Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
While this Chinese engagement in South Asia often targets the needs of specific countries, even states with relatively robust state institutions and civil society struggle to grapple with the implications of China’s expanded footprint.
The only way to forestall the looming humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan is to move beyond immediate emergency measures and evacuations, and even purely humanitarian aid, and open up a broader political discourse with the Taliban.
China’s global footprint has expanded exponentially in recent years, becoming a source of investment for countries around the world. But notably, many nations have struggled to grapple with the accompanying implications and political risks.
There are three pillars of concern: The expansion of Hindu majoritarianism, the concentration of executive power and decay of independent institutions, and curbs on free expression and dissent.
New Delhi’s close relationship with Nepal, bound in history and culture, and the misperception about China’s relations with Nepal before 1950 have contributed to a skewed understanding of Sino-Nepali relations.
Last week, Narendra Modi told the world that democracy was born in India, but nobody seized this opportunity to ask whether it is also flourishing in its birthplace. The question needs to be asked because all the institutions measuring the level of democracy across the world have noticed that India has entered a phase of de-democratisation.
Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, neighboring Pakistan has promoted a vision of moderate Taliban rule and has argued on the group’s behalf for international support. But as the myth of moderation dissipates, will Pakistan’s plans pan out?
As India takes its Indo-Pacific engagements forward, Delhi must continue to build on its maritime moment, leveraging opportunities and partnerships in addressing its concerns and challenges.
Join us for a conversation on Afghanistan and its neighbors with renowned Pakistani journalist and award-winning author, Ahmed Rashid and Carnegie's Aqil Shah.
Join us for a special two-day dialogue on security in the Indo-Pacific and island nations' perceptions of regional priorities and challenges.