It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Chipmaker Nvidia teams up with Vietnam for AI amid US-China row
ANY STALINIST STATE WILL DO
The agreement came after the US announced a chip export control package against Nvidia’s key market, China.
ByTaejun Kang for RFA
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (2nd R) poses for photos with Jensen Huang (2nd L) during a meeting at the Government Office in Hanoi on Dec. 5, 2024. (AFP)
The U.S. chipmaker Nvidia signed an agreement to establish an artificial intelligence research and development center in Vietnam, a few weeks after the U.S. announced a semiconductor export control package against China, one of the American firm’s key markets.
Vietnam has recently become an attractive place for Western companies looking for ways to reduce their reliance on China, as geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing intensify.
“We are delighted to open Nvidia’s R&D center to accelerate Vietnam’s AI journey,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, in a statement on Thursday, referring to the research and development center.
“With our expertise in AI development, we will partner with a vibrant ecosystem of researchers, startups and enterprise organizations to build incredible AI right here in Vietnam.”
The agreement, signed in Hanoi in the presence of Huang and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, will involve the expansion of an AI data center belonging to the Vietnamese military-owned Viettel Group, which already uses Nvidia technology.
“The new center will develop valuable platforms for Nvidia and partners to nurture AI innovation,” said Nvidia in the statement.
“Researchers and startups will be able to use this infrastructure to develop AI applications for key industries such as healthcare, education, transportation and finance,” the company said
Nvidia’s agreement came a few weeks after the U.S. announced a new semiconductor export control package against China, curbing exports to 140 companies, its latest major effort to block China’s access to and production of chips capable of advancing artificial intelligence for military purposes.
In response, China retaliated, tightening controls on the export of key raw materials to the U.S. and cautioning Chinese companies against buying American chips.
Nvidia has been a key supplier of high-performance GPUs and AI chips to Chinese companies. In the July quarter of 2024, China accounted for approximately 12% of Nvidia’s revenue, amounting to about US$3.7 billion – a more than 30% increase from the previous year.
COMMENT: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and China accelerate efforts to expand the Middle Corridor
The new terminal at Baku International Sea Trade Port is expected to significantly increase container train volumes along the Middle Corridor. / Port of Baku
By Seymur Mammadov in Baku December 11, 2024
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and China have embarked on a significant project in the Caspian region, to establish an intermodal cargo terminal at the Baku International Sea Trade Port in Alat. The terminal is expected to significantly increase container train volumes along the China-Europe-China route via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, also known as the Middle Corridor). It will reduce transportation costs and streamline cargo handling times.
The project is both timely and overdue, given the rapidly growing freight traffic along the TITR. On December 3, the 300th container block train from China to Azerbaijan via Kazakhstan was dispatched along this route. According to Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, the volume of cargo transported along the TITR from China has exceeded 27,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers this year, a 25-fold increase compared to the same period last year.
This growth highlights the rising interest of shippers in the Middle Corridor as a vital route connecting China to Europe through Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. It also underscores the urgent need to expand existing port infrastructure and build new facilities capable of handling increasing cargo volumes.
Plans for 2025-2026 include tripling the number of block trains from China to Europe, with a goal of reaching 1,000 trains by 2027. Furthermore, freight shipments in the opposite direction have begun; on November 24, the first export block train from Baku to Xi’an, consisting of 62 forty-foot containers, was dispatched. By year’s end, 600 containers carrying 15,000 tonnes of export cargo are expected to be shipped.
Terminal project
The agreement to establish the new intermodal cargo terminal was signed on November 12, during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku.
The agreement was signed by director general of Baku Port Taleh Ziyadov, chairman of the board of Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) Nurlan Sauranbayev and Yuan Xiaojun, director general of Xi’an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd. The ceremony was attended by Ruslan Alikhanov, director general of Azerbaijan Investment Holding, and Nurlan Zhakuov, chairman of the board of Samruk-Kazyna.
The terminal will become key infrastructure for handling various types of cargo using multimodal transport, including sea, rail and road. Initially planned to cover an area of 40 hectares, the project includes the construction of a universal cargo yard, a covered warehouse spanning 5,000 square metres, and a container yard with a capacity of over 1,000 containers. The terminal will adhere to modern logistics standards, emphasising digital technologies and process standardisation.
Goals in alignment
The terminal project is not only relevant to Azerbaijan and China but also crucial for Kazakhstan. As noted by Kazakh media, the establishment of a new hub in Azerbaijan aligns with Kazakhstan’s Railway Transport Development Concept, which includes the development of the TITR as a key component. The concept, adopted in mid-2024, outlines plans to build a network of cargo terminals and container hubs within Kazakhstan and abroad.
The project involves the Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan SK-AIH Investment Fund, Kazakhstan Railways, Baku International Sea Trade Port and Xi’an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation. The ownership structure reflects a commitment to equitable cooperation, with SK-AIH Investment Fund holding a 10% stake, and the other three participants each holding 30%.
While exact project timelines and costs remain undisclosed, the stakeholders aim to complete the terminal promptly, given the critical need for its capacities to support efficient freight operations. The infrastructure being developed in Alat will mark a significant step in the Middle Corridor’s evolution, strengthening economic cooperation between Azerbaijan, China, and Kazakhstan.
