ASIA-PACIFIC

By Smartencyclopedia News Desk with BBC Agalega, Mauritius – Arnaud Poulay never imagined he’d be leaving his beloved island of Agalega. But this year, the 44-year-old handyman and reggae musician packed his bags, heartbroken over what he calls the “militarization” of his home in the Indian Ocean. Until recently, Agalega

By Smartenylopedia with Agencies Seoul, South Korea – Often labeled as a “rogue state” or “hermit kingdom,” North Korea’s position in international relations has taken on new complexity with the recent release of the Lowy Institute’s 2024 Asia Power Index (API). The Index ranks North Korea as a “middle power”

Image: Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono By Smartenylopedia with Agencies Kazan, Russia – Indonesia has officially joined BRICS as a new partner, alongside nations like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Türkiye, Nigeria, Cuba, and Kazakhstan. This milestone was announced last week by Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono at the BRICS summit held in Kazan,

By José Carlos Palma* Washington, D.C., July 28, 2024 — On July 25, 2024, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked and intercepted four bombers—two North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and two Chinese Xi’an H-6M aircraft—as they conducted a joint strategic aerial patrol over the Bering Sea, a

By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies New York, NY – In a firm stance against the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, the  United Kingdom has pledged to identify, expose, and counteract Russian efforts to acquire military equipment from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). This commitment was articulated

By Alexander Turner* President Vladimir Putin’s impending visit to North Korea signifies a notable strategic alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang, two nations grappling with significant international isolation and pressure. This rare trip, scheduled for June 18-19, highlights their mutual effort to bolster geopolitical standings and mitigate the impacts of Western

By The Smartencyclopedia Staff  Balochistan, the largest province in Pakistan by area yet the least populated and economically underdeveloped, holds a critical geopolitical position that has captured the attention of global superpowers and regional players alike. Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf, Balochistan’s

By The Smartencyclopedia Staff  In the realm of geopolitics, infrastructure projects often transcend their utilitarian purposes, assuming symbolic and personal dimensions that reflect broader political narratives. One such emblematic structure is the Crimean Bridge, a critical link connecting mainland Russia to the annexed Crimean Peninsula. Beyond its functional role in

By The Smartencyclopedia Staff  The possibility of a Russian military attack on Poland and its potential repercussions present a complex and multifaceted geopolitical scenario. Understanding the capabilities of both nations, the dynamics of NATO, and the broader implications for regional security is crucial in evaluating this hypothetical situation. Military Capabilities

By José Carlos Palma* In recent years, Vladimir Putin’s leadership and Russia’s geopolitical strategy have faced increasing scrutiny and criticism, particularly in the aftermath of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While Putin was once regarded as a shrewd and strategic player on the global stage, perceptions of his capabilities have