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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.
Leftist Coalition’s Seismic Victory Reshapes Sri Lanka’s Political Landscape
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The National People’s Power won not only a two-thirds majority in parliament but also 21 of the country’s 22 electoral districts.
The Political Instrumentalization of Bangladesh’s Hindu Community
By Shahadat Swadhin
Rather than addressing the challenges faced by Hindus, political parties – particularly the Awami League – have a history of politicizing their struggles.
Why India and Australia Should Expand Their Partnership to the Pacific
By Rushali Saha
Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region requires New Delhi and Canberra to take a truly holistic approach toward the region.
Trump 2.0 Appears Unfavorable for Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Appointments to key positions in Trump’s team include people who are pro-India and China hawks.
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.