Trade artery
The Baku International Sea Trade Port is the largest port on the Caspian Sea. Speaking at COP29, Ziyadov highlighted that the port is entering the second phase of construction, focused on creating infrastructure for container transportation. The first phase enabled a throughput capacity of 15mn tonnes, while the second phase aims to increase this capacity to 25mn tonnes, primarily emphasising container freight.
Ziyadov underscored the importance of the new intermodal cargo terminal in this context. "Cargo from China and Kazakhstan to Europe will pass through our port and be delivered to their destinations via rail and road through the new terminal. The terminal will also offer storage facilities. Kazakhstan’s export potential through our port is approximately 4mn tonnes. Cargo volumes from China to Europe are expected to grow from 100,000 to 300,000 containers," he said.
The terminal is poised to become a pivotal part of the Middle Corridor, addressing the increasing demand for efficient cargo transportation between China, Central Asia and Europe. Its advanced infrastructure and multimodal capabilities will streamline trade routes, reduce transit times and optimise costs, making it an attractive option for global logistics companies.
Construction of the terminal will not only enhance the Middle Corridor’s capacity but also foster stronger economic ties among its participants.
The collaboration between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and China in setting up the terminal highlights the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor as an alternative to traditional shipping routes. For Azerbaijan, the terminal will solidify its position as a vital logistics hub in the Caspian region, while Kazakhstan will gain a significant boost in its role as a key transit country connecting Asia and Europe. For China, the development of such infrastructure ensures reliable and diversified trade routes for its goods heading westward.
Furthermore, the terminal’s integration into the broader Eurasian logistics network will foster economic development not only for the participating countries but also for neighbouring regions. By facilitating the movement of goods with greater efficiency, the project will attract new investments, strengthen interregional ties, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the Middle Corridor as a critical artery for global trade.
FEMA's Criswell on disinformation after deadly hurricanes
Dec 11, 2024
Deanne Criswell, the administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, says the spread of disinformation about the agency's efforts after Hurricane Helene and Milton was overwhelming. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Scientists use new technology and AI to discover animal intelligence
With advanced technology and the help of AI, scientists are increasingly discovering proof that many animals are much smarter than previously thought.
From self-medicating great apes to elephants that call one another by individual names, the wonderful world of nature was full of fascinating discoveries throughout 2024.
In June, biologists from Colorado State University in the United States published a paper suggesting African elephants respond to individual names.
These unique names are in the form of complex low rumbles that can be heard over long distances across the savannah.
They used machine learning to detect the use of names in recordings made in Kenya's Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park.
The biologists then tested their results by playing them back to individual elephants, who responded more energetically, flapping their ears and lifting their trunks, to those that contained their name.
"Elephants do these really interesting behaviours where sometimes when they're in a big group of females or a mate check of a group will give a call. The entire group will respond, they'll group up around her or they'll follow her,” said co-author George Wittemyer.
“Then at other times, she gives seemingly a very similar call and nobody will respond, nobody will react, except for a single elephant. So that indicates that they have a means by which to communicate to who they want to talk to."
But elephants are not the only ones.
Scientists have long known that marine animals communicate underwater, including the songs sung by humpback whales and whistles used by dolphins.
But this year, researchers studying sperm whales in the Caribbean said they believe their set of clicks could make up a sort of “phonetic alphabet” that they can use to build the rough equivalent of what people think of as words and phrases.
In addition to communication using sound, researchers at Italy's University of Pisa and University of Turin in a separate study discovered that bottlenose dolphins "smile" at one another to communicate during play.
Everyone knows chimps are clever.
But research from the University of Oxford released this year points to them having a sophisticated medicinal culture, seeking out plants with strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
The study followed two chimp communities over several months, tracking sick animals and the plants they searched for.
Out of the wild, many dog owners have the sense that their pets understand human language more than just simple commands.
They do not only respond to verbal cues like “sit” and “stay,” but also ones that refer to their favourite toys, the car, and even the bath.
But science has had trouble determining whether dogs genuinely activate a mental image when they hear the name of an object, something that would suggest a deeper grasp of language similar to that possessed by humans.
In March this year, a study in Hungary found that dogs can learn to associate words with specific objects - a relationship with language called referential understanding that had been unproven in dogs until now.
Famine, Affluence, and Morality. Peter Singer. Philosophy and Public Affairs, vol. 1, no. 1 (Spring 1972), pp. 229-243 [revised edition]. As I write this, in ...
* In TOM REGAN & PETER SINGER (eds.), Animal Rights and Human Obligations. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1989, pp. 148-. 162. Page 2. men are; dogs, on the other ...
That's an important step forward, and a sign that over the next forty years we may see even bigger changes in the ways we treat animals. Peter Singer. February ...
In Practical Ethics, Peter Singer argues that ethics is not "an ideal system which is all very noble in theory but no good in practice." 1 Singer identifies ..
Beasts of. Burden. Capitalism · Animals. Communism as on ent ons. s a een ree. Page 2. Beasts of Burden: Capitalism - Animals -. Communism. Published October ...
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited South Africa during its G20 Presidency, emphasizing the need for climate justice. He highlighted that Africa, with its youthful and expanding population, vibrant cultural and natural diversity, and strong entrepreneurial spirit, is hindered by injustices stemming from its colonial past.
