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Dangerous and Volatile of National Pride

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Schopenhauer on National Pride: The Psychology of Borrowed Identity Rooted his critique of national pride in a deeply pessimistic view of human nature and a profound distrust of what he called the “herd mentality.” When he described national pride as “the cheapest form of pride,” he was not merely offering a casual insult. He was diagnosing a psychological mechanism of compensation —a way individuals shield themselves from feelings of personal inadequacy. Bellow explain why this mindset can become both powerful and dangerously volatile . 1. National Pride as a Proxy for Personal Worth Schopenhauer believed that genuine pride should arise from individual achievement —intellectual accomplishments, moral character, or creative contribution. Yet such achievements require discipline, talent, and perseverance. National pride, by contrast, offers an effortless substitute. The Shortcut One does not earn nationality; one simply inherits it by birth. It demands no personal...
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Geopolitics, War, and the AI Infrastructure Race

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The Strategic Convergence of Conflict, Energy, and Digital Power Dr. Soth Plai Ngarm Abstract The contemporary geopolitical environment is increasingly shaped by the intersection of military conflict, energy security, and digital infrastructure. This report analyzes the strategic dynamics surrounding the Iran conflict, global power competition, and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. It argues that the global race to construct hyperscale data centers and secure energy resources represents a new dimension of geopolitical rivalry. As AI becomes central to economic productivity, military capability, and technological sovereignty, control over digital infrastructure and energy systems is emerging as a defining factor in the global balance of power. 1. Introduction Global politics in the mid-2020s is increasingly shaped by the convergence of three major strategic forces: regional conflicts, great-power competition, and the rapid expansion of artif...
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Rastriya Swatantra Party and its “Citizen Contract” reform agenda for Nepal

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Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Nepal’s Emerging Reform Agenda The   RSP  presents itself as a centrist and pragmatic political alternative in Nepal, emphasizing good governance, anti-corruption, digital transformation, meritocracy, and a liberal economy combined with social justice . Its 2026 election manifesto — often called the “Citizen Contract” (also referred to as Commitment Paper 2082 or the 100 Pillars of Policy Departure ) — is framed as a binding governance contract between the state and citizens . The party promises measurable policy targets, transparent progress reporting, and political accountability, including the possibility of formal apologies or the resignation of leadership if commitments are not fulfilled . This approach reflects an attempt to shift Nepali politics away from patronage networks toward performance-based governance and citizen oversight . Core Policy Agenda The RSP manifesto organizes its commitments into five major pol...
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Juvenile Antisocial Behavior in Cambodia and Southeast Asia

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Juvenile antisocial behavior —often called juvenile delinquency or children in conflict with the law (CICL) —refers to illegal or harmful activities committed by young people. In Cambodia and many Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Laos, these behaviors commonly include: Property crimes such as theft or burglary Drug-related offenses (possession, use, or trafficking) Violence , including assault or sexual violence Vandalism and harassment Traffic violations These behaviors are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they are usually linked to social and economic pressures common in developing or rapidly changing societies. Key contributing factors include: Poverty and unmet basic needs Family breakdown or neglect , often due to migration for work School dropout or limited access to education Peer pressure and exposure to drugs Community rejection or social stigma Past abuse, exploitation, or trafficking Rapid socia...
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Collective Strength at Munich 2026: What It Means for US–China Rivalry, Alliances, and Regional Stability

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Executive Summary At the 2026 Munich Security Conference (MSC), the United States advanced a deterrence strategy centered on “collective strength” among allies in response to China’s expanding military capabilities. Framed as stability through strength rather than containment, this approach seeks to anchor deterrence along the first island chain (Japan–Taiwan–Philippines) and shift greater defense responsibilities to allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. While this may enhance short-term deterrence credibility, it risks intensifying arms competition, increasing crisis instability around Taiwan, and straining alliance cohesion if burden-sharing pressures outpace political consent at home. 1. What the US Is Signaling Core message: Stability with China is desirable, but only from a position of strength built through allied coordination. Key elements Collective deterrence: The U.S. expects allies to invest more in defense, interoperability, and readiness. Geographic focus: The...
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China’s Munich Warning on Taiwan: Escalation, Diplomacy, or Strategic Theater?

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By [Soth Plai Ngarm] February 2026 At the 62nd Munich Security Conference on 14 February 2026, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered one of Beijing’s sharpest public warnings to the United States in recent years. He accused Washington of “instigating and plotting to split China through Taiwan,” calling this an “unbreakable red line” that could lead to direct confrontation between the two powers. At the same time, Wang expressed hope for a “positive and pragmatic” relationship and emphasized China’s willingness to manage risks. This dual message—threat paired with reassurance—raises a central question: Is this a genuine escalation, calculated diplomacy, or simply tough talk? The evidence suggests it is primarily calculated diplomatic signaling, reinforced by familiar hardline rhetoric, rather than a move toward imminent conflict. 1. What Was Said—and Why It Matters Wang’s remarks were delivered during a high-profile session, “China in the World,” immediately following s...
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The improvements Needed for the Field of Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

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Current Global Conflict Landscape (2026) The global security environment in 2026 is defined by a sharp proliferation of armed conflicts. Current estimates suggest around 130 active conflicts worldwide , more than double the number recorded 15 years ago. Many of these are deeply protracted: over 20 conflicts have persisted for more than two decades , entrenching cycles of violence that span generations. Major ongoing wars and crises include: Russia–Ukraine , marked by escalating civilian harm, drone warfare, and infrastructural devastation; Sudan’s civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, driving famine conditions and displacing over 11.5 million people; Myanmar’s nationwide resistance against the military junta; Israel–Palestine , particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, amid allegations of genocide and catastrophic civilian casualties, with reported Palestinian deaths exceeding 71,000; Sahelian insurgencies in Burkina Faso, Mali, ...
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