in a statement. According to him, China will continue to follow the principles of mutual respect, good neighborly friendship, solidarity, and mutual benefit in difficult times so that it can work with Central Asian countries to forge a strategic partnership with rich substance, fruitful results, and lasting friendship, as well as to build a Sino-Central Asian community with a shared future. On June 7, 2022, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan’s capital, for the third summit of the China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers (C+C5) to consider new potential.

Conclusion

China’s relations with Central Asia reflect the country’s rising willingness to safeguard the region’s broader economic and security interests. Maintaining peace and stability in the region is one of China’s key concerns in order to preserve its own border security. In terms of geo-politics and geo-economics, China’s significant position in Central Asia is understandable. Because most routes from China to Europe travel through Central Asia, which is strategically placed at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the New Silk Road Initiative is advantageous. It will aid China’s economic expansion into Europe. The parties at the C+C5 meeting decided to work toward a summit of heads of state, with the goal of “post-pandemic recovery”, and regional transport corridors, particularly the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, were once again discussed. The proposal is critical for the countries involved, particularly Kyrgyzstan, whose leaders have pushed for the long-debated railway route to be built. China is, and will continue to be, Central Asia’s greatest investor; it is the only country in the region mobilizing significant capital. To summarize, Central Asia is a battleground where the world’s major countries, such as China, are vying for influence and support. There are mutual benefits and economic interests of China and the Central Asian countries; therefore, they have decided to expand cooperation in the areas of production capacity, energy, agriculture, humanity, digital economy and green development.

Introduction

Water Security refers to the sustainable usage of water and securing water systems in a country. It also means that to ensure sustainable development of water resources and accessibility of water for all the individuals as a basic human right. Water crisis is a serious issue and surprisingly very little attention is being paid to the particular problem. Once a water abundant country is now water-stressed which is leading towards a major crisis as the water profile of Pakistan does not show a satisfactory situation, it is an emergency state in terms of water resources. According to a report of Pakistan Council of Water Research (PCWR), Pakistan is at the risk of an absolute water crisis by 2025. Not only that, it will also impact the agriculture sector for food production, energy sector for generation of electricity and healthy environment that is necessary for growth of socio-economic measures and sustainable development. The demand for water is rising in the country because of various factors such as urbanization, rapid population growth. This has completely changed the consumption patterns of water, but the available supply of water is very limited and is at risk because of climate change.

Background

Pakistan and India share rivers on the basis of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) which is traced back to 1960, when both the countries signed the treaty under the supervision of World Bank. This treaty defined the principle of water sharing. Now, the water demand has increased in two countries, due to which on and off disagreements appeared on water sharing issues. Water nationalism has risen in recent years as the supply-demand mismatch for water has widened in India and Pakistan, which has been exacerbated by rising tensions between the two nations. But, somehow IWT has always managed to avoid any serious water conflicts despite of the political tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Pakistan, it is on the verge of a water crisis by 2025 that is forecasted by experts. Water security is an emerging paradigm which requires recognition at all levels. South Asia has immediate and long-term difficulties from climate change, including glacier melt, sea-level rise, groundwater depletion, extreme weather events and an increase in the frequency of natural disasters, all of which are expected to worsen in the next decades. The analysis cautions that pre-existing vulnerabilities i.e. high poverty, poor governance, and restricted access to basic services and resources enhance the region’s climate risks, with potentially catastrophic consequences if warming continues at the same rate. Crop yields have declined and production losses have occurred in the region as a result of the extraordinary events of climate change. For the past few months, the warning bells are ringing about the water shortage in Pakistan. It is being said that Pakistan’s water crisis will deepen with the climate change. One of the direct results of climate change is rising temperatures and recently, the country is experiencing highest temperature in March and April. It is not only the case of Pakistan; a severe heat wave is also sweeping through India. Moreover, forecasts predictions have suggested further temperature increase in coming weeks. This will trigger already pressurized food as well as water security in Pakistan and India. Both the countries already fall in the category of top ten countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, at this time the revival of suspended Indus water talks is a good step. On 30th May 2022, a five member delegation of Pakistan went to New Delhi for 118 bilateral meeting on IWT. The two day talks ended on a positive note, but there is a need that the present crisis should be considered as a wake-up call for authorities in two countries.

