Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist August 2018 | Page 3

Publisher’s Note
Welcome to the August Edition of the Diplomatist!
Our Cover Story features Prime Minister, Narendra Modi,
who slowly set the ball rolling for the next Indian general
election, as he addressed the nation on Independence Day
(15 August). As his speech echoed from the ramparts of
Red Fort to every nook and corner of the country, it evoked
a sense of an India that’s progressing, ascending from the
restrained past and worth betting on. ”The Prime Minister’s
Dream” looks into this speech as Modi begins the fi nal lap
of his fi rst term as PM.
Global Centre Stage covers American foreign policy
under President Donald Trump; and also looks into how
Japan is seeking to bring the UK into the new Trans-Pacifi c
Partnership Agreement. “Israel: A Jewish and Democratic
State” leads you through the historical background and
context of what led to the passing of the new Nation State
Law, thus helping one to understand its practical impact.
We also give you an overview of elections in Iraq and
Latin America. The new Iraqi Parliamentary elections bears
signifi cance since they were held after a delay of nearly three
years – derailed due to the widespread expansion of “Islamist”
terror groups and the certain lawlessness that spread across
nearly one-third of the country.
Latin America and the Caribbean region are also
witnessing a political change in 2018. A number of large
and small nations have gone to the ballot to elect new
governments and some are scheduled to go to elections in
the coming months. This simultaneous changeover is likely
to have political and economic consequences given the
current international situation as a result of the United States’
economic policies.
African Diary covers BRICS’ 10th summit, hosted by
South Africa, in its posh Johannesburg corporate suburb of
Sandton. The Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa club
refl ected on current world situation with a focus on democracy
and multi-lateralism, given the backdrop of geopolitical chaos
and economic warfare. There is also an insight into the vast
opportunities around Africa’s blue economies – to create jobs
and improve livelihoods.
Enjoy reading an enlightening article on how Myanmar’s
government is opening the economy to make the country
investor-friendly.
Save the date for an Austrian night into Indian mythology.
Indo-Austrian cultural ties are displayed through Shakuntala
– an opera on the famous Indian love story. Culture Connect
brings you the highlights of the concert composed by Austrian
musician Franz Schubert which will be brought to India by
Austrian Embassy Cultural Forum, in October this year.
Do not miss the Book Shelf. LikeWar: Weaponization
of Social Media gives a comprehensive perceptive of how
social media are transforming war, crime and diplomacy in
the 21st century.
Our Special Report on India’s bilateral relations with
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, apart from providing useful
information on potential areas for business and lucrative
markets, also gives an insight into the positive trajectory of
relations between India and the Middle-East power nation.
This edition of Diplomatist pays tribute to the proud son of
Africa – Kofi Annan; as well as former Indian Prime Minister
Atal Bihari Vajpayee – both renowned statesmen, as they pass
on to their heavenly abode.
We bring you these and more! We hope you enjoy reading
this edition as much as we enjoyed getting it ready for you!
As always, we welcome your feedback and comments.
Linda Brady Hawke
Publisher