”And I'm here at the critical time as South Africa assumes the presidency of the G20. This continent's potential is without question... Africa needs climate justice. The continent stands on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Despite causing minimal emissions, climate change is pummelling your people and pounding your economies. Africa is warming faster than the global average. We must limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius to stop this crisis from spiralling even further out of control,” said Guterres.
Guterres also voiced his worries to reporters about the chaos in the Middle East, notably the recent ousting of Syria's President Bashar Al Assad, while still holding onto optimism.
Where does nuclear power-use stand in post-COP29 Asia?
/ Pexels - Johannes Plenio
By bno - Taipei OfficeDecember 10, 2024
It is now a month since COP29 opened its doors to delegates from around the world in the city of Baku, Azerbaijan on November 11.
A fortnight later, with the eyes of hundreds of millions in Asia upon them, it was revealed that the delegates had failed to meet the collective funding goals hoped for to support climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries.
Instead of the $1.3 trillion sought after, the agreed amount of $300bn fell far short of the number experts ahead of the gathering indicated was necessary to effectively address the global climate crisis.
As a result, while this is a significant improvement of earlier targets, and while there is now an increasing consensus aiming for $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, the eyes of many have started shifting to another potential solution; increased use of nuclear power.
Classed as a form of renewable energy in the eyes of some, a danger to the planet in the eyes of others, nuclear energy’s role in tackling climate issues continues to gain recognition.
To this end, the lack of any formal release on nuclear energy in the days post-COP29 can be seen as another failure on the part of the delegates to take advantage of all resources at their disposal to properly address global climate woes.
Only in the COP28 Global Stocktake report was nuclear energy officially acknowledged for the first time alongside other viable mitigation technologies. And while reports point to early drafts at COP29 proposing references to this acknowledgment, the issue of how to best use nuclear technology was deferred to COP30 in Brazil.
Away from the main arena, however, nuclear energy as a viable global energy source did make progress. Six new nations in the form of El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Nigeria, and Turkey opted to join the Net Zero Nuclear coalition; with stated aims to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050.
Other bilateral initiatives were announced between both the UK and Finland and US and Ukraine – primarily focussing on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
Asia’s nuclear outlook
Over in Asia meanwhile, nuclear energy use continues to expand, driven by rapidly growing energy demands and decarbonisation goals.
China leads the charge, operating the world’s third-largest fleet of nuclear reactors with many more under construction. India also aims to significantly boost its nuclear capacity, aligning it with its energy security and net-zero targets. On the subcontinent, India has a reported 23 operational nuclear reactors, with a total installed capacity of around 8.2 GW. These reactors currently contribute approximately 3% of the country’s electricity generation. At least 10 more reactors are under construction, and will one day add another 8.7 GW to the mix.
It is understood that New Delhi is also aiming at an annual output of around 23 GW by 2031 to help the world’s most populous nation meet its net-zero carbon commitments by 2070.
South Korea too has reaffirmed its commitment to nuclear power as a key component of its energy mix in recent years, while Japan is cautiously restarting reactors following its post-Fukushima 2011, reassessment: authorities in Tokyo list over 30 operable nuclear reactors, of which a reported 14 have now resumed operations.
Taiwan on the other hand, in part to appease a government known for playing the fear-card in the years post-2011 is now struggling with energy policy as it moves through the formalities of closing down all its nuclear plants.
As a result, it is in Southeast Asia that the bulk of future nuclear expansion potential lies.
Indonesia
Indonesia has made significant strides in exploring nuclear energy, with plans to build its first nuclear power plant by the 2030s. The government has approved a roadmap and is collaborating with international partners as it aims to leverage nuclear power to complement its renewable energy goals while reducing an overwhelming reliance on coal, which has thoroughly dominated Jakarta’s energy mix for decades. Possible SMR use has also made headlines in the past two or three years.
Vietnam
Vietnam too had plans to build nuclear power plants in collaboration with Russia and Japan, but shelved these projects in 2016 due to financial and safety concerns. Hanoi has since been focussing on increasing the use of LNG power across the country.
Malaysia
As one of the region’s leading LNG producers, Malaysia is also understood to be exploring the potential of nuclear power through feasibility studies and capacity-building programs. Kuala Lumpur however, has not yet openly committed to a timeline for adopting nuclear energy but continues to consider it as part of a diversified energy mix.
Thailand
North of Malaysia in Thailand, Bangkok has identified nuclear power as a long-term option in its Power Development Plan (PDP). However, no specific projects have been launched, and the focus remains on public acceptance and regulatory readiness.
Elsewhere in SE Asia
The Philippines too has expressed renewed interest in nuclear energy of late under its current administration. The government in Manila is said to be considering the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (constructed in the 1980s but never operated) and exploring SMRs.
SMR use is an aspect of nuclear power generation that Singapore is also known to be looking into, in part as a result of its limited land area and high population density.
As the new saving grace in permitting nuclear power to be used in a wider range of locations than in the past, SMRs are quickly becoming the favoured potential future ‘go-to’ across Southeast Asia due to their scalability, lower costs, and enhanced safety features.
To this end, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is promoting regional collaboration on nuclear safety, capacity-building, and regulatory frameworks through initiatives like the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM).
