Category Archives: Geopolitics

Imagine a world with easy visas on arrival…

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Venky

(This column was published in DNA edition dated January 5, 2011.) Venky Vembu The ex-Beatle and irremediable peacenik John Lennon, who was murdered 30 years ago last month, wanted us to imagine a world without countries (or religions or possessions). … Continue reading →

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Wen a neighbour comes calling…

Posted on December 12, 2010 by Venky

(This article, a curtain-raiser to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s upcoming visit to India, was published in DNA edition dated December 12, 2010.) Venky Vembu A chill wind is blowing across Beijing, but it isn’t just a momentary meteorological effect that … Continue reading →

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China’s might versus the power of an empty chair

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Venky

(This column was published in DNA edition dated December 8, 2010.) Venky Vembu At the ceremony in Oslo last year to award the Nobel Peace Prize to US President Barack Obama, China was given a platform to showcase an element … Continue reading →

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WikiLeaks proves the world isn’t run by robots

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Venky

(This column was published in DNA edition dated December 3, 2010.) Venky Vembu A couple of months ago, Sha Zukang, one of China’s top UN diplomats, made sensational news when, in a fit of alcohol-induced garrulousness, he told his boss … Continue reading →

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Behind China’s ‘bamboo curtain’ is an amoebic God

Posted on November 28, 2010 by Venky

(This review of two books on China was published in DNA edition dated November 28, 2010.) Venky Vembu Prince Charles, whose own personality is far from sparkling, once described Chinese leaders as “appalling old waxworks”. The validity of that judgment … Continue reading →

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How China ‘punishes’ countries that receive the Dalai Lama

Posted on November 27, 2010 by Venky

(This interview, with a research scholar who identified a ‘Dalai Lama effect’ on international trade with China, was published in DNA edition dated November 27, 2010.) When jailed Chinese political dissident Liu Xiaobo was awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, … Continue reading →

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The Power Club

Posted on November 14, 2010 by Venky

Venky Vembu (This article, which addresses five fundamental questions arising from US President Barack Obama’s announcement of US support for India’s candidacy for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, was published in DNA edition dated November 14, 2010 as … Continue reading →

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Will China spike it?

Posted on November 14, 2010 by Venky

Venky Vembu (This article, speculating on China’s likely strategy in response to  US President Barack Obama’s announcement of US support for India’s candidacy as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, was published in DNA edition dated November 14, … Continue reading →

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‘Even determined US leadership may not be enough to get India in’

Posted on November 14, 2010 by Venky

Venky Vembu (This is a longer version of an interview with Dr Stewart M. Patrick, global governance expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, that was published in DNA edition dated November 14, 2010 as part of a package of … Continue reading →

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The US has coddled many dictators; we’re no less virtuous: Shashi Tharoor

Posted on November 13, 2010 by Venky

(This interview with former Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor, in the context of US President Barack Obama’s recent articulation of US support for India’s candidacy for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, was published in DNA … Continue reading →

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