Archive
September 2023
What’s Driving Hindu Nationalism in Nepal?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Religious tensions, as opposed to ethnic or caste-based schisms, are relatively new in Nepal. What’s behind the recent upsurge?
Where Was ASEAN at India’s G20 Summit?
By Yanitha Meena Louis
As India expands its global influence, Southeast Asian nations should leverage its initiatives and renew ties.
Myanmar Junta Will Be Toppled, Say Soldiers Captured by Resistance Groups
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Two Myanmar security forces captured by resistance groups made some startling revelations about working conditions in the government and their perception about the ongoing conflict.
Did Saudi Arabia Signal Willingness to De-hyphenate India and Pakistan in Its South Asia Policy?
By Sudha Ramachandran
The Saudi Crown Prince did not hop across to Pakistan after his recent trip to India.
3 Takeaways From the North Korea-Russia Summit
By Takahashi Kosuke
Russia-North Korea military ties have grown closer since the start of the Ukraine War.
The Push to Make Indian Manufacturing Globally Competitive
By Prachi Priya and Aniruddha Ghosh
The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme seeks to buoy India’s manufacturing sector, but don’t expect it to be a gamechanger.
This Week in Asia: September 15, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
What China’s Diplomatic Push in Afghanistan Means for Regional Stability
By Ureeda Khan and Syed Basim Raza
China's new ambassadorial appointment lays the groundwork for intensified cooperation between China and Afghanistan. That will have implications for Pakistan as well.
What Comes Next for North Korea-Russia Relations?
By Gabriela Bernal and Sangsoo Lee
The visit by Kim Jong Un to Russia shows the world North Korea has its own “bloc” alliance comprising its two closest diplomatic partners.
Embattled Chief of Thailand’s Opposition Move Forward Party Steps Down
By Jintamas Saksornchai
Pita Limjaroenrat has been suspended from his duties as a member of Parliament pending a court ruling on whether he violated election law.
New Thai PM Says That He Opposes Recreational Marijuana Use
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told a local news outlet that he only supported the use of cannabis in medical settings.
The Anies-Muhaimin Candidacy: A Political Test for Modernist and Traditionalist Islam in Indonesia
By Virdika Rizky Utama
The recently announced election partnership between Anies Baswedan and Muhaimin Iskandar is seeking to bridge two contending religious traditions.