South Asian Politics Research Articles

The dilemmas of Bangladesh as a weak state in South Asia

PurposeThe complex environment of regional and extra-regional politics in South Asia renders the region more susceptible to economically and militarily weaker states. This article investigates the challenges Bangladesh faces due to rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics and global political and economic upheavals.Design/methodology/approachThis study delves into the dilemmas encountered by Bangladesh as a weak state through literature review, in-depth interviews, media reports and dialogues.FindingsFour key factors are identified: (a) Bangladesh’s significance to major powers has increased; (b) it confronts many obstacles hindering its pursuit of a purely non-aligned foreign policy due to its strategic importance to these powers; (c) its internal factors including political turbulence, corruption, and fragile external relations, have been detrimental; and (d) the intensification of key powers’ influence has constrained its autonomy.Originality/valueThis study underscores that weak institutions, least regional integration, and limited cooperation among states have compromised the autonomy of weak states like Bangladesh in South Asia. There is a need for unity and collaboration among these nations to address dilemmas in the interest of their national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regional stability.

The veil of resistance in Shaheen Bagh: Muslim women’s activism and the differential solidarity networks

ABSTRACT This paper seeks to comprehensively examine the complex dynamics surrounding the protests of Muslim women at Shaheen Bagh against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India. It emphasizes the emergence of distinct forms of solidarity among this unassuming group of women and underscores the significance of their collective action in challenging prevailing narratives within South Asian feminist discourse. The paper posits the CAA protests as emblematic of the evolving interplay between digital platforms, grassroots activism, and scholarly dialogue in contemporary South Asia. Furthermore, the paper elucidates how the modalities of resistance in South Asian revolutionary politics diverge from the traditional binary framework of Gandhian Satyagraha and radical leftist revolutionary strategies. The protests which also interweaved Dalit Ambedkarite politics, digital hashtag movements, counter-ableist politics also exemplified the ways in which identity politics in South Asia could be reconfigured in terms of a differential paradigm. The paper explores how the protests at Shaheen Bagh exemplify a nuanced approach to resistance that transcends simplistic categorizations, thereby contributing to a reconfiguration of established paradigms in the region's political discourse. This analysis underscores the complex interplay between diverse ideological currents and grassroots mobilization, illuminating the evolving landscape of resistance within South Asia's socio-political context.

The Intersection of Media and Politics in South Asia and the West

The Intersection of Media and Politics in South Asia and the West

Populist Politics in Pakistan: Case Study of Pakistan Tehreek-I- Insaf Regime

The advent of right-wing populist parties in Europe and America has given populist politics in South Asia more clout. There has been a lot of discussion among political analysts about how the rise of populist governments around the world is likely to undermine established democracies and eventually impede democratic advancement in developing countries. The research paper gives deep insights of populist regime of PTI and shedding light on frequent democratic decline in the country owing to this style of politics and also exploring that democracy has been inflicted by the populist politics is critical discourse of contemporary times and particularly in the context of Pakistan. The paper finds out that owing to its populist politics, the PTI government subverted the process of democratic development in the country, stifled the dissenting voices and curtailed the freedom of media.

Gendered Deification: Women Leaders and Political Iconography in Bangladesh

This paper explores gendered political deification in Bangladesh with emphasis on the situation of women politicians in Bangladesh today. Using political deification tools developed by Sen and Nielsen with the help of the concept of political leadership feminism, we look at the interaction of gender with the construction of political imagery. In accomplishing this research, critical discourse analysis and visual semiotics are employed to establish an understanding of the representation and received portrayal of two key Bangladeshi ‘women of power’, namely, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia. These findings uncover a multi-layered duality based on the gender and dynastic-political relations in Bangladesh, along with the persona of the supreme leader of a country. We map out how the concept of mother and family relations is mobilized to build strong political discourses, even as the patriarchal framework is both affirmed and subverted. In trying to attain gender equality, female leaders obtain the most political power but are subject to gender roles and, at times, contribute to the perpetuation of those roles. By contextualizing this study in South Asian politics, we are indeed helping the existing scholarly discourse on gender and political iconography, women’s participation in democratization, and the dilemmas of female leadership in patriarchal societies. This study advances knowledge on gender, power, and political symbolism in SA with the potential for introducing similar phenomena in other cultural settings.

The Othering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Abstract The Ahmadiyya movement is one of the most controversial movements within the South Asian Islam from the late 19th and the 20th century. The movement from the beginning was instrumental in reinvigorating the debate on the Islamic orthodoxy and interpretation and re-interpretation of the Islamic texts among Muslims. These controversies and debates over the period of time have entered into the public consciousness particularly among Muslims of South Asia, which has enabled it to become an accepted feature of the contemporary South Asian Politics. As the movement became more public, the distinct identity of Ahmadi took shape and a notion of Ahmadiyyat as distinct expression of Islam became increasingly politicised. Similarly, the emergence of this Ahmadi identity was influenced by modern South Asian politics as much as South Asian Islam was influenced by the modernists. This influence has widened the dichotomy between Ahmadi Islam and the orthodox Islam. The current study focuses on how South Asian Islam’s narratives grew and developed to build and declare Ahmadis as a non-Muslim minority. It also demonstrates how these narratives were exploited over time by both Muslim groups and famous Muslims to malign and portray the Ahmadiyya community as ‘other’ in the eyes of Muslim and state structures. The study focuses primarily on the narratives of the 20th-century Muslim intellectuals such as Sir Muhammad Iqbal, Abul A’la Maududi, and other groups such as Majlis-i-Ahrar, as well as their role in building and constructing narratives that declared Ahmadis as ‘other’ while also changing their identity and status as Muslims.

