Bangladesh-U.S. Relations: Managing the Asymmetry in the Changing Global Scenarios
a Md. Sharif Hasan, b Lam-ya Mostaque
a Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.
b Research Fellow, Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), Bangladesh.
Abstract
The Bangladesh-US relationship is one Bangladesh’s most important foreign policy relations. Despite not being an ally in the Liberation War, the two countries have been maintaining a close relationship over the past five decades. The nations have been close partners in trade, development, and the fight against terrorism. Despite occasional hiccups, the relations have remained highly amicable between the two nations. In recent years, however, world politics has witnessed several changes. The growing presence of middle powers, the Sino-Indian rivalry, refocus on the Indo-pacific region, and a return of Cold War geopolitics with the Ukraine war will inevitably impact the nature of this bilateral relationship. Against this backdrop, the article asks the nature of Bangladesh-US relationship. How has the Bangladesh-US relationship changed in recent years? Moreover, how can Bangladesh-US relations be further strengthened? Based on a qualitative approach, the article finds that despite having asymmetrical power, Bangladesh holds significant autonomy in the bilateral relationship. It also finds that the two countries’ differing world views may challenge the changing geopolitical realities. For Bangladesh, maintaining its neutral position in the ever-polarized world is the main challenge, but it has stood its ground and worked towards achieving its development goals. For the USA, appeasing Bangladesh by attending to its concerns and enhancing cooperation on economic, military, and strategic issues can be a suitable way to strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh.
Keywords: Bangladesh-US Relationship, Strategic Partnership, Economic Partnership, Foreign Policy, Changing Global Scenario.
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