Challenges to adoption
Challenges remain, though, not least in the form of public concerns over safety, driven by past global nuclear accidents. Many countries are also still developing or strengthening their nuclear regulatory infrastructure and needing to come to terms with the financial investment required for nuclear power plants – a substantial challenge for many developing economies in the region.
Yet, with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and exploding numbers of middle classes demanding access to clean and reliable energy sources, while no Southeast Asian country has yet operationalised nuclear power, it is only a matter of time before this becomes a reality.
As COP30 approaches, where Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) will be evaluated, nuclear energy is expected to feature prominently in the plans of nations advocating for it as a vital climate mitigation tool. Expect energy demands and Asian interest in nuclear power generation to play a major role in those talks.
Czech Republic Not Anticipating Delay in Nuclear Power Plant Deal with S. Korea
Written: 2024-12-12
Photo : YONHAP News
A senior Czech official has reportedly said there will be no delay in the conclusion of a final contract for a nuclear power plant project with a South Korean consortium, dismissing concerns that the martial law chaos in South Korea might jeopardize the deal.
Tomas Ehler, acting director general for nuclear energy at the Czech industry ministry, made the remarks Thursday in an email interview with Yonhap News.
Ehler reportedly said he would not comment on the internal political situation in South Korea or any other country, but added that his country does not anticipate a delay in finalizing the contract or progressing with the project.
The South Korean consortium, led by the state-run Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power(KHNP), was selected as the preferred bidder in July to build two reactors at the Czech Republic’s Dukovany power plant.
The Czech official said his country is closely watching the situation in South Korea and that the Czech delegation in charge of the project is maintaining contact with KHNP.
The official added that negotiations between the investor’s team and KHNP are progressing as planned, focusing on technical and commercial aspects, with the aim of signing the contract as scheduled in
India's Competition Commission approves major steel industry acquisition
By bne IntelliNews
December 12, 2024
India's Competition Commission has approved the acquisition of Thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel India by Jsquare Electrical Steel Nashik, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSW JFE Electrical Steel (J2ES). The transaction, involving Jsquare obtaining 100% of the share capital of Thyssenkrupp India, is expected to significantly impact the electrical steel manufacturing landscape in the region, according to a press release.
Jsquare, a newly established entity, operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of India’s JSW Steel Limited and Japan’s JFE Steel Corporation. JSW JFE Electrical Steel was formed in 2023 as a joint venture with equal stakes held by JSW Steel and JFE Steel. Currently, J2ES has no commercial operations but plans to begin producing grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) in India by 2027.
The JSW Group has a diverse portfolio spanning various sectors such as steel, energy, infrastructure, automotive, defence, real estate and cement. On the other hand, Japan’s JFE Group primarily focuses on steel production. Thyssenkrupp India is renowned for its manufacturing and sale of GOES, which is essential for various electrical applications. This acquisition aligns with the strategic goals of both Jsquare and J2ES to enhance their market presence and operational capabilities in India's electrical steel sector.
As global demand for high-quality electrical steel rises, this deal positions Jsquare to leverage Thyssenkrupp’s established expertise and market reach. The transaction is expected to facilitate significant advancements in manufacturing processes and technology transfer within India's burgeoning industrial landscape. By acquiring Thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel India, Jsquare aims to bolster its capabilities and expand its footprint in the competitive electrical steel market. This move reflects a strategic effort to harness the synergies between JSW and JFE, driving innovation and growth in the sector.
In the clandestine arenas of global power dynamics, the ideals of democracy, liberty, and human rights are often wielded as instruments of strategic manipulation, serving as pretexts for orchestrating regime changes across the world.
While these interventions are publicly cloaked in the language of altruism—aiming to liberate oppressed societies—the ground realities reveal a starkly different narrative: one of destabilization, unending turmoil, and nations plunged into chaos. Over the decades, the United States and its allies have played a central role in reconfiguring the political trajectories of states that dare to diverge from their strategic interests.
A forewarning of this grim pattern emerged in 2008, during an Arab League summit in Damascus. Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, holding up a chilling visual of Saddam Hussein’s execution, declared ominously: “Your turn will come; they will come for you. What happened to Saddam will happen to you too.” His prophecy, met with laughter from the likes of Hosni Mubarak and Bashar al-Assad, unfolded with unsettling precision in the years that followed:
Egypt (2011): The fervor of Arab Spring protests unseated Hosni Mubarak after three decades of autocratic rule. Though Mubarak relinquished power to the military in an effort to avoid violent reprisal, he spent six subsequent years under various forms of detention.
Libya (2011): Muammar Gaddafi himself met a brutal end, captured and executed following a NATO-led intervention. Libya, once among Africa’s most prosperous nations, descended into a maelstrom of civil war, lawlessness, and humanitarian crisis.
Syria (2011): Bashar al-Assad endured a protracted civil war, fueled by US-backed opposition forces aiming to unseat him. Although Assad clings to power, Syria remains devastated, with millions displaced and its infrastructure in ruins.
This modus operandi is far from a modern phenomenon. In 1953, the CIA-engineered Operation Ajax overthrew Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. In 2003, Iraq became a theater for US-led invasion under the pretense of eliminating non-existent weapons of mass destruction, culminating in the ousting of Saddam Hussein. In both instances, nations that were stable—albeit under authoritarian regimes—were thrust into prolonged chaos.
