484379-donald-trump-rnc-pti-3-resized Courtesy: PTI
25 July 2016

Is it Trump’s Party now?

The victory of Donald Trump in becoming the presidential nominee for the Republican Party is a significant moment in American history. However, the cause for common unity in the GOP is associated with a hatred towards Hillary Clinton, not support for Donald Trump. Controversies like the recent WikiLeaks of Democrat Party emails are sure to increase in the road to November, making it a rocky and treacherous one.

Degrowth Website Research paper cover Courtesy: Gateway House
4 July 2016

Degrowth: Consume less. Share more.

Society is currently floating on the expectation that the world is entering a period of sustained economic growth. However, there is mounting evidence that the existing models of economic growth cannot continue.

ukip-eu-protest-5 Courtesy: Business Insider
24 June 2016

Brexit: a wake-up call for global elites

The message from Brexit is simple: the post-second world war financial, trade and industrial order and security arrangements that developed around Bretton Woods, have passed their expiry date. This is the time for countries, regional unions and global institutions to reform themselves – putting people instead of regulations and strategic objectives at the centre of their decision-making.

screenshot Modi US Congress Courtesy: MEA / Flickr
23 June 2016

India-U.S.: not yet a priority partner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fourth visit to the United States has been met with hails of success and with comments of 'too little, too late'. While Modi's friendship with President Obama is often credited for improving bilateral relations, the U.S. leader is currently nearing the end of his term. The new President will have their own geopolitical demands, which will invariably result in India being relegated to a second-term priority.

Union_Jack_and_the_european_flag Courtesy: Wikipedia
19 June 2016

What does Brexit mean for India?

On June 23, the United Kingdom will vote on whether they wish to remain a part of the European Union through the Brexit vote. The debate surrounding the vote has spurred many a heated and emotional debate. While the Indian government has not declared anything publicly - remaining in the EU would be beneficial to Indian businesses.

art pic Courtesy: Telegraph India
9 June 2016

Indian embassies: custodians of cultural heritage

This week, Australia returned 29 antiquities stolen from India. It highlights India’s quest to reclaim its heritage and the patronage provided by Indian ministries and the public sector to art. The MEA is a rare custodian of India's cultural heritage. Its Objects d'art committee selects the best Indian art and craft for its embassies, with choices dictated by the many ideas of India and by emotional responses.

Agriculture_and_rural_farms_of_India Courtesy: Rajarshi Mitra / Wikimedia
8 June 2016

A new era for Indian agriculture

This year’s union budget indicates a seismic shift in Indian Government thinking on agriculture, viewing it as not just as a ‘survival’ industry, but as one that generates income and growth. But to take Indian agriculture out of the time warp it is in currently, the government must entice increased engagement from the private sector.

_89083411_89083410 Courtesy: BBC
26 May 2016

International credibility in a domestic crisis

At present, South Africa finds itself charting political and economic policy uncertainties. This is not to suggest that the domestic political crisis will see different trajectories unfolding with regard to its BRICS/IBSA engagements, or on a broader foreign policy path, but it will have repercussions at the international level, in terms of investor confidence, credit ratings, and currency volatility. Pretoria will face constant pressure to be seen as a credible actor, especially when it comes to its African identity.