It is important that India and Pakistan should make efforts for development and to promote cooperation between the two sides for the smooth functioning of water systems. Also, they must reiterate their commitment towards the treaty and its implementation in literal meanings for the benefit of both countries and to avoid serious consequences due to their own negligence in future. India threatens Pakistan with diversion of rivers flowing in Pakistan, this attitude in condemnable and needed to be stopped. On the other hand, it is necessary for Pakistan to adopt a holistic approach and efficient governance system for water sector. It can be done with improvement in technology, using innovative strategies, implementing SDGs, upgrading existing and developing new infrastructure which will help to mitigate the issue. If this catastrophe will not be addressed quickly and timely, the country may suffer complete water scarcity before even realizing the seriousness of the ongoing crisis.

Talks about the supremacy of India in South Asia. India is the center of South Asia having the biggest Military budget and trying to suppress its neighbors through its power. From the start of the partition, India receives bigger resources than the rest of the South Asian states which means she requires more to run the country. According to the analysts Pakistan will face water shortage by 2025, but the water shortage came much earlier as expected in Pakistan, the reason is that the whole South Asian region will have 2,737 Billion Cubic meters of water & Pakistan will be the only county having a shortfall because of the lack of Dams and the involvement of India in the Indus water treaty that was signed in 1960. Pakistan is facing double the digits in climate change as rest of the world. Pakistan is among top 10 vulnerable countries facing water crisis. Emission of carbon has dire affects upon the glaciers that are melting that leads to glacier led outburst flooding. Climate change has many implications to the environment including cyclones, drought and irregularity in rain. Monsoon rain has now shifted to the northern part of Pakistan adding 25 districts and the intensity of rainfall is very disastrous. Pakistan has witnessed 19-20b $ damage to national economy due to this climate change phenomenon. Pakistan is under the severe influence of climate change as 39 million people got displaced due to flooding during 2010-2015. World Bank has also suggested that there’s a direct impact of climate change related disasters on GDP which is why taking effective measure to protect water sector is needed. There are some serious challenges to the water sector including growing population, inefficient water resources, water intrusion and institutional capacity and constrains in water management. . Water sector can be protected through integrate water resource management. We need to have a data bank for the comparison every year. This is the time we should make combine efforts to manage the crisis. If temperature continues to increase we will lose 36% of our glaciers because as glaciers melt, important water components are also lost. We need to revamp the existing system, enhance resource capacity and good policies.

There is no trust in South Asia in water & the problem is in the international watercourse. India had water issues with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan & even with Bangladesh. We had an example of the Koshi River of Nepal that originates from china touches India, and Nepal & falls into the Bay of Bengal. India is suppressing Nepal on its border signing different treaties & promoting its interest. Nepal is a poor country having rich water resources with no techniques to save it & generate more energy from it. Furthermore describes the agreements on the water between both states. Koshi and Gandak were made to facilitate Nepal but only 11,300 hectors of land get benefit from it on the other hand 6,12,000 hectors of the land of India is getting the benefit that is not it 356610 hectors of agricultural land get benefit from Koshi and Gandak & this project was mainly for the people of Nepal. Gandak was a treaty of constructing 2 canals at Bhaisaloton and mainly favored Indian land.

Nepal has access to water and resources but importing electricity from India on higher rates. The same is the case with Bangladesh, India and Bangladesh share many rivers, and the clash is still the same from 1951 when the Farakka Barrage agreement was signed all water grabbed by Indians this issue was resolved in 1996 & still Bangladesh receives a low flow of water of his water. There are a lot of examples of Indian brutality & pressuring neighboring states for water and other purposes. India is also trying to stop Pakistan’s water and violating the Indus water treaty that was signed in 1960, according to the treaty Eastern Rivers Sutlej, Baes & Ravi belong to India & the rest of the three rivers Indus, Jhelum & Chenab belong to Pakistan. India has value in the international market and that is the only reason India is violating Laws without any hesitation. Bhutan is also very much dependent on India and most of the decision-making of Bhutan came from India they have a huge influence on Bhutan. In many states, two countries are sharing the same river but in the case of South Asia situation is very much different because of India. India is also known as the center of SAARC having a big share. Most of the rivers originate from Tibet which is a part of china Again, the Kabul River, a tributary of the Indus River originates from Afghanistan. Therefore, a comprehensive agreement among Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan needs to be worked out. Such an agreement will ensure compliance with international law, and, at the same time, make cooperation among the parties smooth, reasonable, and equitable. All South Asian States have to be on one table for peace and a better economy as the 21st century will be the Asian century.

