Abhijit Iyer Mitra argues that Western-backed regime change operations are often publicly justified in moral or humanitarian terms, but those explanations mask very different strategic motives. The rhetoric of “we are bombing you because we love you” is meant to make such intervention palatable, while the real drivers are interests. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FxFWgXW-FM

Abhijit Iyer Mitra argues that Iran functions as a “democratized dictatorship”. Power filters down to the street level through clerics and informers embedded in everyday life. This dense network enables constant, long-term surveillance and social monitoring. According to him, this grassroots control structure is a key reason the Iranian regime has proven resilient and capable of surviving internal dissent. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FxFWgXW-FM

In this compelling interview with Ishan Dhar, Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies discusses why regime change in Iran isn't necessarily in India's interest, how the American challenge to Denmark's sovereignty in Greenland may be connected to the European Union attempting to checkmate President Trump's pressure tactics on Ukraine, and the precedent set by the American capture of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. The conversation also focuses on the future of India's strategic autonomy within this context. Chapters - 0:00 - 1:12 Opening 2:02 - 11:16 Regime change in Iran might not be in India's interest 12:00 - 33:40 Prospects of regime change in Iran 34:23 - 42:43 What is President Trump's objective in annexing Greenland? 43:06 - 56:31 Are Europe's existential fears of Russia misplaced? 57:11 - 1:01:17 Is India's strategic autonomy under threat? 1:01:56 - 1:06:34 The precedent set by the American capture of Nicolas Maduro 1:06:35 - 1:06:55 Closing #venezuela #usa #iran #iranprotests #interview #foreignaffairs #explorepage #news #globalorder

The inaugural Bibek Debroy Memorial Lecture celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Bibek Debroy, the prominent scholar known for his translations of Indian epics and contributions to economic policy. The event featured heartfelt tributes from his wife, Suparna Banerjee, and Shaktikanta Das, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, who highlighted Debroy's impact on India's economic transformation and the importance of self-reliance in the current global landscape. The lecture emphasized India's journey towards becoming a credible economy through stability, structural reforms, and strategic initiatives. Chapters 00:00 - 07:56 - Inaugural Bibek Debroy Memorial Lecture 07:57 - 18:15 - Celebrating Bibek Debroy's Life and Legacy 18:14 - 50:59 - Shaktikanta Das: A Tribute to Bibek Debroy 51:00 - 54:28 - India's Economic Transformation and Future #BibekDebroyMemorialLecture #ShaktikantaDas #IndianEconomy #EconomicReforms #AtmanirbharBharat #PolicyDialogue #ThoughtLeadership

Dr Gautam Sen argues that while the US hopes to draw India deeper into its Indo-Pacific strategy, New Delhi has little interest in any Taiwan conflict and maintains a broad political consensus on staying out. He says Washington’s real expectation from India is to act as a continental counterweight to China on land, while limiting cooperation at sea to logistical support rather than direct involvement. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xyu2ZO27q0

Dr Gautam Sen notes that while India has political reasons to be uneasy, an increase in Venezuelan oil supply could push global prices down—benefiting India through lower inflation and stronger foreign reserves. He adds that despite contradictions, India is broadly well placed, with the key question being how quickly cheaper oil translates into gains for the economy and the exchequer. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xyu2ZO27q0

Dr Gautam Sen situates Maduro’s incarceration within a historical pattern of US-backed regime change, arguing that the move is intended less as a legal process and more as a public spectacle of humiliation. He adds that such acts are designed to demoralize entire nations, sending a message that sovereignty and democratic choice count for little against imperial power. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xyu2ZO27q0

Dr Gautam Sen explains how the looming decline of US shale oil could push America back into Middle Eastern dependence, making control over Venezuelan oil a key strategic motive. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xyu2ZO27q0