Recent examples continue to illustrate this calculated strategy. In Bangladesh (2024), US-backed student uprisings led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had helmed the nation’s economic ascent. The aftermath has seen the country mired in economic decline and social unrest. Similarly, Pakistan (2022) experienced political upheaval with the removal of Prime Minister Imran Khan amid allegations of foreign interference, plunging the nation into a quagmire of political and economic instability.
The agenda behind these interventions is unmistakable: regimes that challenge US hegemony or fail to align with its geopolitical imperatives are systematically targeted. Beneath the veneer of championing democracy and human rights lies a more pragmatic pursuit—control over resources, regional dominance, and ideological conformity.
History unequivocally demonstrates that the repercussions of such interventions are calamitous. The aftermath typically manifests as persistent instability, economic regression, and humanitarian catastrophes. Despite these devastating consequences, the cycle continues, highlighting the extent to which powerful nations exploit moral pretexts to safeguard their interests.
As an old adage goes, “He who laughs last laughs best.” While Gaddafi’s grim prediction was initially dismissed with derision, its haunting accuracy reverberates in the fates of leaders and nations that dared to defy the prevailing global order. This article seeks to unravel the intricate mechanics of regime change politics, dissecting the underlying motives and the far-reaching implications of these interventions.
A Resurgence of Regime Change: The Deep State’s Unyielding Agenda
In recent years, a troubling trend has resurfaced—a renewed wave of regime changes, masked under the pretense of promoting democracy and safeguarding human rights. While such tactics have long been integral to Western geopolitical strategies, the recent upheavals in Bangladesh and Syria signify a calculated escalation by the deep state in its relentless quest for dominance. These coups are far from isolated events; they form part of a broader strategy to assert control over strategically vital regions and coerce nations into serving specific geopolitical, economic, and ideological interests.
Bangladesh: An Economic Success Story Undermined
Under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, Bangladesh achieved remarkable progress, emerging as one of South Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Despite inherent challenges such as a dense population and limited natural resources, her government maintained political stability, achieved robust GDP growth, and implemented transformative social reforms. Yet, her increasing alignment with China and her resistance to Western influence made her a prime target for regime change.
The 2024 coup was preceded by ostensibly organic student protests, ostensibly demanding expanded reservations in government jobs and educational opportunities. While these grievances were legitimate, the protests’ scale and coordination bore unmistakable signs of external orchestration. Bolstered by substantial financial backing from international actors and amplified by a complicit media, these protests rapidly escalated into nationwide unrest.
Western narratives painted Hasina’s government as authoritarian, undermining her domestic and international standing. The ensuing regime change replaced her administration with a more malleable government aligned with Western strategic imperatives. However, the consequences for Bangladesh have been catastrophic. A nation on a stable growth trajectory now grapples with economic decline, political fragility, and widespread social unrest—a grim reminder of how national progress is often the collateral damage of the deep state’s ambitions.
Syria: Rekindling the Flames of Proxy War
Syria’s civil war, which erupted in 2011, remains one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history. The attempt to unseat Bashar al-Assad was part of a broader effort to dismantle the Iran-Syria-Hezbollah axis and reshape the Middle East in favor of US and Israeli interests. While Assad weathered years of devastating warfare, recent developments suggest a renewed push by the deep state to destabilize his regime.
The latest chapter in Syria’s turmoil is characterized by reinvigorated support for opposition forces and intensified economic warfare. Crippling sanctions have further devastated the Syrian economy, stoking internal dissent and fueling fresh protests. International NGOs and media outlets have amplified allegations of human rights violations, crafting a narrative to justify further intervention. This meticulously coordinated campaign seeks to erode Assad’s legitimacy and hinder Syria’s recovery from the ravages of war. Also it can be seen through the prism of broader geopolitical maneuvers like Russia’s entanglement in Ukraine, highlights the persistent drive of external actors to reshape Syria’s future while undermining Moscow’s strategic influence in the region.
The Deep State’s Multifaceted Objectives
The underlying motives of the deep state in orchestrating these regime changes are strategic and multifaceted:
Geopolitical Realignment: The removal of Sheikh Hasina disrupts China’s growing influence in South Asia, reaffirming US dominance in the region. Similarly, undermining Assad weakens Iran and challenges the strategic Russia-China-Iran axis.
Resource Exploitation: Syria’s strategic location and its valuable oil and gas reserves remain highly coveted. In Bangladesh, control over key infrastructure projects and critical trade routes is a significant motivator.
Suppressing Independent Leadership: Both Hasina and Assad exhibited a defiance against Western interference, making them inevitable targets for destabilization.
Preventing Regional Stability: A stable and prosperous Bangladesh challenges Western narratives about South Asia’s dependence on external intervention. Conversely, a revitalized Syria disrupts Western hegemony in the Middle East.
The Mechanics of Modern Coups
The deep state employs a sophisticated array of tactics to orchestrate regime changes:
Economic Coercion: Sanctions and trade embargoes are strategically deployed to debilitate economies and incite public dissatisfaction against governing authorities.
Social Manipulation: Protests and uprisings are engineered under the guise of addressing legitimate local grievances, often bolstered by substantial external financial and logistical support.