Millennium Challenge Corporation and Belt and Road Initiative: Reshaping South Asian Politics

Millennium Challenge Corporation and Belt and Road Initiative: Reshaping South Asian Politics

The Political Philosophy of Allama Iqbal and Its Impacts on Muslim Politics in South Asia during 20th Century

TThis is an analytical study about the political role of Allama Iqbal. The paper primarily deals with the contribution of Iqbal as a poet and how his poetry influenced on the Muslims of India to aware them against the colonial masters. In the context of Muslims’ awareness Iqbal tried his best and though his poetry he urged passion of independence for the Muslim. In his early carrier he was the propagator of Indian nationalism but soon he became the great supporter of Muslim’s nationalism. As a philosopher poet what type of role he played for the freedom of Indian Muslims as the theme of this study and how Allama Muhammad Iqbal worked for the freedom movement is debatable? Although the political contribution of Allama Muhammad Iqbal always considered marvelous during the freedom movement. As a poet his political philosophy had strongly influenced on the Muslims of Subcontinent as he had a profound political insight and had a great connection with the pulse of the nation as he said in Javed-Namma that a poet is like a heart in the nation and without a poet the nation is like a heap of the clay. [i] Iqbal as a political poet emphasis the unification of Muslims and his mind produced first time the idea of a Separate state for the Muslims of subcontinent. He traced the idea of Pakistan as a most rare political event of history. Through his address 1930 at Allaabad, he planted the seed with the ambiguous idea. He died before the emergence of Pakistan but as a poet the construction of Muslim polity on Islamic unity and solidarity in India. When we look Iqbal as political leader it is very clear that Iqbal was a reformer, poet and philosopher. He used poetry and philosophy together to achieve the political goals. As a political poet, he knew that success in achieving goals is not possible without understanding the mood of the nation. Due to his guidance the nation moved forward and the dream of Pakistan was embarrassingly realized. This paper highlights Iqbal as a political philosopher during the freedom movement of Pakistan.

Contemporary India – Sri Lanka Relations in Post-COVID Pandemic Period

India’s foreign policy under the Narendra Modi government has been focused on rebuilding cooperation in South Asia. The Indian foreign policy has been restructured as ‘Neighborhood First,’ which primarily plans to strengthen relations with its South Asian neighbours. In this context, India -Sri Lanka relations have been considered by scholars in South Asian politics in recent times. Relations between both countries during the immediate post-civil war period deteriorated with some better experiences. However, relations have been progressing since 2015 in the context of changing new governments in both countries. This paper examines the contemporary relations between India and Sri Lanka in the post-COVID pandemic era. The research paper is based on secondary data from books and journal articles in the relevant disciplines. Further, recent data was collected from printed and electronic media reports. The collected data were analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka faced many adversities in the country. In this context, India offered her cooperation to rebuild the collapsed economy in Sri Lanka. India extended her financial and humanitarian assistance to the government of Sri Lanka. In addition, India signed some bilateral cooperation pacts in investment projects on energy, economic, development, and cultural relations by enhancing the relations between the two countries and the people-to-people of both countries. In addition, official visits of the two premiers during times of crisis in Sri Lanka initiated mutual relations again. It was proved that India was keen to initiate her policy of ‘Neighborhood First” towards her immediate maritime neighbour.

India as a restorationist state: implications for US-India relations and South Asian politics

India as a restorationist state: implications for US-India relations and South Asian politics

The Nepotism and Favouritism in Politics of South Asia

This article explores the concept of nepotism, a political technique with limited conceptual clarity. It highlights its significant impact on society, affecting individual effectiveness and performance. The growing prevalence of nepotism in politics substantially threatens social and economic development. Historically, history, political analysis, sociology, and psychology have been prominent areas of study on sociocultural processes. The paper focuses on these organisational patterns’ underlying factors, consequences, and potential remedies. The article argues that prevailing social and economic conditions contribute to the proliferation of favouritism and the rapid growth of nepotism. Formal institutions often lack trust and interpersonal credibility, leading to corruption in governmental systems. Moreover, nepotism can improve the welfare of informal institutions. The article supports the notion that nepotism often leads to the placement of relatives in higher positions, diminishing the overall effectiveness of the public.

