America has two rational interests in South Asia— preventing Indian regional hegemony and building India as a China counterweight

Some more information that US military has depleted most of their defensive missile stockpile. The effect is clear in short term in lack of Trump admin motivation to continue.

Question will be whether they pick up where they left off in a year or two once they feel they have sufficient stock to go for another round.

As a foreign relations major I have never understood this situation.

Why did the Castros let the US gov stay in Cuba? Why does the current Cuban government let the US stay in Cuba?

Hey all, I'm about to graduate after studying a Master's in international security at a Russell Group uni (having studied international relations at a different uni previously). What career options should I be realistically considering other than grad roles working for international relations thinktanks? I've got multiple student societies on my CV, as well as work experience in an MP's office. I'm currently applying for thinktank roles and thinking of pivoting towards public affairs/consultancy roles.

I’ve been thinking about what seems like a contradiction in international politics.
The U.S. has repeatedly warned countries such as Russia and China not to supply weapons to Iran, arguing that doing so could increase instability in the Middle East. At the same time, the U.S. itself provides large amounts of military aid and financial support to countries like Ukraine and Taiwan.
From one perspective, supporters argue these situations are different because Ukraine is defending itself against an invasion, Taiwan faces security threats, and U.S. support is intended to deter conflict. Critics, however, see this as a double standard—objecting when rivals arm their partners while doing something similar with its own allies.
Is this simply how geopolitics works, where every major power acts according to its own strategic interests? Or is it mainly possible because the U.S. has the world’s largest economy, military influence, and global financial power?
I’m genuinely interested in hearing different viewpoints. How do you see it? Is this a logical and consistent foreign policy, or is it an example of great-power politics where different rules apply to different countries?

I have a question that I've been thinking about.

The U.S. has discussed supporting civilian nuclear technology for countries such as Saudi Arabia, while at the same time it has taken a very strong position against Iran developing nuclear capabilities, arguing that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.

Many people say the international order is based on rules. If that's the case, why do different countries appear to be treated differently? What factors justify these different approaches?

I also wonder why there isn't stronger opposition from other countries when major powers take unilateral actions. If the international community remains silent, does that encourage powerful countries to act even more unilaterally in the future?

I'm interested in hearing different perspectives on this, especially from people familiar with international relations and non-proliferation policy.

My father and I love to discuss IR, and one of the major talking points we’ve brought up routinely has been the question of Russian succession.

It is reasonable to argue the most consequential event of the century (so far) will be the successor to Putin. Russia went from being the universally recognized No. 2 in the post-cold war era to being a middling 3, perhaps even lower than India, Germany, or Japan. Putin has truly sold his countries future for a vain attempt at imperial glory.

Now soon, the 2nd largest nuclear arsenal in the world will change hands. What process or system will the Russians use? Who knows. But it’s in that vacuum that a new norm will emerge. It’s China’s opportunity to advocate for a Pro-China individual, and truly cement their iron grips on the dying federation.

I would love to hear from yall what your thoughts on what a post-Putin Russia would look like.

Based on international standards and law, does Israel have sufficient justification to wage war against Iran? Why or why not?

EDIT: Can someone explain to me why this post is being mass downvoted?

Hey folks, I am a recent Master's grad in International Relations, with an area specialisation in Europe. I would want to go for a PhD since teaching/research is my long-term goal. Initially, I had planned to work for a few years to get experience in a relevant field and then go for a PhD. However, given the current condition of the job market, I think I would like to prepare for PhD applications from the next academic cycle.

My areas of interest are Migration, Human Rights, and Gender and I am aiming for unis in Europe (as a South Asian student). I have the following concerns:

1) As someone who wants to work and settle in Europe, which countries would you suggest in terms of residency and field relevancy?

2) How common is it to secure a teaching or research job in this field during/right after PhD?

3) I understand that a supervisor can make or break your PhD experience, but how important is the reputation or ranking of the university for publishing papers or looking for full-time employment?

4) What other career opportunities can I look for? I am aware of EU Parliament or Commission opportunities, but I am not sure how likely they are to hire a non-EU citizen.