The process of globalization has been involved all over the world be it any form of government. It is very hard to stay disconnected from the world. Countries aim to progress in science and technology and it is very difficult to progress while being isolated. Every country, especially after COVID 19 and amid international conflicts, is striving for an economy. China is the biggest trading bloc of the world and trades in every corner of the world. Hence, globalization plays an integral role. It is not only limited to the economic changes but it also affects political changes as well. It would not be wrong to say that globalization has helped in the spread of democracy. The process of globalization can be defined as the international interaction or connection of economy, politics, science, technology, culture and etc. There are two major groups of globalization i.e. Pro Globalists and Anti-Globalists. The Pro Globalists believe that every country is involved in it one way or another and the favors that it offers are just inevitable. Scholars argue that the benefits of globalization cannot be avoided and that is why there is no particular reason for countries to stay isolated in this country. On the other hand, Anti globalists believe that globalization has proved to be a vital threat to democracy. Globalization impacts on democracy, elements of democracy are not possible to be practiced with the entry of globalization. In terms of the economy, it is said that the process of trade and border control is no longer in the hands of the states because of international intervention. It is visible that the tariffs and embargos have an impact on not only the economy but on the political culture as well. This undermines the sovereignty of the state. Now, the state is limited to having full control over these factors. If the state does not have good relations with other states, it is going to suffer especially in the context of the economy. Therefore, globalization is mandatory and does have an impact on the political culture. Another drawback mentioned by the anti-globalists is that globalization is threatening the process of democracy and creates a class difference. Rich are becoming richer and the poor are becoming poorer.

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The continuous process of globalization impacts democratization. Democratic factors are being spread around the world with the help of globalization. For example, sometimes trade is one of the main sources of connection that states have with each other. If a trade violation by any one of the states is done, it will affect the economy. Similarly, if the bordering countries get into a conflict, not only the trade but the security also gets affected and this is where the true elements of democracy are challenged. It will not only affect the countries involved in the conflict but the other neighboring countries in the region as well. Globalization has become a means to explore different kinds of markets in the world economy. It has provided the world with the concept of foreign direct investments leading firms in the world to expand their products and services. This is done in a free market economy which is one of the elements supported by democracy. Similarly, China is not a democratic country but because of globalization, it does practice certain elements of democracy. This proves that there are a lot of benefits of globalization that cannot be ignored. The involvement of the Chinese in the International arena is itself a democratic principle for globalization. States have realized that it is not possible for them to grow without International interaction. Therefore, it is visible that democratization is promoted through globalization and in some cases it has been imposed as well. For example, the U.S tried to impose democracy in Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq.

Globalization has had both beneficial and negative effects on democratization. It has encouraged a free market economy over the world, which has resulted in innovations that are driving humanity forward at rapid speed. However, it has increased state reliance rates, which has a negative influence on the economy, borders, and international relations. The efficiency of the governing system has been harmed as a result of this dependency. Similarly, democracy has spread around the world without the aid of globalization.

Introduction:

Media now a days, plays such an important role in the socialization of humans and has become an integral part of everyone’s life. There is a powerful influence of media on the formation of socio-cultural norms related to the gender and women specifically. Simultaneously, existing current social and cultural standards have a great impact on women’s image and position in media. According to the studies, the number of women involved in media organizations, making of news and the decision making processes of media organizations are lower than males all around the world. The studies also show that there is a dominant existence of male in media corporations and even the whole organizational structure has the masculine culture. If this is the case everywhere, then Pakistan being a developing country, faces the same issue. Women and transgender should have an equal access to media, as it offers every gender a platform to practice their right to freedom of expression and let them participate in the public life. It also gives women politicians and candidates a space to present themselves and their political, social and cultural programs. In Pakistan, gender stereotyping still exists which makes the participation of women in media difficult. Sometimes, media promotes and prevents these kind of stereotypes which stops or let every gender participate in media. Women in media are not encouraged to talk freely because of the cultural norm. Though, women are there in the entertainment media industry of Pakistan and are also using social media but, less number of women are seen to be in mainstream media. One of the reasons behind this is that, mostly people find it culturally unacceptable for their women to participate in media.

Analysis:

There are less number of girls who study media studies as compare to the boys. Women of rural areas have almost no access to participate and express themselves even through social media. There is a fear of getting harassed. The role of genders is also determined by media. Media plays a vital role to determine that how women and men are perceived by society. It also shapes up the values. Gender biasness begins in media through the options and choices made by media managers and other media professionals. Women in media are frequently portrayed as the home-makers, objects of beauty, vulnerable, soft targets, victims of violence, etc. Stereotypes are negative and destructive since they neglect people’s individuality and uniqueness and results in judgments against specific gender.

