South Asia

Without reform of the crucial clothing industry, Yunus and his interim government will struggle to pull off a democratic transition, writes Patrick Schröder.

The UK decision was welcomed by India and the US, and shows a capacity for fresh thinking. But the transfer of sovereignty must be handled carefully.

The economy will be the key issue for voters in Sri Lanka’s upcoming presidential election, set against a backdrop of geopolitical rivalry.

The interim government must build political consensus to stabilise the economy and improve security. Other countries in the region should take note.

Although the next UK government will have to make many trade-offs, boosting ties with both the Indo-Pacific and Europe would be mutually reinforcing.

Reducing floods and emissions, the female textile waste workers are the Bangladeshi capital’s unsung climate heroes, write Patrick Schröder and Prachi Singhal.

The country has enjoyed economic development and stability, but with opposition parties banned and protest continuing, a peaceful election is uncertain.

Episode 39 of our weekly podcast discusses the G20 summit in New Delhi and India’s growing sway in the world.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe must resist popular pressure ahead of next year’s election and aim for long-term reforms, write Kabir Hashim and Talal Rafi.

Episode 30 of our weekly podcast examines the growing tension between India and China, and the issues India must overcome to achieve its global power ambitions.

Major Chathurika Bombuwala speaks to Gitika Bhardwaj for International Women’s Day about her experience serving as a soldier in Sri Lanka, which is facing its worst economic crisis since 1948, and in the Western Sahara, a territory that has been disputed since 1975, as part of a series exploring women in international affairs.

This episode takes place during COP15, the UN’s Biodiversity Conference, and explores how climate change is threatening coastal communities.

This episode examines how climate risks in South Asia are being felt, and how the region can work to build resilience to these threats.

Chatham House experts examine the implications for Taiwan, China and the United States of Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island.

Chanu Peiris reflects on the unfolding political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka and its impact on human rights.

Concerns about British dominance of the organization may have prompted an early challenge to Secretary-General Baroness Scotland

Short explainer outlining the energy issues facing those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, and how a lack of acccess impacts them.

Interviewing key partners of a project to improve life for refugees and their host communities with better access to sustainable energy solutions.

Despite almost a decade of increased attention, delivering sustainable energy solutions for those forced to flee their homes is now further away than ever.

The invasion of Ukraine has caused price shocks in South Asia at a time when its countries were already struggling to cope with economic crises.

How has war and conflict changed over the last century, and how have International Affairs authors understood it?

The new US Indo-Pacific strategy promotes prosperity, resilience, and the principle of countries choosing their own path, but critics say it lacks specifics.

Sharif Jamil on Bangladesh’s need for global help to counter climate change and pollution

Pasang Yangjee Sherpa on how climate change is affecting the people of Nepal

How can societies deal with the real-time effects of climate change?

Social media giants are increasingly clashing with Asian governments over free expression and censorship as the region lurches towards digital authoritarianism.

A new approach for the US to strengthen economic and strategic ties in the region, advance strong rules for new trade issues, and tackle China’s trade policies.

There are three emerging models in Asia which will have serious implications for privacy and citizens’ rights in our post-pandemic lives.

Andrew Warsap reports on his work in Laos clearing explosives left by the Vietnam war

Internet shutdowns by Asian governments are curbing their citizens’ space for debate and tougher global regulation is needed, writes Vasuki Shastry.

This paper examines how regional cooperation can boost efforts to achieve sustainable development and green growth in Asia.

The paper proposes a definition of sustainable procurement so goods, services, works and utilities achieve value for money on a life-cycle basis.

Critics of the BRI accuse China of pursuing a policy of ‘debt-trap diplomacy’: luring poor, developing countries into agreeing unsustainable loans to pursue infrastructure projects so that, when they experience financial difficulty, Beijing can seize the asset, thereby extending its strategic or military reach.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is having profound impacts on recipient countries. This paper examines the benefits and costs of the BRI and its projects to Sri Lanka and the lessons that may improve future BRI projects in Sri Lanka and elsewhere.

Examining examples showing the sustainability of Afghanistan’s economy is predicated on the degree to which it is integrated with its neighbours.