South and Central Asia
Post-election, Modi faces Pakistan trade question
Guest analyst Dr. Kiran Hassan discusses how India’s general election comes at a pivotal time in South Asia. As the largest democracy voted, many wondered what Narendra Modi’s foreign policy
Is Myanmar a new El Dorado for foreign investors?
Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) moved from a 50-year-long military regime to budding civilian rule in 2011. The political transformation has initiated social and market reforms and has piqued foreign investors’ interest in
Russia faces expanding regional debt crisis
Recent data released by Russia’s Court of Accounts indicates that the country’s regional governments are facing crisis situations with regional debts. In the past year, the level of total regional
Kazakhstan to increase privatization of state-owned companies
Privatization could stimulate foreign investment and aid in the growth of the Kazakh economy, but not without major challenges. Kazakhstan has announced a wave of privatization to bolster foreign investment
BJP raises doubts over future of big business in India
Ahead of elections in India, a recent position paper by the BJP has provoked worry and consternation by those seeking to do business in this major economy. With the political party likely
India’s nuclear energy future at risk in elections
As Indian voters go to the polls this month, the choices they make in the voting booth will mark the future of nuclear energy in India. The young Aam Aadmi Party
Tamil Nadu awaits economic boost from investment
The southern state of Tamil Nadu, traditionally one of India’s strongest economic performers, had a trying year in 2013. New infrastructure projects and greater government transparency could generate significant economic
Taking Crimea may throw Russia into recession
Russian leaders may celebrate annexing Crimea, but it will cost the Russian economy. Already weak, this latest move threatens to send the country into recession. Following the successful referendum on Crimean independence and
Chinese energy investments drive Moscow’s interests in Central Asia
With Russia’s economy in crisis and Central Asia coming in focus of Chinese energy strategy, the region is experiencing a long-term geopolitical shift. Central Asian (CA) states, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan,
5 energy problems confronting India
India is the world’s fourth largest energy consumer. Its energy needs continue to increase, but national energy shortages and an inadequate energy infrastructure could perpetuate national energy poverty. On March