Media houses in Pakistan lack strategies or policies in order to deal with the challenge of women who are just doing soft beat reporting. Hard beats which include politics, economic issues and sports are usually assigned to men. Females are mostly assigned with social issues. This is the case with mainstream electronic media. This creates an unequal power balance between the genders which leads to the discrimination against their rights, unequal opportunities at work places. When women are not given opportunity to join mainstream media, they raise their voices through social media. Girls from rural areas don’t use social media and if something traumatic happens with them, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, they are not aware of how to raise their voices. There are so many examples in case of Pakistan where through social media, different genders got justice. There are so many cases where women face domestic violence, and still chose to stay away from media because they are worried about their reputation. In Pakistan, the continuous social and cultural norms tend to stop female journalists in the domain of soft stories.

If women will participate in media, they shall be aware of their rights and would know how to speak for others who are not able to speak for themselves. This will lead towards gender sensitive reporting and peace journalism. Most of the Transgender are unaware and uneducated so, they are incapable of participating in mainstream media. There should be proper training and space for them as well so that they can express themselves and fight for their rights through media. Some of the transgender did become social activists by using social media, as a channel to express themselves and address the problems of their community in Pakistan. A woman can understand and feel another woman better than a man. A level of comfort would be there. A female journalist can easily address the struggles of women and raise the issues related to them.

Conclusion and suggestions:

Equality agenda is needed to be set by the collaboration of media and government and this should have measures in order to deal with content, employment, the lack of women in the positions of decision-making, technological design, and media literacy skills. Training and awareness of gender roles is needed and the issues of gender role at managerial level in media has to be addressed.

Government should have some laws of protection for the women working in mainstream media. Men and Women both face threats while working in this field but, both should be protected. Gender sensitive journalists are needed to cover this issue in media positively and frequently. Another solution for equal participation can be that quota system for news beats can be proposed for male and female reporters. Every gender should be involved at all levels in media houses .Women and transgender should also be involved in decision making positions. Then information which is being disseminated should be sensitive towards both men and women. There is a lack of gender policies in media houses. Everyone has the right to develop their abilities and choose opportunities in life without being restricted by their gender roles which are determined and given to them by society. Media houses should make strategies and policies in order to promote gender equality, mentoring, career counselling and promotions. Media houses should take measures to encourage women to join media organizations. Stereotypical and negative image which is portrayed of women in media should be minimized. Stories of women in media and the success stories should be brought forward in order to inspire and encourage other women.

A gap should be filled among the NGOS and media in order to promote improved coordination. Women’s groups and women’s activities should be supported and given coverage positively. Links should be built with mass communication departments and media studies departments in different Pakistani universities to include women’s problems and concerns in their curriculum. Awareness should be created for the importance of gender sensitive reporting and training. All the journalists should take the training of gender sensitization. Transgender should also be given a representation in media. Every gender can help in rebuilding and reconstructing the society and can lead towards betterment, if the work is being done sincerely.

Artificial intelligence (AI), the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. The term is frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalize, or learn from past experience.

All but the simplest human behaviour is ascribed to intelligence, while even the most complicated insect behaviour is never taken as an indication of intelligence. What is the difference? Consider the behaviour of the digger wasp, Sphex ichneumoneus. When the female wasp returns to her burrow with food, she first deposits it on the threshold, checks for intruders inside her burrow, and only then, if the coast is clear, carries her food inside. The real nature of the wasp’s instinctual behaviour is revealed if the food is moved a few inches away from the entrance to her burrow while she is inside: on emerging, she will repeat the whole procedure as often as the food is displaced. Intelligence conspicuously absent in the case of Sphex must include the ability to adapt to new circumstances.

The ideal characteristic of artificial intelligence is its ability to rationalize and take actions that have the best chance of achieving a specific goal. A subset of artificial intelligence is machine learning, which refers to the concept that computer programs can automatically learn from and adapt to new data without being assisted by humans. Deep learning techniques enable this automatic learning through the absorption of huge amounts of unstructured data such as text, images, or video.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines.
• The goals of artificial intelligence include learning, reasoning, and perception.
• AI is being used across different industries including finance and healthcare.

Weak AI tends to be simple and single-task oriented, while strong AI carries on tasks that are more complex and human-like. Things might have changed in the time

TO UNDERSTAND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

When most people hear the term artificial intelligence, the first thing they usually think of is robots. That’s because big-budget films and novels weave stories about human-like machines that wreak havoc on Earth. But nothing could be further from the truth. Artificial intelligence is based on the principle that human intelligence can be defined in a way that a machine can easily mimic it and execute tasks, from the most simple to those that are even more complex. The goals of artificial intelligence include mimicking human cognitive activity. Researchers and developers in the field are making surprisingly rapid strides in mimicking activities such as learning, reasoning, and perception, to the extent that these can be concretely defined. Some believe that innovators may soon be able to develop systems that exceed the capacity of humans to learn or reason out any subject. But others remain skeptical because all cognitive activity is laced with value judgments that are subject to human experience.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence

The applications for artificial intelligence are endless. The technology can be applied to many different sectors and industries. AI is being tested and used in the healthcare industry for dosing drugs and different treatments in patients, and for surgical procedures in the operating room. Other examples of machines with artificial intelligence include computers that play chess and self-driving cars. Each of these machines must weigh the consequences of any action they take, as each action will impact the end result. In chess, the end result is winning the game. For self-driving cars, the computer system must account for all external data and compute it to act in a way that prevents a collision.

Categorization of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be divided into two different categories: weak and strong. Weak artificial intelligence embodies a system designed to carry out one particular job. Weak AI systems include video games such as the chess example from above and personal assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri. You ask the assistant a question, it answers it for you. Strong artificial intelligence systems are systems that carry on the tasks considered to be human-like. These tend to be more complex and complicated systems. They are programmed to handle situations in which they may be required to problem solve without having a person intervene. These kinds of systems can be found in applications like self-driving cars or in hospital operating rooms.

Four types of artificial intelligence?

Arend Hintze, an assistant professor of integrative biology and computer science and engineering at Michigan State University, explained in a 2016 article that AI can be categorized into four types, beginning with the task-specific intelligent systems in wide use today and progressing to sentient systems, which do not yet exist. The categories are as follows:
Type 1: Reactive machines. These AI systems have no memory and are task specific. An example is Deep Blue, the IBM chess program that beat Garry Kasparov in the 1990s. Deep Blue can identify pieces on the chessboard and make predictions, but because it has no memory, it cannot use past experiences to inform future ones.

Type 2: Limited memory. These AI systems have memory, so they can use past experiences to inform future decisions. Some of the decision-making functions in self-driving cars are designed this way.

Type 3: Theory of mind. Theory of mind is a psychology term. When applied to AI, it means that the system would have the social intelligence to understand emotions. This type of AI will be able to infer human intentions and predict behavior, a necessary skill for AI systems to become integral members of human teams.

Type 4: Self-awareness. In this category, AI systems have a sense of self, which gives them consciousness. Machines with self-awareness understand their own current state. This type of AI does not yet exist.

Introduction:

During the past two years, Covid-19 outbreak has brought negative implications for global food security. Now, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has further increased the existing challenges to food security. Russia and Ukraine both the countries play a fundamental role in ensuring the global food production as well as food supply. Russia is the world’s largest and Ukraine is the fourth largest exporter of wheat respectively, official figures suggest that, together they are responsible for 29% of wheat trade, 19% of barley supply, 4% of maize and 52% of the sunflower oil globally. In addition to that, they are also major suppliers of rapeseed oil collectively; also the global fertilizers supply is concentrated with Russia as a lead producer. Central Asian and some European countries rely on Russia for the sake of 50% of their fertilizer supply. Almost fifty countries that belong to Middle-East, Northern Africa and Asia and are under developed with struggling economies or considered as food-deficit are dependent on Ukraine and Russia for 30% wheat supply. For that reason, Russia and Ukraine are of utmost importance for many countries in view of food security at national and global level.

Current Situation:

Food prices were already on the rise since the second half of 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic but now food and fuel prices have reached an all-time high in February 2022 and still skyrocketing. The intensity and duration of the conflict is still unknown, it has disrupted the agricultural activities for both the major exporters of staple commodities and could exacerbate global food insecurity at a time when international food and input prices are already uncertain. It is reported by Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Food Price Index that there is an upsurge in global wheat prices within two weeks because of Russia’s full scale war over Ukraine. The United Nations Food (U.N. Food) chief has said, “The war in Ukraine will have a global impact beyond anything we’ve seen since World War II”, as food prices have risen at alarming levels. Ukraine was the UN’s World Food Program’s second-largest wheat supplier last year. World Food Program (WFP) has warned that the current crisis and hike in prices will affect local food prices and ultimately access to food due to which net-food importing nations will suffer the most.

Impacts of the crisis on Food Security:

According to reports, agriculture firms in Ukraine have suspended their activities; the ongoing conflict has halted trade from Ukraine’s ports with several of the country’s ports shuttered and vessel movement stopped in the Sea of Azov. If Ukraine maintained its inland transportation infrastructure, it would be impossible to operate due to lack of a system. On the other hand, case of Russia is that the international community has reacted strongly to the war, with the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Russia. These sanctions on Russia have resulted in a significant depreciation, which, if sustained, might hinder productivity and growth ultimately raising agricultural production costs. Russia is a prominent player in the global energy market, accounting for 18% of world’s coal exports, 11% of oil exports, and 10% of gas exports. Agriculture necessitates the use of energy in the form of gasoline, gas, electricity, fertilizers, pesticides etc. Energy prices have risen as a result of the present conflict, with significant effects for agriculture; it will eventually impact food production and supply.