Media Propaganda: Orchestrated media campaigns craft narratives that amplify dissent, portraying leaders as autocrats and governments as illegitimate to erode both domestic and international credibility.
Utilization of Proxy Agents: In Syria, militant groups act as destabilizing forces, while in Bangladesh, opposition parties and student organizations serve as instruments of disruption.
Far-Reaching Consequences
The regime changes in Bangladesh and Syria underscore the deep state’s rejuvenated drive to reshape global political landscapes. These interventions erode national sovereignty, destabilize regions, and prioritize hegemonic interests over the welfare of affected populations.
The aftermath is invariably devastating. Nations once on the cusp of progress are left in turmoil, grappling with economic decline, political fragmentation, and societal discord—all in the name of democracy and human rights.
As history continues to repeat itself, it becomes evident that these actions are not driven by a genuine commitment to liberty but rather by an insatiable quest for power. This relentless wave of regime changes leaves a trail of destruction, despair, and compromised national identities.
Iran Under Siege: A Target of the Deep State
Iran remains a focal point in the deep state’s geopolitical strategy, given its pivotal influence in the Middle East, ideological defiance of Western hegemony, and alignment with adversarial powers like Russia and China. As tensions rise over Iran’s role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and its support for groups like Hamas, efforts to destabilize its regime have intensified.
Key Narratives Undermining Iran
Mismanagement of Resources: Western-backed media perpetuate claims that the Iranian government prioritizes regional ambitions—such as funding Hamas—over addressing domestic challenges like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These narratives target younger Iranians, fueling disillusionment with the regime.
Women’s Rights as a Flashpoint: Iran’s enforcement of strict moral codes, including hijab mandates, has become a focal point for criticism. Events like Mahsa Amini’s 2022 death in custody spurred protests, organically driven but heavily amplified by external actors and social media campaigns. Women’s rights are strategically used as a rallying cry to galvanize both domestic and international opposition.
Allegations of Extremism and Oppression: The regime is frequently depicted as authoritarian and a sponsor of extremism, further isolating it diplomatically while painting an image of internal disconnect and incompetence.
Economic Warfare: Long-standing sanctions have devastated Iran’s economy, fueling public frustration. Framed as tools to counter regional threats, these sanctions primarily aim to weaken internal cohesion and stoke unrest.
Tactics of Deep State Interference
Media Domination: Global media networks amplify dissent within Iran, portraying protests and unrest while downplaying external provocations. Social media platforms serve as echo chambers for anti-government sentiment and mobilization.
Backing Opposition Groups: Exiled entities like the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) receive substantial support, despite their limited domestic legitimacy, and are presented as viable alternatives to the current regime.
Cultural Subversion: The promotion of Western ideals of individual freedom and gender equality undermines traditional Iranian values, creating a cultural schism. NGOs and cultural organizations serve as conduits for disseminating these ideals.
Economic Subjugation: Targeted sanctions exacerbate civilian hardships, directing public ire toward the regime and framing economic struggles as internal failings rather than consequences of external aggression.
The overarching agenda regarding Iran appears to focus on systematically undermining its sovereignty, diminishing its cultural identity, and establishing a government that aligns with Western interests. This proposed regime would disrupt Iran’s strategic connections with significant regional partners such as Hezbollah and Hamas, leading to a fundamental shift in the balance of power within the Middle East. It would also reject Iran’s nuclear ambitions, thereby mitigating a key element of its strategic deterrence. Additionally, a shift in foreign policy towards the West would markedly diminish the regional influence of competing powers like China and Russia, thereby altering geopolitical alignments to strengthen Western supremacy. This complex approach highlights a wider initiative to adjust regional interactions to support a Western-oriented global framework.
However, historical precedents—such as in Iraq, Libya, and Syria—demonstrate that such regime changes often usher in protracted instability, civil conflict, and humanitarian crises. For Iran, the deep state’s maneuvers represent a profound threat to its sovereignty and the stability of the broader Middle East. Despite efforts to consolidate power and counteract these narratives, the convergence of sanctions, internal dissent, and external interference renders Iran a focal point for the next chapter of regime change.
India Under Siege: The Deep State’s Covert Strategy
India’s ascent on the global stage, bolstered by its independent foreign policy and nationalist government, has made it a prime target for deep state forces. These forces—often embodied by influential financial elites and geopolitical power brokers—focus on destabilizing regimes that challenge their overarching objectives. In recent years, evidence suggests that international actors, in concert with segments of the domestic opposition, are working to undermine the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
George Soros and the Open Declaration of Hostility
A notable expression of this agenda came from billionaire investor George Soros, who publicly criticized Modi’s administration, citing concerns over democracy and human rights. Soros’s call for regime change, while framed in the rhetoric of activism, underscores a broader agenda to destabilize India by leveraging domestic dissent and amplifying socio-political tensions.
Key Movements Exploited to Challenge the Indian Government
Shaheen Bagh Protests (2019-2020): Initially framed as grassroots opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Shaheen Bagh protests evolved into a global campaign portraying India’s policies as discriminatory. External funding, logistical support, and widespread international media coverage suggest an orchestrated attempt to frame the Indian government as oppressive. NGOs and organizations with international affiliations were instrumental in perpetuating this narrative under the guise of human rights advocacy.
