FOCUS 47 – The myth of Pakistan acting as ‘protector’ of the Kashmiri people
Abstract
Since the end of the British colonial rule over the Indian subcontinent in 1947, the subsequent restructuring of the political map of the region, and the transfer of power to the successor states, the former principle state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) turned into the major flashpoint in South...
FOCUS 46 – Cross-border terrorism: The case of the former princely state of Jammu...
Abstract
Cross-border terrorism has been present in the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947, when both the dominions of India and Pakistan were created. One of the first documentations of the phenomenon was maharaja Hari Singh’s letter addressed to Lord Mountbatten, dated 26 October 1947, which accompanied...
COMMENT 153 – On the Asian Century, Pax Sinica & Beyond (VI) – The...
On Friday, 27 September 2019, the European Union (EU) and Japan signed a holistic partnership in the form of a 10-point accord promoting investment projects characterised by rules-based and sustainable principles (Valero, 2019). The agreement, known as ‘The Partnership on Sustainable Connectivity and Quality Infrastructure between the European Union...
Working Paper 13- India’s growing trade relationship within South Asia: Reflections from trends of...
India’s growing trade relationship within South Asia: Reflections from trends of the recent past
Abstract:
India is a crucial player in South Asia; its trade with neighbouring countries is the major driver of growth in the region. The study examines the role of India in expanding trade relations within the South...
FOCUS 45 – Kashmir and the abrogation of Article 370: Can peace be...
Introduction:
The 19th century marked an epoch in the human history replete with annexations, invasions, control and occupations. But while the 20th century drew to a close, the European colonial wave was dying, people demanded the right to self-determination, and it was presumed that the new era will bring an...
COMMENT 152 – On the Asian Century, Pax Sinica & Beyond (V) – The...
As China further expands into politically unstable and highly risky areas under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the country faces the emergence of new security scenarios. Chinese international businesses and development activities confront an increasing number of threats demanding the proactive protection of overseas citizens, assets and interests....
COMMENT 151-Jammu & Kashmir in the spotlight
Jammu & Kashmir in the spotlight
Introduction
A recent constitutional change on the status of Jammu & Kashmir has occupied prime time on both the United Kingdom’s and Western media more generally - albeit not always in a balanced and informed way. I present here my perspective on the issue based...
COMMENT 150- Disillusioned by empty promises: Afghan women form new movement despite being increasingly...
Disillusioned by empty promises: Afghan women form new movement despite being increasingly threatened by the Taliban
Throughout this year’s “peace” talks with the Taliban, the group have claimed that they agree to protect and uphold women’s rights in Afghanistan. During the Intra-Afghan Conference earlier this month in Doha, the Taliban...
COMMENT 149 – On the Asian Century, Pax Sinica & Beyond (IV): ...
Two recent events in Bangladesh moved Dhaka’s ties with Beijing - and Chinese investments in the country - to the forefront of a growing public debate. The first subject regards the violent clash last month between Chinese and Bangladesh workers engaged in the building of the $2.5 billion Patuakhali...
FOCUS 44 – Act East and Indo-Pacific: Assessing the responses from ASEAN
Abstract: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a central role in India’s Act East Policy (AEP). After Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, who envisioned India’s Look East Policy in the early 1990s, subsequent Indian prime ministers have been following the trend of placing ASEAN in the centre of...