Wheat is a staple food for more than 35% of the world’s population, and the current conflict may result in sharp declining trends for wheat exports from both Russia and Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia have imposed export restrictions in the face of strained domestic supply. As a consequence of the conflict, many dependent countries including South-Asia is suffering, in the first week of March eight shipments were not delivered to Asia because of fighting continues around the Black Sea which is the main route for imports shipment. Total of 55% of Asia’s wheat is imported from Ukraine. When we look at Pakistan it relies on both the countries for wheat supply, 39% of Pakistan’s wheat comes from Ukraine alone. Despite of the crisis, Pakistan announced to import 2 million metric tons of wheat to fulfill the country’s nutritional needs. Furthermore, nations that rely on Russia and Ukraine for wheat imports, particularly those in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) which already had been experiencing food shortages owing to higher import costs and fiscal deficits will face an additional difficulty because they are the most vulnerable countries and will experience most acute effects on food security.

Conclusion:

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has rattled commodity markets and jeopardized global food security. It is expected that food oil and shipping costs to rise as a result in the next months, there will be less food available and higher prices. With the historic rise in energy and food prices, global inflation will soar, as the price of commodities rises, so will humanitarian needs and political threats. Food export restrictions are already in place in a number of countries to protect their own supplies that is increasing challenges for the most vulnerable countries. Efforts should be made by international community and institutions to safeguard the food production and supply chains that are necessary to ensure global food security and to avoid any catastrophic situation in future.

Introduction:

After being isolated by most of the Arab world for years, Israel is now cooperating with Arab nations who have some common goals that go beyond Iran i.e. to boost Israel’s role in regional matters. Last month, on March 27th, Foreign Ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain and Egypt arrived in Israel for a two-day Negev-Summit. The Trump administration brokered the 2020 Abraham Accords, which began the normalization of Arab-Israeli relations. Since then, this process has subsequently been operationalized at a rapid pace. Despite little almost no progress on a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Arabs have improvised relations with Israel through US mediated negotiations. At the event, the Arab delegates met with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and also with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Negev-Summit is the first in Israel’s history to host officials from four Arab countries. This summit has signaled a major shift in Middle Eastern politics where Israel seeks to build up its position. Negev-Summit had decided to turn into an annual forum and that the six countries will focus on to work together for economic cooperation as well as in different sectors such as security, energy, education, health, food and water security.

Implications of Arab-Israel Rapprochement:

With the development in the form of the Negev-Summit, Israel not only elevated relations with Arabs but it has also emerged as an integrated player in Middle East. Israel’s diplomatic place in the region has strengthened after 55 years of the Khartoum Arab League Summit held in 1996, where “three no’s” (no recognition of Israel, no negotiations with Israel and no peace with Israel) resolution was adopted by eight Arab heads of state. Israel has been accepted by Arab states including signatories of the Abraham accords and participants of Negev Summit, but still there are Arab countries who have not yet formalized their ties with Israel.

This summit looks forward to enhance regional-economic cooperation, expanded tourism and business exchanges among the Arabs and Israel for long-term partnership. Israel has long been a global player, dominant in the worlds of technology, cyber surveillance and military equipment; therefore, Arab states also want to boost their ties with Israel for economic and security interests. It is evident by Israel’s bilateral agreements with their counterparts in Bahrain and Morocco, to make it easier for the three countries to exchange military equipment and military coordination which was announced by Israeli Defense Ministry. Apart from that, UAE also signed a peace agreement in 2020 which was viewed as a huge surprise; it was meant to foster cordial and productive relations. According to reports, trade between Israel and the U.A.E. increased in 2021 to about $1 billion, roughly 20 times as much as in 2020. This suggests that the relationship between Israel and its Middle East partners is about to enter a new phase. For Israel, relations go beyond economic partnership because Iran is its biggest challenge in the region, as Israel wants to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The Negev-Summit was held in the time when new Iran Nuclear Deal with US efforts reached at a certain point. In response, Israel showed its concerns along with other participants and Israel’s Foreign minister also said that “This new architecture, the shared capabilities we are building intimidates and deters our common enemies, first and foremost Iran and its proxies”. The establishment of regional framework and axis formed against Iran between Israel, U.S and four Sunni-Arab states may result in regional instability.