Farmers’ Agitation (2020-2021): The protests against agricultural reforms gained significant international traction, with endorsements from foreign celebrities like Greta Thunberg and Rihanna. The infamous “toolkit” revealed strategies to tarnish India’s image on global platforms, raising concerns about foreign interference in domestic policy debates. Evidence of financial and logistical backing from external sources pointed to a coordinated effort to destabilize the government and undermine its economic reforms.
Khalistani Separatism and Diasporic Influence: Reviving the Khalistan movement has been another strategy employed by anti-India forces, particularly in Canada. Diplomatic strains between India and Canada underscore the deep state’s exploitation of diasporic communities to propagate separatist narratives. These efforts aim to disrupt India’s internal stability by fomenting unrest in regions like Punjab and undermining national unity.
Political Alignments with External Interests: Allegations of collusion between certain opposition leaders and international actors have surfaced, suggesting coordinated efforts to weaken the Modi government. Reports of financial and strategic support, alongside international lobbying campaigns, often coincide with domestic protests, amplifying narratives that paint the administration as authoritarian and divisive.
Broader Objectives of the Deep State in India
Eroding India’s Global Influence: India’s rise as a geopolitical heavyweight, coupled with its assertive stance on issues like BRICS, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and trade relations with China, poses a challenge to Western hegemony. The deep state seeks to curb India’s independent foreign policy by discrediting its leadership and creating political instability.
Economic Sabotage: India’s burgeoning economy and growing influence in global markets threaten established financial systems dominated by Western powers. Movements such as the farmers’ protests and environmental campaigns are leveraged to disrupt key economic reforms and industrial projects, hampering India’s economic trajectory.
Exacerbating Societal Divisions: India’s rich socio-religious diversity provides fertile ground for divisive narratives. Misinformation campaigns targeting caste, religion, and regional autonomy are strategically deployed to fracture societal cohesion and create a perception of widespread unrest.
Compromising Strategic Autonomy: India’s refusal to align with Western interests on various global issues has drawn the ire of power brokers. Destabilizing the current administration serves the deep state’s aim of installing a more pliant leadership that aligns with Western geopolitical objectives.
A Systematic Undermining of Sovereignty
The deep state’s focus on India is part of a larger strategy to neutralize emerging powers that prioritize sovereignty and independent policymaking. By exploiting genuine grievances, fueling dissent, and leveraging separatist movements, these forces seek to destabilize India’s political and social fabric.
The Modi government has thus far demonstrated resilience in countering these challenges. However, the persistence of these subversive efforts highlights the importance of vigilance. Ensuring national stability will require:
Strengthening internal unity across societal and political spectrums.
Countering misinformation through transparent and effective communication.
Addressing legitimate concerns via democratic mechanisms to neutralize vulnerabilities.
In the face of these relentless attempts to undermine its sovereignty, India must remain steadfast, united, and proactive in safeguarding its global standing and internal stability. In summary, the recurring phenomenon of regime changes, presented as efforts to advance democracy and human rights, uncovers a more profound agenda influenced by the strategic objectives of dominant global actors. The interventions in regions such as the Middle East and South Asia systematically undermine the stability of sovereign nations, hindering their political and economic development for the purpose of geopolitical advantage. The situations in Libya, Syria, Bangladesh, and India emphasis the consistent strategies employed by the deep state, including economic coercion, media manipulation, and the exploitation of internal dissent, aimed at destabilizing regimes that oppose Western interests. Although presented as initiatives to promote democratic principles, the actual outcomes of these interventions frequently result in extended instability for nations, eroding their sovereignty and causing enduring humanitarian challenges. As history unfolds, it becomes evident that these actions are driven not by a sincere dedication to liberty, but by an unyielding quest for global supremacy and authority.
About the authors:
Prof. Jagmeet Bawa, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharmshala.
Dr. Sandeep Singh, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
Mr. Ranjot Dass, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharmshala
HINDU NATIONALISTS ARE BOTH ISLAMOPHOBES AND ANTI-SEMITES
The raging controversy over the Bharatiya Janata Party’s allegation that the Congress Party leadership is hand in glove with the famous US financier George Soros with an infamous track record of funding the colour revolutions and regime change projects is snowballing.
Congress Party may use the floor of the parliament to fuel its public tirades against the government, borne out of the proverbial folklore of Kerala, “Whether the leaf falls on a thorn or a thorn on a leaf, the leaf is always harmed.”
Congress calculates that the Modi government and the BJP would be the losers if this controversy remains in focus. These are early days and how all this pans out is hard to tell, as there are many variables in play. Look at the reticence of the SP and TMC, for instance, to wade into the Adani file. Besides, BJP is a peerless champion for diversionary tactics in Indian politics.
From foreign policy angle, the outcome of the slugfest between India’s two mainstream parties, is going to depend on an “X” factor, namely, George Soros’ clout with the incoming US administration and the attitude of President Donald Trump toward the Deep State’s advancement of a regime change agenda in Delhi as happened in Bangladesh.
The BJP has quietly backtracked from its spokesman’s accusation at the press conference in New Delhi on December 6 that “It has always been the US State Department behind this agenda”.
The BJP National Spokesperson and MP Dr. Sambit Patra directly accused the US State Department of trying to “destabilise India” and claimed that the US “deep state” is working to “target Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.
