Country
Bhutan
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.
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.
Bhutan Takes Another Step Forward on Democratic Path
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
Voting in the first phase of elections to the National Assembly – the fourth since the Himalayan kingdom democratized in 2008 – will take place on November 30.
Erika Fatland on Traveling in the Himalayas
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
“Many of the people in the Himalayas live more isolated now than they did a hundred years ago.”
Crypto Mining in the Himalayas: Bhutan’s Gamble With Bitcoin
By Joe Wallen and Tushar Shetty
Beyond the Indus podcast hosts Joe Wallen and Tushar Shetty explore how Bhutan is quietly gearing up to become the world's next Bitcoin superpower.
Medha Bisht on Understanding the China-Bhutan Boundary Dispute
By Sudha Ramachandran
“Territory is not being ceded by Bhutan. Rather, China has built a strong shi (strategic advantage) for itself by creating border infrastructure.”
Bhutanese King’s Visit to India Spotlights Superpower Border Tensions
By Ladislav Charouz
Bhutan faces a Himalayan version of China’s salami slicing tactics – and concerns from India about Thimphu giving up too much.
Prices Rose and Protests Convulsed South Asia in 2022
By Sudha Ramachandran
Depleting foreign exchange reserves forced several countries, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, to turn to the IMF.
The Paradox of Bhutan’s Australian Dream
By Yedzin Tobgay
Bhutan’s brain drain speaks to a number of social issues facing the Himalayan nation, but even migrants remain deeply rooted in their Bhutanese identity.
China Steps Up Activity Along Himalayan Borders as Land Border Law Comes Into Effect
By Liam Gibson
The new law is a tool for Beijing to further expand its sovereignty into its neighbors’ domains.
Without Vaccine Equity, the World Could Remain Stuck in Pandemic Limbo
By Niha Dagia
On the cusp of a triumph over the coronavirus, the world snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
2021 Was a Bad Year for Democracy in South Asia
By Niha Dagia
The pandemic made it easier for governments to justify authoritarian measures, including crackdowns on the media and excessive surveillance.