Aftermath of the Ukraine war highlighted the common goals of Arab-Israel ties; Arab leaders may seek Israel’s help over domestic tensions for high food prices. Because of ongoing conflict, Middle Eastern countries are suffering the most due to a spike in commodity prices. Much of the region can fall to food insecurity in view of its dependency over wheat exports from Ukraine and Russia. On the other hand, it is true that the Ukraine crisis has increased the significance of Middle East as it can work as an alternative to Russia’s oil and gas supply for Europe. Middle Eastern countries’ role will be of utmost importance in this situation as it will serve regional and national interests time ahead. In more than last 5 decades Palestine’s occupation remained a central point for Arab-Israel relations. But in the summit, there was not representation of Palestine. The entire normalization process has been a great disappointment for them as said by Palestine’s prime minister, “Unless the occupation ends, Arab normalization meetings are nothing but an illusion and free reward for Israel”. The future of the Palestinians appear to be becoming less important to Arab states than the menace of Iran and the prospects of improved trade and military ties with Israel. To conclude, Arab states must look at their growing ties with Israel while considering the Palestine question, regional peace and stability to avoid any conflicts particularly sect-based for long term prospects of Arab-Israel ties as well as to ensure prosperity of the Middle-East region.

Introduction:

As the war in Ukraine intensifies, it is influencing how the world powers will deal with the existing and future threats and conflicts. There is a multinational response on the new European war and it has been described as a turning moment in human history to reorganize the current world order. Since the inception of Russia-Ukraine war, there is a debate ongoing that the invasion as well as the political turmoil that has surrounded it, will disturb the global order that has been consistent since the end of the Cold War. In an era of globalization, the world is reliant on an economic model which has also made the countries increasingly dependent on one another.

Present Scenario:

The world has suffered a lot because of Covid-19 and currently the Ukraine war is another test. It has experienced major bottlenecks in production and supply chains due to the pandemic and now it has further because of Ukraine crisis. The war has threatened the globe as well as relations between different states that have never been to such a serious point as a result of political or economic disagreement. Russia’s war in Ukraine has sparked more fears of interruptions, threatening everything from energy supply to wheat and raw material exports. Russia is the world’s top wheat exporter and is among the five largest wheat producers. As a consequence of Ukraine war, MENA (Middle-East and North African) countries are most vulnerable to food insecurity because of their highly dependence on both, Russia and Ukraine for wheat, gas, oil and other imports. According to the International Energy Agency, Russia is the world’s top oil exporter to global markets not only that its 40% of natural gas powers the European economy. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has rattled energy markets and geopolitics driving up oil and gas prices to highest levels has urged political leaders to reconsider their energy strategies and plans.
Moreover, western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in the wake of war. So far, western sanctions have targeted Russian banks and enterprises while oil and gas is unaffected. These resources are still being imported from Moscow to Western countries that have condemned Ukraine invasion and imposed sanctions on Russia, this depicts European’s dependency over Russia. As said by the EU (European Union) economics chief “Russia’s war with Ukraine will cause a reduction in growth this year, the EU’s current growth target projection of 4% in 2022 is needed to be revised again”. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is undoubtedly a watershed moment in NATO and the West’s relations with Moscow, both of which are of utmost importance. It is being proposed that the current dispute has already had an impact on the global economy and fears are spreading that the conflict will strangle investment and trade, leading to a withdrawal from interdependence. As a result, Russia will make new efforts and develop closer economic ties with China as harbingers of a new world order. The growing alliance between China and Russia is worrying for Europe. This is the reason EU has called many countries including Pakistan and China to condemn Russia’s war over Ukraine, whereas, countries have opted policy of neutrality. Below mentioned are the key developments till now:

China-EU Summit:

At the start of the month, on 1st April, the China-EU summit was held amid tense relations over Taiwan, but both the parties decided to cooperate in trying to resolve Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to the European Commission’s chief, the EU has received no formal assurances from China on the issue. China has been strengthening its security and economic relations with Russia while refusing to condemn Ukraine invasion. China and Russia pledged a “no-limits” strategic relationship before the inception of war on 24th Feb, 2022. No clear commitment has been made by China officially, President Xi Jinping, who has a close ties with Russian President Putin told EU leaders that China will work for peace in “its own way,” President Xi Jinping said he hoped the EU would take an “independent” approach.

Russia and China:

Before the China-EU summit, Foreign Ministers of Beijing and Moscow met in China. Russian Foreign Minister in his video message released by ministry said that “China and Russia are moving toward creating a new “just, democratic world order”. The meeting ended with the signs of encouragement where both look forward to closer ties. Russian Minister has also planned to visit India that has not yet given any response on the war.

