International Development

Factum Perspective: The ICJ climate change case and the politics of climate justice

Climate and environment, International Development, Peace and ConflictJanuary 12, 2025209Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Ramindu Perera In December 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded the oral hearings of a historic case on international obligations of states to combat the climate crisis. The case originated with the request submitted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to provide an advisory opinion clarifying obligations international law imposes on…

Factum Special Perspective: The Fall of a House of Cards – A Global Reckoning in 2024

International Development, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsDecember 31, 2024161Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Deshani Samaragunarathna The year 2024 has been one marked by global tumult, with the world seemingly lurching from one crisis to another. From the Ukrainian frontlines to the simmering Middle East, to the escalating conflicts across Africa, and the erosion of liberal democracies in the West, the international system appears on the verge of…

Factum Special Perspective: China’s role in global transformation

Belt Road Initiative and Indo-Pacific Policy, History and Culture, International Development, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsDecember 24, 2024288Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Vinod Moonesinghe We bear witness to a period of accelerated global transformation, with the rise of the East and the relative decline of the West reshaping the global political and economic landscape, benefitting the Global South. China, whose rapid economic growth and expanding influence play a pivotal role in this new era of global…

Factum Perspective: Trump’s New America

International Development, Peace and ConflictDecember 1, 2024212Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Aavin Abeydeera Donald Trump is the new president of the free world once again. This time around, there has been very little questioning about his ascendancy, despite the magnitude of this popularity in the voting booths. Winning both the electoral college and the popular vote, Trump has ridden a wave of incredible support. There…

Factum Perspective: Sri Lanka’s Economic Future – Lessons from Malaysia, the Role of Bretton Woods Institutions, and the potential of BRICS Membership

Health and Economic Cooperation, International DevelopmentNovember 17, 2024206Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Kividi Koralage Malaysia’s economic journey during the Asian financial crisis (1997-1998) and its resistance to International Monetary Fund assistance offer significant lessons to Sri Lankans today, as Sri Lanka navigates its economic challenges marked by high debt, inflation, and declining foreign reserves. Understanding Malaysia’s approach to crisis management can provide key insights into balancing…

Factum Perspective: Out of the abyss and into BRICS

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsOctober 27, 2024667Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Shiran Illanperuma From October 22 to 24, the 16th BRICS summit was held in Kazan, Russia. Alongside the core group members of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, this year saw the formal addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. During the summit, another 13 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand,…

Factum Perspective: The Tradition of the Monkey King: Peaceful cultural diffusion through the Maritime Silk Road

History and Culture, International DevelopmentSeptember 29, 2024241Views 1Like 0Comments

Vinod Moonesinghe The Tang dynasty (618–907) became a golden age for Chinese poetry, sculpture, and Buddhism. Its capital, Chang’an (modern Xi’an), the starting point of the Land Silk Road, grew into an international hub with traders and embassies from Central Asia, Arabia, Persia, Korea, and Japan. The economy thrived, with rural markets connecting to Chang’an…

Factum Special Perspective: Modi’s Moscow visit and the dualism in Indian foreign policy

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Peace and Conflict, Regional Geopolitics, UncategorizedJuly 17, 2024519Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Ramindu Perera “Is there any reason why we in India should inherit the age-long rivalry of England against Russia? That is based on the greed and covetousness of British imperialism and our interests surely lie in ending this imperialism and not in supporting and strengthening it” Jawaharlal Nehru (1929) The recent meeting between Indian…

Factum Perspective: Human Geopolitics – The Case of the Indian Diaspora

History and Culture, International Development, Peace and ConflictJuly 14, 2024401Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Deshani Samaragunarathna While Rishi Sunak's recent resignation after a disappointing loss may raise questions, it's noteworthy that Sir Keir Starmer, in his first address, specifically acknowledged him as "the first British Asian Prime Minister of our country." This, along with Kamala “Devi” Harris serving as US Vice President, highlights a growing trend of diaspora…

Factum Perspective: Russia and North Korea – A marriage of convenience?

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsJune 30, 2024327Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Aakil Riyaz News outlets were recently in a frenzy over Putin’s recent visit to North Korea. Reports of a pact between the Russian premier Vladimir Putin and the supreme leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) initially led to much speculation. These rumors were not without a basis. It was later revealed…

BRICS, Global Equity, and De-Dollarization

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Regional GeopoliticsJune 23, 2024371Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Natasha Gooneratne Imagine this: A developing country is in the midst of its most complicated economic crisis. Unemployment levels are rising, but not as precipitously as Inflation. Foreign currency coffers in national banks are as good as empty. As are fuel and gas reserves. International financial agencies have come knocking, they’re not happy about…

Factum Perspective: The Future of India-Sri Lanka Economic Relations

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Regional GeopoliticsJune 16, 2024944Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Rumeth Jayasinghe “Blood is thicker than water. It was natural for India to see what it could do to stand by Sri Lanka at this very difficult time” S. Jaishankar Sri Lanka’s relations with India go back a long way. The first inklings of trade consolidated economic, cultural, and religious ties in both countries.…