Vasabjit Banerjee
@vasabjit.bsky.social
Comparative civil-military relations, defense manufacturing, political violence, electoral politics, and foreign policy. Regional foci on South Asia and Latin America, but also the "global south."
"Made in Thailand" might mean textiles to most Americans, but that's about to mean something very different: it's the name of a major Thai defense industrial drive. But as I argued in @foreignpolicy.com "self-reliance" is a paradox. www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/...
Thailand Targets Self-Reliance with Major Defence Industry Drive
Bangkok targets self-reliance and economic growth by prioritizing domestic tech, offset policies, and regional partnerships
nationthailand.com
Absolutely love folks who went to posh universities and then that becomes the highlight of their lives. They did nothing notable afterwards. It's like a man watching the same rerun with slight changes in the narrative created by the lenses of his latest disappointment.
How messed up was South Africa's Apartheid system? The navy began racial integration by the late 1970s, but was debarred from publicizing it because doing so violated regime policy.
African scholars have found that Chinese security assistance increases the coercive capacity of recipient governments, to repress opposition parties and violate human rights. This is nothing new, but it is a growing trend as Beijing increasingly militarizes its African engagements. 1/2
Tuks of niks! University of Pretoria remains one of the prettiest urban campuses I have ever seen. It's been a decade since I was back. It's been too long. 1/2
I don't remember who introduced during the exodus from Twitter. But I totally second this sentiment.
Greg Olsen@gtotango.bsky.social · 2w ago@vasabjit.bsky.social is who introduced me to Bluesky. It is a good place to stay connected to academic peers. Although, I cold do with more 🚨Cool Paper Alerts🚨 and fewer snarky hot takes. I stay for the cat pictures and videos.
JB remains the highest honor in the Commonwealth, albeit under new names.
Yes Minister - Complete Amateurs
ALT: Yes Minister - Complete Amateurs
static.klipy.com
This Iran crisis will end with the collapse of the Carter Doctrine or American troops in Iran. I don't see how that doesn't happen.
This is *deeply* funny, and I think you should watch it: youtu.be/qJBm1n8JUZ8?...
Kyle Gordon - Mr. Jambo (feat. Barry Bergen) [Official Music Video]
YouTube video by kylegordonisgreat
youtu.be
If an army performs great march pasts, but can't win wars, it's called a parade ground army. The air force equivalent would then be a fly past air force. lol
A CNBC list put TN at the bottom of a quality of life list, along with AR, OK, IN, LS, AL, etc., above it. It appears that a major factor is inclusiveness: LGBT and women's rights lag in the state. But I can scarcely believe a list where AL and LS are mentioned, but not MS. Also TX and UT? 1/2
This article on India-Taiwan relations had a security ties spin off policy essay. It focused on potential submarine coproduction. It was later reported that such ties in fact already exist. globaltaiwan.org/2026/02/taiw...
Taiwan and India’s Submarine Production—Opportunities for Collaboration | Global Taiwan Institute
Major naval acquisition programs can set a state’s grand strategy for decades, and this renders submarine construction an extremely high-stakes industry. For countries neighboring China, such as Taiwa...
globaltaiwan.org
Vasabjit Banerjee@vasabjit.bsky.social · 3w agoThis article begins with a quote from King Charles III. It argues, India and Taiwan may be moving toward an entente. They have a common enemy (China) and deep trade relations. They are developing security ties. Also, we need to revive the concept of entente. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
This article begins with a quote from King Charles III. It argues, India and Taiwan may be moving toward an entente. They have a common enemy (China) and deep trade relations. They are developing security ties. Also, we need to revive the concept of entente. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
India and Taiwan’s evolving entente commerciale: trade and informal defense cooperation between Taiwan-India
We argue that India and Taiwan have developed preconditions favourable for the development of an entente relationship. Ententes necessitate a common threat from a state, economic integration, and a...
tandfonline.com
Lindsey Graham's death yet again raises the stakes of the mid-term election. The President challenging both the Georgia senate elections and senators' therof will again increase the president versus legislature standoff.
I make a great gin and tonic. My brother in law makes one good for the Pegu Club or Raffles.
Policymakers, academics, and experts in America need to come to terms with the fact that many Afghans and Iranians, perhaps a plurality if not a majority, support their evil regimes. This may be due to belief systems, hate of the ancien regime, personal profit, a combination, but they do support it.
My first Op-ed at Telegraph (India) as a columnist. I write on the geo-political and economic importance of Calcutta's Port System (Calcutta and Haldia) and propose potential ways to improve it. www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/port...
Port of hope
Enhancing the Calcutta Port System will allow India to achieve developmental objectives in its northeastern region and foster mutually beneficial trade with neighbouring countries
telegraphindia.com
I know Massie is the darling du jour in parts of the left who are pushing for him to replace Mitch McConnell in the Senate. Massie's foreign policy positions are hyper isolationist. massie.house.gov/news/documen...
Rep. Massie Introduces Bill to Remove the United States from NATO
massie.house.gov
given Trump's anger with Petro, i am not optimistic if violence does restart that the US will stay out
Vasabjit Banerjee@vasabjit.bsky.social · 4w agoColombia faces a civil-military crisis as incumbent Pres. Petro refuses to recognizes the victory of candidate Espriella. If the civil war restarts, as the result of some kind of botched coup or popular uprising, it'll affect political stability in neighboring Venezuela. apnews.com/article/colo...
I once heard a story in Mississippi about an elderly politician dying the day before election day; being seated on a chair; brought to a window; and "waving" to show that he's still alive. lol
Colombia faces a civil-military crisis as incumbent Pres. Petro refuses to recognizes the victory of candidate Espriella. If the civil war restarts, as the result of some kind of botched coup or popular uprising, it'll affect political stability in neighboring Venezuela. apnews.com/article/colo...
Colombia's president-elect suspends transition after Petro alleges fraud
Colombia’s President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella has suspended the transition process with President Gustavo Petro.
apnews.com
The best analogy for the Iran War is the 1001 Arabian Nights: they hold out with new tricks until we run out of stuff and patience.
As someone who has worn a Citizen watch most of his adult life: who is buying luxury watches from them and why?
Party primaries are bad. They were created by the Woodstock Generation. They have made American politics a polarized nightmare. Bring back the smoke filled back rooms!
That's The Truth
ALT: That's The Truth
static.klipy.com
I cannot believe FIFA has allowed this to happen. It's a historic mistake. What a fall for the organization!
Nothing makes me more wary and contemptuous about a man than the lack of sporting spirit. You know exactly what kind of a person he is and how any transaction with him can end up. Prejudices and corruption can be well hidden in contrast.
My profile photo is from July 3rd, 2019. The day I became a U.S. citizen. It is easy nowadays to ask what this country has done for us? But we should also think about what we are doing and can do for this country: pace JFK. Happy 4th of July!
West Bengal state elections results have had their first international effect. lol timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-...
'Closest neighbour': Jamaat chief says Bangladesh seeks trust-based ties with India
Bangladesh wants to build its relationship with India on the basis of trust, equity and mutual respect, Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Bangladesh's Leader of the Opposition, Shafiqur Rahman, said on Wednes...
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