Joe Biden’s “New World Order”:

In the past month, on 21st March, 2022 Joe Biden while addressing a meeting has stated that “There will be a new world order, and we must be at the forefront of it. Also, we have to do it by uniting with the rest of the free world”. While discussing international changes resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he also stated that the world’s response to the Russian invasion gives “huge potential to make some serious changes and that the world is at an inflection point”.

Conclusion:

Ukraine has been regarded as a challenge for the survival of a 75-year-old idea of American liberal democracy, military might and free trade that can bring peace and prosperity to the world. Ukraine could stand as the crucible of a new world order, radical upheaval’s spark and trigger. It has created a new geopolitical dialect that spells forth a very different future. The China-Russia relations are inconvertible; on the other hand, with already contentious issue with west i.e. Taiwan Strait, US have warned China of consequences in case of providing material support to Russia that can further strain relations. The Ukraine war is a chance for China to reduce its dependence on US dollar, the financial decoupling is accelerating and China will continue to build foundations for the future. While considering all the things, West v/s Russia and China will define the paradigm shift as well as the new world order.

In this era of proxy wars, it is important to understand that Artificial intelligence plays an important role in fighting the indirect wars. The world has shifted towards technological advancements and a state can give enough damage to the other state by destroying the technology. Threats like these can be identified by the help of AI. Artificial Intelligence based cyber security systems have evolved to enhance information security teams efficiently and effectively eliminating breach risk, and improving their security posture. It plays an important role for state’s intelligence bureaus. Since the previous few decades, technology’s ability to compress data and extract sensitive details from billions of sources in milliseconds has grown massively. It is characterized by advancements in new technology, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet, Broadband, 3D printing, Autonomous Vehicles, Biotechnology etc. are all examples of technological advances. Instead of closely checking for malicious threats, cyber security professionals may utilize Artificial Intelligence to strengthen cyber security best strategy to reduce the attack surface. Cybercriminals, on the other hand, can use the same AI systems for destructive reasons.

As the modern world becomes more reliant on cyber-technology, a new threat emerges on the digital frontier. Everyday facts of life are increasingly getting digitally integrated, and as our nation’s infrastructure strengthens, it also becomes more vulnerable. The opinions of cyber-terrorism exist. Terrorism has taken new dimensions with the increased role of internet. Individuals and groups use cyberspace to threaten anonymously. Cyber Terrorism can be described as the internet based attacks in terrorist activities, including acts of deliberate, large scale disruption of computer networks. It is also used by terrorists to spread their messages, their propaganda, and fear. Internet has become ideal place for the terrorists as they have evolved from a hierarchal structure to independent terrorist cells working and communicating together to achieve their goals. It does not cost much and is efficient to use available internet for their purpose. Several terrorist incidents took place over the past 20 years and that resulted in a large amount of concern against acts of terrorism within our cyber space. The threat posed to nations now from terrorists is no longer just physical, but has expanded to the digital world. Some of the features of cyber terrorism are that the attackers are difficult to identify. It remains difficult to identify that who was the initiator of the attack. There are no boundaries and attacks can be originated from anywhere from the world and multiple locations simultaneously. The speed of the development of cyber terrorism is very rapid. The technology used in attacks is simple to use, inexpensive and widely available. The methods of attack have become modern, resulting in more damage from a single attack. In the future cyber terrorism may become a feasible option to traditional physical act of violence. Effects of cyber-terrorism in future are air traffic control towers or airlines infrastructure could be hacked. Banking systems could be violated, all of the money can be stolen and can be used into terrorism. The state may suffer and would be held responsible for providing financial aid to terrorists in sight of International world. Bombs and other explosives could be set off by remote. Hospitals can also lose all their information. Government’s plans and secrets can be exposed. If the nuclear system is not manual and totally dependent on cyber, it can also get attacked and cause huge damage.

Artificial Intelligence is a new trend in geopolitics. It will play an important role in power relations between nations. Many countries are investing significantly in the development of this technology, and it has become a significant part of their economic, military, defense and foreign policy strategies. Japan is the most advanced country in Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence is a well-known phenomenon now. It is being taught in different Universities all around the world. Country like Pakistan needs to encourage more students to opt for AI. In order to deal with terrorism and the immediate neighbor’s threats, AI can play an important role. AI is very important and vital for any state’s national security. As the whole world uses AI, it will create more economic facilities for the youth as well. AI intelligence is not only useful for countering the threats but AI has been used throughout the world in time of COVID for the pandemic management. AI improved the COVID-19 screening, diagnostics, and prediction and resulted in better scale-up, timely and reliable response, and efficient outcomes. It can also be used to further public policy objectives and help the public to communicate with the government.