Themes - South Asia Times

The End of Liberal Internationalism? America’s Retreat into Realism

The End of Liberal Internationalism? Trump’s New Realism

SAT Editorial Desk September 25, 2025

Donald Trump’s address to the UN General Assembly marked a sharp break from America’s seven-decade stewardship of the liberal international order. Rooted in realist principles, his speech rejected multilateralism, attacked the UN’s legitimacy, and reframed alliances as transactional bargains. From immigration and climate policy to NATO and Middle East conflicts, Trump outlined a vision of unilateral power and national sovereignty that directly challenges the institutional foundations of global governance.

Colonial Legacies of Bombay and Calcutta

Rai Muhammad Ahmad September 24, 2025

Bombay and Calcutta were more than colonial capitals, they embodied imperial urban planning, economic integration, and cultural hybridity. From segregated ‘white’ and ‘black’ towns to thriving ports, industries, and nationalist thought, these cities reveal how British rule reshaped India’s urban life while leaving enduring legacies still visible today.

Recognition of Palestinian State: Symbolism or Real Change?

SAT Editorial Desk September 22, 2025

After more than 65,000 deaths and Gaza’s collapse into famine and ruin, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal have formally recognized Palestine. Their move breaks decades of Western policy consensus, signaling a potential turning point in the conflict, but with strict conditions and fierce Israeli opposition, the future remains deeply uncertain.

Pakistan’s Nobel Nomination for Trump: Peacebroker or Polarizing Figure?

Koonj Altaf September 22, 2025

Pakistan’s decision to nominate Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize highlights his role in brokering ceasefires, but also exposes deep divisions at home and abroad over his aggressive policies and controversial record on global conflicts.

Beyond Words: Why Afghanistan’s Actions on Terrorism Will Define Regional Trust

SAT Commentary September 21, 2025

Kabul’s calls for dialogue sound promising, but the continued presence of TTP sanctuaries on Afghan soil fuels deadly instability in Pakistan. Until the Taliban translates words into decisive action against terrorism, any talk of regional trust will remain hollow.

Pakistan’s Defence Modernization: Between Sovereignty and Strategic Synergy

Sultan Mehmood Hali September 20, 2025

Pakistan’s defence modernization reflects a shift from dependence on foreign suppliers to indigenous innovation, marked by platforms like the JF-17 Thunder, Al-Khalid tank, and indigenous UAVs. While partnerships with China and Turkey remain vital, the future hinges on balancing sovereignty, economic constraints, and strategic sustainability. The challenge is not only to build power but to wield it wisely.

Trump’s H1B Policy: Consequences for India

SAT Editorial Desk September 20, 2025

A new Trump executive order imposing a $100,000 annual fee on H1B visas marks more than a shift in U.S. immigration policy, it is a geopolitical act with lasting consequences. While American firms may adapt, India faces structural damage.

Bagram: The Empire’s Airfield

SAT Editorial Desk September 19, 2025

Bagram Airbase was the nerve center of America’s two-decade war in Afghanistan and a unique strategic vantage point at the crossroads of South, Central, and West Asia. Its loss created a void in US power projection that over-the-horizon operations cannot fill.

Israel’s War Without Borders

Muniba Abdul Khaliq September 19, 2025

On September 9, 2025, Israel struck Doha during Hamas–U.S. ceasefire talks, killing Hamas operatives and a Qatari officer. The attack, codenamed “Fire Summit,” exposed Israel’s regional ambitions, jeopardized Qatar’s role as a mediator, and raised suspicions of U.S. complicity.

Institutionalizing Collective Defense: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the Region’s Future

SAT Editorial Desk September 18, 2025

The Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement marks a historic shift from informal cooperation to a binding security alliance. Anchored in collective defense and deterrence, the pact reshapes Gulf security, challenges reliance on Western guarantees, and positions Islamabad as a formal net security provider in the region.