Aung san suu kyi 2 Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
18 November 2012

A long road ahead for India in Myanmar

In the case of Myanmar and Aung San Suu Kyi, the battle for democracy is far from over. Can India use its leverage with the Myanmar government to ensure that a lasting democracy is inaugurated in that country?

Courtesy: oxyman/WikimediaCommons
31 August 2012

Coal scandal tests India’s democracy

It is estimated that up to 20% of India’s power capacity lies idle due to the lack of coal available in the country. The recent $33 billion scam on the allocation of coal blocks reflects the apathy among the Indian leadership towards effective policy-making.

renminibi2 Courtesy: rahims/Flickr
16 July 2012

China’s Achilles’ heel

China is quick in providing loans to execute domestic and international business plans, and returns are often forgone in the quest to own market share. Faced with an economic slowdown, will Beijing be able to sustain such unconventional economic policies? Or will its banking sector prove to be its Achilles' heel?

xerxes china Courtesy: Ministry of Defence, India
12 July 2012

The spectre of China

Though India may seem to be mirroring or competing with China’s military build-up, it doesn't seem to be doing so in consonance with a long-term plan. New Delhi would be better served by avoiding an arms race; staying away from the U.S.-China rivalry and fostering stronger relations with its immediate neighbours.

Courtesy: Flickr/RamyRaoof
25 June 2012

Egypt remains the key

The presidency of Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, will have a defining influence both in Egypt and the region. Having won the battle through the ballot though, will Muslim Brotherhood also be willing to cede power through the ballot?

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.

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.

Courtesy: Flickr/ccqatar
3 May 2012

Qatar: Geopolitical Cosmopolitanism

Over the last few years Qatar has actively participated in world affairs by holding the Presidency of multilateral organizations, hosting international institutions and investing significantly in foreign markets. What does Qatar hope to achieve from its rising profile and its growing role in international affairs?

seema iran pic Courtesy: PMO
4 April 2012

India-U.S.-Iran: A tightrope walk

Although political discourse around Iranian sanctions is binary and stark in Washington, the reality of India's actions within its bilateral framework with Iran is complex. India is engaged in an excruciating tightrope walk, and has to defend its choices and compulsions with ardour.