Covering Economy, Politics & Social Trends in South Asia
In the kaleidoscopic world of South Asian geopolitics, where shifting allegiances, historical grievances, and ideological fervor often collide, few voices have cut through the noise with the clarity, depth, and moral courage of James M. Dorsey. A veteran journalist, academic, and one of the most respected geopolitical analysts of our time, Dorsey’s work is not
In South Asia, mobile network experiences reveal stark disparities between countries, highlighting the region’s uneven technological development and its impact on daily life. An analysis by Opensignal emphasizes India’s dominance in mobile network performance, boasting the fastest download speeds in the region at 41.7Mbps, more than double those of its closest competitor, Bangladesh. India also
The crisis of water scarcity in South Asia has reached alarming levels, with an estimated 347 million children under the age of 18 exposed to high or extremely high water stress, the highest number of any region in the world. According to a new UNICEF analysis, this scarcity directly impacts children’s health, education and overall
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013, has significantly impacted infrastructure development across South Asia, exemplified by projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Initially seen as a transformative development opportunity for poorer countries, the BRI promises major infrastructure investments, such as roads, railways and ports, which China hopes will facilitate
South Asia, home to some of the world’s most polluted countries, is experiencing a growing public health crisis due to air pollution. According to a recent study by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC), residents of Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan are losing, on average, five years of their lives due to poor
In April 2024, Bangladesh, Japan and India convened in Agartala, India, to discuss regional connectivity initiatives, aiming to unlock the commercial potential of the region. The meeting, organized by Asian Confluence and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized enhancing multi-modal connectivity between Northeast India and Bangladesh, particularly through the creation of express corridors for
South Asia, home to nearly two billion people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, has become a critical geopolitical battleground due to the intensifying rivalry between China and India. Despite sharing common characteristics such as large populations, nuclear capabilities and ambitions for multipolarity, both countries view each other with deep suspicion, leading them to
In April 2023, a catastrophic heatwave across South and Southeast Asia exposed the deadly consequences of human-induced climate change, as several countries experienced record-breaking temperatures. Bangladesh, India, Thailand, and Laos saw temperatures soar past 40°C, with heat indices pushing dangerously close to levels where the human body struggles to regulate its temperature. The extreme heat,
The geopolitical and energy landscape of South Asia is deeply influenced by the ongoing rivalry between global powers, including China, Russia and the United States, while the region grapples with the complex “energy trilemma” — balancing energy security, equity and environmental sustainability. The March 2023 summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir
The South Asia Collective‘s latest report underscores the troubling lack of engagement by South Asian states with international human rights mechanisms, contributing to widespread abuses against minorities and indigenous peoples. According to the report, countries across the region—including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—are failing to adequately protect these vulnerable populations, in part
South Asia Politics is dedicated to providing information, analysis and commentary on the region’s dynamic political landscape. From the evolving economic trends to social changes and key political developments, we strive to offer a comprehensive perspective on South Asia’s most pressing issues. Whether you’re a policy enthusiast, academic or simply curious about the region, our aim is to keep you informed with accurate, thought-provoking content.
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