On 11 March, WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the spread of COVID-19 across continents as a Pandemic situation and had expressed his concerns over the “alarming level of inaction” and suggested government for taking “urgent and aggressive actions” (Coronavirus confirmed as a pandemic by World Health Organization, 2020). Recently, the US has halted it’s funding to WHO and has blamed WHO for being ‘China-centric’. In March, the US cancelled its shipments to Africa and also has been accused of diverting medical shipments that were intended to be used in other countries. On the other hand, China is spending extensively to support the countries aff ected by the virus and is trying to strengthen its soft image during the pandemic.
As of 19 April, Coronavirus has infected around 2.3 million of the population including over 160,000 deaths across the globe (COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, 2020). The spread has aff ected the global economy, as countries have imposed complete lockdowns and has been spending huge amounts in combating the spread of COVID-19. In March the epicenter of the virus shifted from China to Italy and has presently hit hard the US.
According to Joseph Nye, Soft power has been defined as an ability to influence a country’s action without force or coercion. China, in such a time of global crisis, has emerged as a friend to virus-hit countries and is attempting to enhance ‘attraction’ towards itself by shaping the global discourse. Amidst the spread of the virus, China has incorporated ‘Mask Diplomacy’ (Stojanovic, 2020) and has brought in the concept of ‘Health Silk Road’ into its foreign policy.
Esta historia es de la edición May 2020 de Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist.
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THE WOLF ECONOMY AWAKENS
Mongolia's Fight for Democracy, and a Green and Digital Future
DESTINATION Kenya
Background - My interest in visiting Kenya began on December 3, 2016, when the Kenya Tourism Board organized the Magical Kenya Open Golf Tournament in Delhi. The event, by invitation only, attracted many notable figures from Delhi NCR, and I was fortunate to be one of the winners. Along with a beautiful trophy, the prize included a trip to Kenya to play three rounds of golf in Nairobi and visit the renowned wildlife sanctuaries of Kenya.
THE POLITICAL LESSONS FROM THE MAHABHARATA
The word 'politics' always inflicts a sense of excitement as well as resentment amongst the public at large. Often people irrespective of gender or age are found commenting upon the dynamics of politics and the way it has taken shape over the years.
UNIVERSAL HEALTH INSURANCE: TRANSFORMING TANZANIA'S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Tanzania, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is now setting a new precedent in the healthcare sector.
INDIA'S ELECTRIC REVOLUTION: LEADING THE GLOBAL THREE-WHEELER MARKET
Globally, long-term EV growth is expected to lower battery prices and advance next-generation battery technology, enhancing the economic viability of electric vehicles. According to a BNEF report, the three-wheeled vehicle segment is on track to reach net zero emissions by mid-century, with India's growth positioning it as a global leader.
INDIA'S STRATEGY TO SCALE UP GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
India's first multi-purpose green hydrogen pilot project at 1,500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) in Himachal's Jhakri was inaugurated on April 24 this year.
"Vietnam-India comprehensive strategic partnership has made progress"
In an interview with Diplomatist Magazine, Mr. Le Quang Bien, Consul General of Vietnam in Mumbai, provides perspectives on the burgeoning Vietnam-India relationship, particularly focussing on trade, investment, tourism, and renewable energy sectors. With Vietnam's emergence as a pivotal manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia and India's robust technological prowess, he highlights the promising avenues for collaboration in manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Mr. Bien also sheds light on Vietnam's rich cultural and natural attractions, emphasising the Consulate General's efforts to promote tourism and culinary exchange in Mumbai.
THE EVOLUTION OF MINILATERALS: CATALYSTS FOR STRATEGIC COOPERATION IN THE INDO-PACIFIC
The current set of multilaterals, collectively or individually are facing a challenge in achieving four objectives of the largest multilateral institutions, the United Nations viz, \"maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid and support sustainable development\", owing to rising great power competition, unbridled competition among regional powers and unprecedented challenges in the Global North and the Global South.
NAVIGATING THE CROSSROADS: VISION FOR EUROPE'S FUTURE
\"Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.\" Jean Monnet - The Father of the European Union.
ECONOMIC REFORMS AND GROWTH PROSPECTS: INDIA'S AGENDA FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
India's economy is of global importance with a large young population and an open and democratic political system. It is already the third-largest economy and contributor to global economic growth, yet there is considerable untapped potential.