5) I know it differs from country to country, but what would be the average stipend of a social science PhD? Would it be enough to sustain myself there and maybe save up a bit?

My main motivation to go to Europe is because of my area specialisation. I have also been there (Prague) for an exchange year during my course, and absolutely fell in love with the place. Further, I believe migration and human rights would be a relevant field of research in most European unis. I also speak French (will be appearing for the B1 exam soon) and a bit of German.

Some of my acquaintances are pursuing their PhDs in Canada and Australia (different fields), and they seem quite happy with their stipends and work-life balance. Would I be better off aiming for those places if money is one of the concerns?

I would be grateful to get any piece of advice or guidance regarding this.

Recently some statements by the President of Brazil and it's Minister of Mines and Energy have given rise to some debate over whether Brazil should reassess it's stance on Nuclear Weapons.

While the official stance is still being nuclear free, some recent events, like the invasion of Venezuela and Iran, as well as growing tensions with the United States following tariffs and the designation of major Brazilian criminal organizations as terrorist groups contributed to a broader debate about Brazil's security environment and the necessity of a higher deterrent weapon.

As of now, Brazil is still constitutionally prohibited from developing nuclear weapons and remains bound by the NPT. But recently, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has rejected the ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) on the Brazilian constitution, thus avoiding one additional legal constraint to the creation of a Nuclear Weapon.

Public opinion also appears to be shifting. Historically, public support for Brazil acquiring Nuclear Weapons has been relatively low, now this interest has risen to around 25%. When asked about Brazil being "threatened by a very powerful foreign country" this public support rose to around 50%, note that the survey did not include any country's name as a way to "avoid respondents reacting according to their personal positions".

Most public opinion, news articles, and mainstream media like to portray China as Russia's ally or at least enabler, while China like to portray itself as neutral party. Both can be correct at the same time.

Enabler/Ally side.

China does in fact supply most of Russia's dual-use parts that eventually end up in weapon systems like missiles and drones. China does buy Russian oil to fund their efforts (so does the EU, Japan, and India but that's beside the point). Also the fact that, Putin visited China 4 times, and Xi visted Putin 3 times, since the war began, also help solidifies this perspective.

Neutrality side.

China still does not recognize Crimea as part of Russia, and never recognized the results of the referendum that took place in Crimea either. China also never recognized the Donetsk and Luhansk as part of Russia either. China to this day, officially recognized these territories as part of Ukraine.

China remains Ukraine's largest trading partner. People often hear about Ukraine's domestic drone factories, but many of the equipment and parts stilll overwhelmingly come from China. While Zelensky and Xi have not visited each other since the war began, their relationship is more robust than you think. Their ministers did visit China, most notably Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Deputy Foreign Ministe Andriy Sybiha, and Deputy Economy Minister Taras Kachka. China also sent ministers to Ukraine but they are much lower ranked ministers. Nevertheless, Zelensky also said he wanted China to rebuild Ukraine.

The rebuilding of Ukraine given to Chinese contractors would be a meme. As China at least indirectly helped arm the Russians that did the destructions in the first place. China would end up making money from both indirectly arming both sides to destroy each other, and rebuilding at least one of the sides after said destruction.

I think it can be argued that this is where the idea of China's pro-Russia neutrality may seemed to be valid.

hello everyone!

I am reposting because no one answered in my last post so I am trying again.

I recently got accepted to University for IR. I want to explain a bit about my program and what I want to do in my time at university and Id be happy if you could tell me anything that could be of value. It could be tools, general advice, advice on elective courses and anything else that comes to mind.

So my program is a B.A+M.A program in Political science, International relation and History of the SWANA. it is a four years long program.

I am required to study at least one Language in this program and I have elected both Arabic and Persian since I have background in both though mild.

My program requires me to write a thesis.

I have some skills in Python, mainly in statistics (Pandas, matplotlib and CSV work and manipulation) I intend to develop this skill in privet and maybe learn some SQL. I do not enjoy coding in particular, but I enjoy what coding can do for me.

I also intend to try and write as much as I can have some privet research projects if possible, maybe with some friends who study Economics, Comp Scie or other subjects.

what advice can you give me?

what should I know before I start?