“The Deep State had a clear objective to destabilise India by targeting Prime Minister Modi,” the BJP spokesman reportedly said. In fact, he anchored on the Deep State and the US State Department the BJP’s entire case of Rahul Gandhi being a “traitor of the highest order” and of Congress “conspiring with foreign forces” to derail the government because of their “hatred” for Modi.
The BJP demanded on the floor of the parliament that Rahul Gandhi ought to be thoroughly investigated for meeting with the controversial business tycoon George Soros and some other American officials during his periodic visits to the US who have “a history of peddling anti-India agenda”.
Of course, this is an explosive charge that could only have been made with clearance (or instructions) from the highest echelons of the BJP and possibly the government.
Surprisingly, however, the BJP subsequently censored the above remarks from its lengthy press release on Dr. Patra’s remarks. The bulk of the corporate media also followed suit with self-censorship, a few exceptions apart.
Such backtracking doesn’t behoove India’s ruling party or our media honchos. It smacks of faint-heartedness and lack of resolve. This is happening despite the well-known fact that Soros indeed has a long history of acting as the frontman of the US State Department in its regime change projects abroad.
instigating colour revolutions to subvert state power in other countries;
cultivating pro-US forces in target countries;
misrepresenting the human rights situation in other countries;
manipulating and interfering in other countries’ elections;
inciting division and confrontation to undermine the stability of other countries; and,
fabricating false information to mislead public opinion, using “academic activities” as a cloak for interference and infiltration.
This is a complex story on which Professor Sreeram Chaulia, at the O.P. Jindal Global University, had written a well-researched essay titled Democratisation, NGOs and “colour revolutions” way back in 2006.
By the way, Soros is also a globalist by conviction who genuinely subscribes the neocon ideology. He has given to the Foundations over $32 billion of a personal fortune made in the financial markets. The Foundations are estimated to have $25 billion in assets last year, and amongst worldwide activities, they prioritise “the current challenges … of the rise of new forms of authoritarianism” in foreign countries.
Will Trump put Soros out of business? This seems to be the assumption in Delhi, which is predicated on the antipathy between Trump and Soros who had close links with the Democratic Party — and, conversely, on Trump’s jovial attitude toward Modi.
Soros is a formidable adversary who has reportedly earmarked one billion dollars for a regime change in India. He views regime changes not simply as a neocon pastime but also as a business proposition. In Ukraine, where he funded the Maidan protests and regime change in 2014, he is investing to generate lucrative business (here and here)
No doubt, what remains to be seen is how Trump sees Soros going forward. It is a complicated story, as Soros has his line open to Trump’s inner circle. There are some straws in the wind. Basically, Trump is a dealmaker who has no permanent friends or allies — or enemies, for that matter.
The salience of Trump’s one hour twenty-six minutes long interviewwith NBC News on Sunday, his first after the election victory, is that while he may harshly deal with those officials who misused their authority under President Biden’s watch to harass him, humiliate him and hunt him down, he hopes to work with the Democratic Party lawmakers in the Congress to carry forward his agenda.
Global development impact investing
Trump acknowledged the criticality of bipartisan support to make the required constitutional amendments in regard of immigration laws. He even paid tribute to the left wing constituency who voted for him.
Significantly, Alex Soros, son of George Soros, had generously contributed to Kamala Harris’ chest, but has since paid a fulsome compliment to Trump. He wrote on X: “Too many Democrats are fighting each other over campaign tactics, because it is easier than accepting that Trump was underestimated as a candidate. He was a “super candidate” with increasing appeal to a broader electorate — likely beyond the reach of both Democrats and Republicans.”
Interestingly, Elon Musk also responded by calling himself the “George Soros of the middle. I don’t want the pendulum to swing too far right, but right now it’s just too far left.”
The bottom line is that Trump has made a thoughtful decision to tap Scott Bessent for the crucial cabinet position of Treasury Secretary. Bessent’s credentials include his stint on a small team at Soros’ investment firm through the 1980s that in 1992 helped “break” the Bank of England with crushing trades against the British pound, having amassed a $10 billion bet that the pound was overvalued.
The New York Times reported, “Though the British government tried to support the currency, it wasn’t able to withstand the pressure, and the pound plunged in value. Mr. Soros’s fund earned more than $1 billion, along with credit (and infamy) for orchestrating one of Wall Street’s most audacious trades.”
Now, there’s nothing Trump loves more than Wall Street’s seductive success stories. Times wrote, “it was Mr. Bessent’s experience at Mr. Soros’s fund — including another high-profile bet, against the Japanese yen — that helped define his career, and that his former colleagues and other associates see as a crucial credential” for the cabinet job as Treasury Secretary.
And now comes the news that Trump has picked a California lawyer Harmeet Kaur Dhillon to head the US justice Department’s civil rights division and nominated her as assistant attorney-general, who, apparently, empathises with pro-Khalistan activists in the US and Canada.
Do not underestimate the ingenuity of the Deep State in America to have its way. Keeping the guard down will be a catastrophic mistake on the part of Delhi establishment. We could get hit when least expected. That’s what happened in Syria and Bangladesh.
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, as they say. Make no mistake, at the end of the day, Trump is a great patriot and nationalist who stands by “America First” as his chosen dictum. An equal relationship based on mutual respect is impossible to forge with the US.
