BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Theme 2023

Theme-1: Geopolitics and Evolving Global Order.

In the last two decades, the global order came under tremendous strain as great power competition has taken the centre stage in global politics. Revisionist powers are challenging the "Pax Americana" as the Russia-Ukraine war threatens the "perpetual peace" achieved in Europe. With the Asian rise, the geopolitical centre of gravity has moved towards Indo-Pacific. Brewing geopolitical and strategic rivalry in the Indian Ocean region has made South Asia susceptible to political, strategic and economic instability. Under such a circumstance, Bangladesh is poised to march ahead toward its next milestone to be a developed country by 2041. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the ramifications of the evolving global order. Thus, in-depth research from multifarious angles will be necessary to anticipate coming threats, plan for countering the challenges and make required preparation for the uncharted waters of geopolitical pitfalls ahead of Bangladesh.

Sub-themes are Indo-Pacific affairs, Bangladesh's foreign relations, and Bay of Bengal.

 

Theme-2: Contemporary Security and Economic Challenges.

The Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have instigated a slowdown of the global economy that might contribute to a looming global recession in the year 2023 and beyond. The prolonged shocks from the pandemic and war in Eastern Europe have worsened the situation by disrupting the global supply chain of energy and food grains, low growth rate, worldwide inflation by amplifying financial risks. It is apprehended that many countries will see a rise in civil unrest because of projected economic conditions. It is also anticipated that this situation could exacerbate geopolitical risks and the peaceful course of international relations. Like many other countries, Bangladesh is preparing for a difficult time due to looming global supply shortages, inflationary pressure, and blown remittances. Subsequently, in the upcoming year, the country may also face other security-related complexities due to uncertainties about Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) repatriation, ensuring social security, and other pressing issues related to climate, health, transnational crime, and cyber security. Against this backdrop, BIISS is attempting to examine the security and economic-related challenges for Bangladesh originating from the ongoing global security and economic uncertainties.

Sub-themes are FDMN issues, cyber security, climate change, global recession and Bangladesh.

 

Theme-3: Diplomacy and Negotiation.

Taking into cognizance the contemporary and emerging challenges like LDC graduation, the looming economic recession, global inflation, the food and energy crises, the war in Europe, the FDMN crisis, climate change etc., it is of paramount importance for Bangladesh to effectively manoeuvre its diplomatic involvements and devise effective negotiation strategies so that it can continue its neutral posture while engaging with competing regional and global powers and successfully negotiate its demands from the different bilateral and multilateral arrangements. The research activities under this theme will include but are not limited to, exploring possible ways on how Bangladesh can effectively employ its diplomatic tools; evaluating strategies for peacefully navigating its foreign engagements; identifying potential areas for the country to exploit the leverages; and providing appropriate policy suggestions to the government and concerned authorities in order to address the aforementioned issues and concerns.

Subthemes are public diplomacy, economic diplomacy, preparing Bangladesh for negotiation, maritime cooperation.