rio 20 Courtesy: rio20.net
6 June 2012

Return to Rio: Debating sustainable development

In one of the biggest gatherings of its kind, world leaders will attend the Rio+20 summit to discuss sustainable development. The summit will take the environmental debate a step forward by helping create viable partnerships between countries to address issues of energy, water and other essential resources.

AFSPA copy Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Agência Brasil
30 May 2012

AFSPA: National necessity or human rights violation?

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) confers special powers upon the Indian army in disturbed areas, and legitimizes any actions they may take. The law, however, has been misinterpreted by many. Are calls for the revocation of the AFSPA warranted or misplaced?

Courtesy: Government of Tonga
29 May 2012

India-Tonga: Old friends, new engagements

After the passing of Tonga's revered King, Tupou V, all eyes are on the new establishment for signs of change in Tonga's foreign policy. How will India, an old friend to the Pacific island-nation, fit into this increasingly important region? Can it build on traditional ties with Tonga?

sudeep chakravarti interview Courtesy: Gateway House
24 May 2012

Myanmar: Liberalization benefits for India

As Myanmar’s economy opens up, neighbouring India is provided with an opportunity to enhance bilateral ties. Gateway House’s Hari Seshasayee interviews South Asia expert Sudeep Chakravarti to discuss the changes sweeping Myanmar and its significance for the region.

Courtesy: PIAZZA del POPOLO/Flickr
24 May 2012

EU austerity: room to wiggle

Momentous developments are taking place in Europe. In elections in Greece, France and Germany, Europeans expressed dissent against austerity policies adopted by their government to combat the economic crisis in Europe. How will these results affect the future of European policy-making?

Myanmar and the ASEAN Matrix copy Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Gunkarta
18 May 2012

Myanmar in the ASEAN Matrix: An opportunity for India?

As India and the world welcome the recent democratization of Myanmar, this presents India an opportunity to increase its access to South East Asian countries as well, especially with members of ASEAN which still have catching up to do – particularly Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

616px-Swedish_flag_with_blue_sky_behind_ausschnitt Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Tage Olsin, Hofres
15 May 2012

Why is Sweden number one?

Few people know that Sweden was severely affected by the 2008 global economic crisis. However, the Swedish government adopted prudent fiscal and monetary policies to overcome the situation. The author discusses the factors that helped Sweden to acquit itself so creditably in the most challenging of circumstances.

Myanmar Sanctions Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Htoo Tay Zar
1 May 2012

Sanctions on Myanmar: Have they worked?

The West is quick to claim that their sanctions against Myanmar have forced the government to implement political and economic reforms in the country. However, such bans do not usually achieve their stated purpose of forcing regimes to change their behavior.