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.
The Tamil Question in a Changing Sri Lanka: The Limits of Dissanayake’s Leftist Agenda
By Ambihai Akilan
A failure to engage with Tamil demands for justice, accountability, and autonomy will ultimately prevent Dissanayake from realizing the reforms he envisions, even for the Sinhala south.
India’s Leap of Faith in Afghanistan: Tango With the Taliban
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
The evolving Indian policy toward Afghanistan is either a drastic climb down from a moral high ground or grimly pragmatic, depending on how one looks at things.
Bikini-Clad Beauty Queen Backlash Reveals Deep-rooted Conservatism in Pakistani Society
By Fizza Abbas
Roma Michael's Miss Grand International Appearance sparked vitriol and anger over her revealing outfit.
Nepali PM to Travel to China on First Bilateral Visit
By Sudha Ramachandran
Prime Minister Oli is widely regarded as “pro-China.” His visit to Beijing will only deepen that perception.
What Underlies China’s Rise in South Asia?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
China’s efforts to contain India may be less important than smaller countries’ desire to counterbalance Indian influence.
Modi’s Double Standard on Violence Against Religious Minorities
By Rashad Ullah Khan
India's prime minister was right to condemn the violence that broke out in front of a Hindu temple in Canada. If only he paid as close attention to violence in India against religious minorities.
Hasina’s Failed Pursuit of the China Model
By Shafi Md Mostofa
The ousted Bangladeshi prime minister failed to replicate China’s success for two critical reasons: ideological disconnect and economic decline.
India Confident of Managing Ties With Transactional Trump
By Elizabeth Roche
Trump is unlikely to raise issues like India’s democratic backsliding or its ties with Russia. Trade and immigration could be irritants.
Proposed Australian Cap Latest Headache for Indian Students
By Jinusha Panigrahi
Australia's proposed cap on international student enrollments is the latest headache for Indian higher education students looking to study abroad.
Evaluating Nepal’s Foreign Policy After the Government’s First 100 Days
By Pratistha Rijal
The CPN-UML and Nepali Congress government’s performance thus far signals a deliberate effort to balance foreign interests and remain in power.
Pakistan Appoints New Judge to Head Constitutional Bench
By Umair Jamal
Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan is unlikely to challenge the government’s decisions, which may not go down well with opposition parties.
Germany’s Pivot to India
By Muhammad Murad
For both geopolitical and geoeconomic reasons, Germany has a growing interest in India.