Blog
The Pulse
South Asia is a story of promise and peril where Asia’s conflicting forces of modernity and reaction meet head on. Home to a multitude of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, The Diplomat's regional correspondents and experts will provide the insight you need to navigate one of the world's most consequential regions.
Deep Fakes and Disinformation in Bangladesh
By Mubashar Hasan
The Awami League government doesn’t bother itself with public opinion. So why does it engage in disinformation campaigns against the opposition?
The State of South Asia in 2023
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
The year was dominated by elections, and political and economic instability. Amid the bad news, India landed a spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole.
Historic Feats and Enduring Debates: U.S.-India Relations in 2023
By Farwa Aamer and Akriti Vasudeva Kalyankar
The groundwork laid through the engagements in 2023 should provide a solid foundation to build on in 2024 and beyond regardless of election results in both countries.
India’s Opposition-free Parliament
By Kavita Chowdhury
The Narendra Modi administration suspended 146 opposition members of parliament for demanding answers from the government. Then it pushed through controversial legislation.
What Lies Ahead for Bangladesh
By Aaqib Md Shatil
There are fears that after the flawed election, the country will descend to totalitarian rule.
Enthusiasm Marks Filing of Nominations for Elections in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
The number of people who have applied to contest the upcoming elections has increased by 33 percent over that in the 2018 election.
Economic Revival is on the Minds of Bhutanese Voters
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The final round of Bhutan’s fourth general election on January 9 will be a contest between the PDP and the BTP.
Why Do Half of Pakistan’s Voters Stay Away From the Polls?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The country’s youth, women, transgender community and people with disabilities either stay away from voting or their access to the process is restricted.
India Announces Republic Day Chief Guest: French President Emmanuel Macron
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
New Delhi and Paris have a lot in common in terms of their strategic perspectives on a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Political and Electoral Uncertainty in Sri Lanka Ahead of the 2024 Elections
By Uditha Devapriya
Wickremesinghe wants to keep his job; the SLPP wants to mount a comeback. Sri Lanka voters seem to want radical change.
The US Does Not Lack Leverage Over India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Washington should not avoid honest discussions with India on differences for fear of souring ties.
The Rakhine Conundrum: How Should Bangladesh Respond to Operation 1027?
By Md. Himel Rahman
The rapid advances of anti-junta groups in Myanmar poses new problems for Dhaka in an already-sensitive region.