final FINAL COVER.indd Courtesy: Houghton Mifflin
8 July 2015

The fires from 1947 burn on

Nisid Hajari’s Midnight’s Furies provides an insight into the brutal chaos and bloody riots from which India and Pakistan emerged in 1947. It is crucial for present generations from the two countries to understand the past in order to better comprehend the present

Shanghai_pudong Courtesy: Wikipedia
7 July 2015

Ideas for the NDB’s institutional design

The New Development Bank initiated by BRICS countries can reform and democratise global economic governance. But to reach this goal, in this critical period when the bank is preparing to operationalise, it must formulate an innovative institutional design. This article outlines four guiding principles for such a structure

Denmark elections Courtesy: News Øresund - Johan Wessman
2 July 2015

Europe’s growing Right resurgence

Elections in Denmark in June have brought a right-wing coalition to power. These poll results reflect a trend across Europe of the rise of right-wing parties that are tapping into anti-immigrant sentiment and Islamophobia, both portrayed as responsible for a declining economy. It is time for Europe to stop blaming the victims and introspect

Middle Powers Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
2 July 2015

Why middle powers matter to India

Narendra Modi, who spent nearly two months abroad in his first year as prime minister, helped India cultivate a wide range of bilateral and multilateral relationships. But of these, it will be the middle powers that hold the key, economically and geopolitically to India’s growth and security, and Modi must continue to widen his middle powers arc

Iran oil Courtesy: Wikipedia
2 July 2015

Iran deal can be India’s gain

A possible Iran nuclear deal means a longer window of lower oil prices. But the glut of oil supplies is already resulting in cutbacks to oil exploration and production spending, and will eventually lead to higher energy prices. Before that happens, India must use this opportunity to lock in prices

Kerry in Pakistan Courtesy: US Embassy in Pakistan
25 June 2015

Beguiling Americans: a guide for Indian diplomats

Pakistan continues to receive succour from its long-time ally, the U.S., despite blundering about in its neighbourhood unabashedly- be it through righteous indignation or through generous courtesies. The external affairs ministry needs to improve its approach towards U.S. officials who are visiting India in order to better its relation with the country.

ATHENS , GREECE - MAY 1:  Greek riot police clash with protesters during May Day protests on May 1, 2010 in Athens, Greece. Thousands of protesters gathered in Athens and other Greek cities to participate in May Day rallies, angered by the harsh austerity measures demanded by the EU.  Reports suggest that the 45 billion euros ($60 billion) already pledged by the International Monetary Fund and European Union will be insufficient to tackle Greece's mounting debt crisis.  (Photo by Milos Bicanski /Getty Images) Courtesy: Milos Bicanski (Getty Images)
25 June 2015

Can Europe overcome its crisis?

With the Eurozone portion of Greece’s $276 billion bailout credit expiring on June 30, Europe is in the midst of a standoff over this unsustainable debt. But it is only the latest in a number of Eurozone crises since 2008, and if the prospects for economic growth remain dim, how will the EU address its interlocking problems?

US Senate 2 Courtesy: U.S. Senate/Wikimedia Commons
24 June 2015

Critics of Iran nuclear deal press on

Hardliners in the U.S. argue that the Obama administration’s eagerness to declare success has given Iran an advantage in the negotiations on its nuclear programme. Even if the agreement between the U.S., its partners, and Iran is finalised in the coming days, Obama has the tough task of convincing the U.S. Congress to lift sanctions