51 Years of India-Bangladesh Bilateral Relations: Opportunities and Challenges

Because of their distinct histories, India and Bangladesh have unique neighbourly relations. India and Bangladesh have completed 51 years of bilateral ties in 2022, beginning in December 1971 with India's recognition of the newly independent People's Republic of Bangladesh. India played a significant role in the formation of Bangladesh during a liberation conflict with Pakistan. There are many things that tie the two nations together, such as a shared history and legacy, linguistic and social ties, and a love of art that reflects the diversity of human expression in music, literature, and other forms. Bangladesh is a geopolitically and strategically important country in India's neighbourhood policy. Bangladesh is especially important to India because of its connectivity with the country's seven landlocked northern sister states. Bangladesh's foreign policy discourse is dominated by the words "Indian factor" and "blocked by India." As a result, India is a top priority for Bangladeshi policymakers. The India-Bangladesh partnership affects millions of people in both countries, as well as in South Asia and beyond. The two nations are presently setting an example in South Asian politics in terms of security cooperation, connectivity, collaboration in the energy and power sectors, social and cultural integration, and bilateral trade. During the COVID-19 period, cooperation between the two nations was crucial. India made a humanitarian gesture at the time by assisting Bangladesh in developing its own vaccine. For more than 51 years, India and Bangladesh have had a more or less friendly relationship. There have been a few tense moments in the relationship's half-century history, most notably during the military regime and the BNP's rule. The golden jubilee year of the bilateral relationship was completed in 2021. The current research aims to provide a beneficial road map for the future by evaluating the history of the bilateral relationship and commenting on the problems and barriers experienced.

Where Does Caste Fit in A Global History of Racial Capitalism?

Abstract This paper asks whether and how caste fits into a global history of racial capitalism. The mischaracterisation of caste as custom has long misled analysts and thwarted solidarities. Drawing on the insights of two important bodies of literature, this paper seeks to remedy that misdiagnosis and show that (1) caste abolition must be central to any effective anti-capitalist politics in South Asia, and (2) a focus on ‘local’ systems of racialisation like caste is necessary in any history of global racial capitalism. The two bodies of literature I engage with to achieve these aims are: scholarship on racial capitalism and scholarship on the Indian transition to capitalism. The result is an expanding of the geography of racial capitalism and the centring of caste-based unfreedoms as central to the history of capitalism in the Indian subcontinent.

COVID-19 VACCINE POLITICS OF INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIA -BANGLADESH DIPLOMATIC RELATION.

After COVID-19 pandemic, anti COVID vaccination is an important tool to combat COVID- 19 health hazard. In early time India government lead by Prime Minister Modi adopted Neighbourhood first policy. India’s vaccination drive to the neighbouring country Strengthen said policy. India manufacturing two vaccines (Covaxine and Covishield) byindigenousIndianPharmaceuticalcompany.By these two vaccines India also included into five major anti Corona virus vaccine producing countries with US UK Russia and China. India’s vaccination exporting policy to neighbour friend help Them to overcomeCOVID-19 pandemic. India’svaccine Maître programmed provides Vaccination to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan. The decision of Providing vaccine to neighbouring countries is a showcase to maintain faithful CommitmenttotheNeighbourhood first policy (NFP), which was declarby PMModi. All Stakeholder of neighbouring country like Bangladesh Nepal and Bhutan Express their Thanks to India for this live saver attempted. Vaccine diplomacy by Indian government Increasesrole of India in International politics in south Asia and world. My present paper is an attempt to India’s vaccination diplomacy with special interest to neighbouring countries in the light of PM NarendraModi’s Neighbourhood First Policy

Dirty politics and political care in local politics: gendered barriers to moral boundary crossing in Dehradun, India

ABSTRACT ‘Politics is dirty’ is a truism, a taken-for-granted reality in much of the world, particularly in India. Its implications are likewise seen as inescapable. Scholarship examining women’s political underrepresentation often cites the ‘dirty’ nature of democratic politics as a key disincentive for women to participate. While not disputing that politics is, in some respects, ‘dirty’, I question the mechanisms through which it is said to hinder women’s political representation. Drawing upon ethnographic research with female party workers and elected municipal councillors in Dehradun, North India, I analyse how ‘dirty politics’ positions women as ‘out of place’ within the political realm. While both men and women engage in acts of political care, men can more easily transgress the boundaries between them, straddling both ‘dirty politics’ and a ‘politics of care’. This production of the ‘political’ as a realm unsuitable for women or mismatched with their activities, is one factor contributing to the underrepresentation of women in politics in South Asia, and beyond.

A Study on the Historical Development of Hydro Diplomacy in South Asia

The South Asian region comprising countries namely India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives, holds a significant geo-political and economic position. These countries share a complex history of colonialism which led to a political demarcation of boundaries resulting in various problems in sharing common sources/water bodies in the region. This paper focuses on the historical development of hydro diplomacy in South Asia, with an emphasis on the Indus River Basin, Kabul River Basin & GangaBrahmaputra-Meghna River Basin in an attempt to scrutinize water politics in South Asia. A substantial number of bilateral agreements and treaties have been signed amid different countries of the region to ensure the maximum utilization of its vast river systems. However, challenges remain in managing water resources at a regional level effectively and addressing the needs of all stakeholders. