Are new polls the way forward in Bangladesh?
by Dr. Siegfried O. Wolf
Bangladesh is in limbo. If one believes the observers and recognizes international statements, the country currently finds itself in between a post and a pre-election scenario. However, one thing is for sure, the deep political crisis that emerged in past months will continue in 2014.
On the Eve of Elections? Mapping potential scenarios for Bangladesh uncertain political future
by Dr. Siegfried O. Wolf
Bangladesh seems unable to become tranquil. Persistently oscillating within a triangle of natural disasters, socio-economic catastrophes, and parliamentary deadlocks, the current situation is once again tapering towards a critical juncture. By turning the political discourse into violent street confrontations between the major actors, ignoring any...
Constitutional Assembly Elections in Nepal 2013: Some Pre-Poll Reflections
by Siegfried O. Wolf
Having witnessed decades of political imbroglio, Nepal is once again set to go to the polls on November 19. After 2008, it will be the second time that the electorate has to cast their ballots for a Constitutional Assembly (CA) - the country’s national parliament. However,...
Bangladesh: Drifting into Islamic Fundamentalism?
by Siegfried O. Wolf
The SADF Comment series seeks to contribute innovative and provocative thinking on significant, on-going debates as well as provide immediate, brief analysis and opinion on current occurrences and developments in South Asia. The topics covered are not only directed towards academic experts in South Asian affairs...
The burden of history: Political legacies and polarisation
Throughout the country's history, polarisation has hampered political building which, in turn, hindered the democratisation process. by Dr. Siegfried O. Wolf
Bangladesh: Genocide in the name of religion
by: Paulo Casaca || French Version
Pakistan resulted from the partition of the British Empire in 1947. As such, Pakistan was simultaneously a geopolitical project intended to ensure the containment of the Soviet Union, a gathering of Muslim-majority territories and a state where its founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, believed it...
Bangladesh: le génocide au nom de la religion
by: Paulo Casaca || English Version
Issu de la partition de l’empire britannique en 1947, le Pakistan fut un projet géopolitique destiné à assurer l’endiguement de l’Union Soviétique, un rassemblement de territoires à majorité musulmane, et un État où son fondateur Muhammad Ali Jinnah pensait possible d’allier l’aspiration religieuse initiale...
Calling the Gravediggers? Hindu-Nationalism – India’s Bêtes Noires under Stress
By: Dr. Siegfried O. Wolf
One of the most noteworthy developments in contemporary Indian politics is the occurrence of a phenomenon often described as Hindu-Nationalism, Hindu fundamentalism or even Hindu-Chauvinism. Since recently, even the buzzword of Hindu-terrorism appeared. Irrespective of the debate circling around the proper terminology , the issue...
Regional cooperation – a view from Nepal
by: Siegfried O. Wolf
Regional integration in South Asia has reached a pivotal point in time. There is no doubt, that the states and societies of the respective region have made only little progress towards cohesive, purposeful action directed towards regional cooperation. Having the reputation of being a part of...