Climate Policy & Environment

How is a thawing Arctic reshaping global geopolitics? Climate change is unlocking new strategic and economic opportunities in the Arctic, intensifying great power competition among NATO, Russia, and China. Without stronger international cooperation, the Arctic risks becoming a militarised zone of rivalry rather than peaceful development.

Can the Arctic become a new economic frontier without sacrificing Indigenous rights and ecosystems? While economic interest in a thawing Arctic grows, Indigenous sovereignty and environmental stability remain under threat. Sustainable development in the Arctic must centre Indigenous voices and protect fragile ecosystems from extractive ambitions.

Is the Northern Sea Route a strategic asset or a climate risk? While the NSR offers economic and geopolitical benefits to Russia and China, it is driven by environmental degradation, undermines multilateral governance, and reinforces fossil fuel reliance. The NSR is not a neutral development—it risks deepening global divisions and worsening the climate crisis.

How can the EU achieve climate goals while ensuring social equity? Climate action must be both environmentally ambitious and socially just. Stronger cooperation, fair funding, and marine protection are essential pillars.

How can Arctic communities adapt to rapid climate change and growing geopolitical pressure? The Arctic faces compounding threats - from permafrost thaw to militarisation - that strain fragile infrastructure and ecosystems. Building resilience requires urgent adaptation, Indigenous leadership, and balancing strategic interests with long-term stability.

How are Russia and China shaping the Arctic's future through competing climate strategies?  Russia pursues fossil-fueled sovereignty while China promotes green diplomacy - yet both fall short of real climate leadership. The Arctic reveals a deeper clash of political timelines, where national ambition outweighs global climate responsibility.

Who truly controls—and will shape—the future of the Arctic? The Arctic is a geopolitical and climatic hotspot, where environmental change fuels economic ambitions and political rivalries. Understanding the Arctic requires addressing climate impacts, sovereignty disputes, and competing visions for development and governance.

This article emphasizes the duality of China's position—as both an economic partner and a potential disruptor to the status quo—while addressing the underlying uncertainties about its long-term intentions in the Arctic.

How and why do disaster-related activities succeed or fail to foster peace and reduce conflict? China's disaster diplomacy can build bridges through relief efforts, but pre-existing tensions, poorly managed aid, and strategic interests may turn such activities into sources of conflict. While China's disaster diplomacy holds potential for cooperation, its success depends on addressing geopolitical tensions, ensuring equitable aid, and balancing strategic and humanitarian goals.

What role do Drones play in India's Disaster Management and why could this be considered problematic? The same data-gathering capabilities that make drones such an effective tool in disaster management also pose significant privacy and security risks. The challenge lies not in rejecting new technologies but in learning to use them responsibly.

Green Theory in International Relations (IR) examines the intersection of environmental issues and global politics, emphasizing sustainability, ecological justice, and the impact of climate change on security. It challenges traditional state-centric security frameworks by highlighting environmental degradation as a key driver of conflict and instability. Green Theory continues to evolve, advocating for systemic change and global cooperation to address environmental threats.

How do international relations influence the aftermath of natural disasters in South and East Asia, especially migration and conflict? Climate change intensifies natural disasters, leading to displacement and resource competition, which can escalate conflicts. A holistic approach combining disaster prevention, conflict resolution, and policy reform is critical for resilience.

Does the increase in natural disasters pose a military or security threat, especially in regions with delicate political climates? I write about the case of North and South Korea, examining how increasing weather events are affecting their respective political and military strategies. In my opinion, the increase in extreme weather events poses an interesting, albeit often overlooked, area of policy and research, as it can be tied to civil unrest and security threats in politically volatile regions.

How can theoretical frameworks address the complexities of state responses to climate change? Liberalism highlights cooperation through interdependence, Realism emphasizes resource competition and security, Constructivism focuses on norms and historical contexts, and Public Choice reveals how political incentives shape disaster responses.These framworks can help explain East Asia’s climate strategies and informs resilient policymaking.

How do natural disasters impact Asia’s trade, industry, and regional stability? Disasters disrupt supply chains, manufacturing, and agriculture, affecting economies and international relations. These disruptions expose vulnerabilities, increase dependencies, and reshape power dynamics. Investing in resilient infrastructure and cooperation transforms challenges into opportunities, enhancing stability.

How do social networks enhance disaster response and resilience? Social networks facilitate rapid communication, resource sharing, and coordination between communities and institutions. Social Network Analysis (SNA) identifies key actors and optimizes disaster management. Addressing misinformation, the digital divide, and trust issues is vital to fully leveraging social networks for resilient and equitable communities.