Tag: op-eds

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On The Bird Wire

Nuclear Energy in SEA: Public Engagement Before Policies

Three Years after the Fukushima Nuclear disaster several Southeast Asian governments have revived their nuclear plans, with Vietnam leading the way for six nuclear plants. The moves have been galvanised by Japan’s U-turn to retain nuclear energy after initially wanting to phase out nuclear power plants after the 3-11 disaster.

Like it or not, the prospects for nuclear energy in Southeast Asia are likely to grow, thus making it necessary for governments to give sufficient attention to their public awareness strategies on nuclear energy.

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On The Bird Wire

Music as Soft Power

Students of political science and international relations are accustomed to the term ‘soft power’ as coined by Prof Joseph Nye of Harvard University. Soft power refers to factors such as values and cultures which are primary currencies in influencing world politics. This is opposed to notions of hard power, where the use of military force and coercion are paramount.

In this article for the Sunday Plus in Pakistan’s The Nation, Sofiah Jamil shares her views of how Junoon (commonly dubbed as the U2 of Pakistan) is by far one of the best examples of soft power. As the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, once said, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” Junoon’s songs have crossed linguistic and territorial boundaries far beyond the Indian sub-continent. Although the group disbanded in 2004, its music continues to be a shining beacon of peace and love.

The article was written in conjunction with Junoon’s 20th anniversary in 2011.