This October, China’s 18th Party Congress will usher in a new leadership in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People's Liberation Army, amidst increased turmoil in its neighbourhood. What consequences will this have on Indo-China relations, and on the policies of the Party?
Courtesy: Gateway House
Since 1947, India's journey towards ensuring democracy has been long and arduous, and riddled with a variety of quandaries. This year, as India turns 65, Gateway House has prepared a report that assesses India's democratic system, one that is in constant swaying motion.
Courtesy: Mission Against Corruption/Wikimedia Commons
The promise of an egalitarian democratic system in India and abroad, has been tarnished by the entrenchment of dynastic leadership and by an inordinate concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few. It is imperative to find ways to confront the shortcomings that have crept into our cherished democracies.
Courtesy: Sandstein/WikimediaCommons
If the creation and consolidation of small enterprises is supported, the resultant growth in employment and incomes will further India’s development. This will increase the vibrancy and sustainability of our democracy.
Courtesy: Ank843/Flickr
Dynastic politics is as diverse as politics itself in South Asia. There may be some benefits to dynastic rule, but a political system founded on democratic principles rejects the very idea of dynasty.
Courtesy: naxaliterage
India's foreign policy prowess may be growing, but it is governed by the nation's internal health - which is riddled with poverty, corruption and displacement. Such vulnerabilities can threaten the smooth functioning of our democracy, and need to be addressed promptly.
Courtesy: gr33ndata/Flickr
The involvement of Islamists in democratic movements is usually dismissed as a mere ruse to attain political power. However, evidence suggests that people in Muslim-majority democracies support Islamist groups which challenge a dishonest government, rather than those who seek to establish Islamic autocracy.
Courtesy: quinn.anya/Flickr
The ongoing environmental movement in China - like many of the country’s burgeoning social movements - and those involved in it, are using various strategies to demand one of democracy’s preconditions—the rule of law.
Courtesy: PMO
India seems to be treading down the path of fruitless populism that crippled many countries in the past, most notably in Latin America. But like Latin America, India too can embark on a course-correction by implementing pragmatic economic policies alongside progressive but results-driven social spending.
Courtesy: JyotiParekh/Wikimedia Commons
Participatory governance, especially at the local level, can transform a locality into an ideal community. The experience of officials working with the municipal corporation for bringing about changes in Colaba, South Mumbai, demonstrates the potential of people’s involvement in democracy on the ground.
