South and Central Asia
The Energy Briefing: Despite Caspian Sea agreement, obstacles to Trans-Caspian pipeline remain
On August 12, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan reached an agreement on the legal status of the Caspian Sea. In particular, the treaty removes a legal barrier to building a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Europe. However, several obstacles to the construction of the pipeline remain.
Rohingya clampdown imperils investments, risks fanning radicalism
Myanmar’s brutal crackdown against the minority Rohingya Muslim community has triggered international sanctions casting a shadow over the government’s bid to attract foreign investment from the West.
India’s concerns over the strengthened China-Maldives relations
The Republic of Maldives is an important member of the SAARC and offers key strategic value to its allies, especially India. This article examines how a souring in relations between Malé and New Delhi, along with an unprecedented Chinese presence in the archipelago, raises geopolitical risks for India.
Opinion: Should India reach out directly to the Pakistan army?
A number of important steps have been taken by India and Pakistan in the past few months. Both sides have agreed to humanitarian gestures and there is talk of enhancing trade. Trividesh Singh asks: is direct outreach a good strategy in this context?
Infrastructure setbacks in Indonesia reflect broader risks
President Jokowi’s desire to secure his infrastructure vision before next year’s election holds risks for Indonesia as well as his own candidateship.
China’s strengthening relationship with Pakistan
Beijing’s recent decision to increase diplomatic, economic and strategic ties with Pakistan is part of a broader strategy to bolster China’s regional influence at Washington’s expense. China’s relations with Pakistan
Media crackdown a bad sign for Myanmar
Continued targeting of journalists will compromise the government’s political legitimacy and create greater reputational risks for foreign investors.
China’s growing presence ratchets tensions in Sri Lanka
Holding a key position along strategic maritime routes, Sri Lanka has drawn a high level of economic investment. China and India, long-time competitors for influence in the Indian Ocean, have brought their geopolitical competition to the ports of Sri Lanka – and raised social unrest risks locally in the process.
Will Trump’s Asia tour fix America’s Southeast Asia problem?
Trump’s Asia tour is a chance to present a more concrete US strategy, to reassure allies, and to shape the region’s geopolitics in America’s favor.
Kyrgyz elections stoke regional tensions
The Kyrgyz presidential elections are a positive sign for democracy, but a recent quarrel between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan threatens integration efforts.
