Many of the earliest of the great civilizations on Earth were centered on life-giving rivers, such as the Yangtze and the Euphrates, the Nile and the Indus. Rivers remain crucial to modern societies, but pollution is choking the life out of them. For humanity’s sake, governments must act to counter this. The good news is that they already have the tools.
Spearheaded by India and Japan, the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor aims to improve intercontinental connectivity. But, as of now, this competing plan to China’s Belt and Road Initiative is only a proposition. To make it a reality, India and Japan must enlist the EU.
As each ASEAN country has its own position on China and the Quad, Southeast Asia risks being torn between great powers. Greater ASEAN unity and higher economic growth are needed to protect the region’s interests.
Given the commonality and contradiction of interests that India shares with China, New Delhi’s participation in the Quad is not a move to antagonize China.
India steps up its space policy, shifting its position on militarization. Without adequate global governance, this could extend geopolitical tensions to outer space.
To help workers navigate the new digital economy, governments and businesses should invest in social safety net programs and education.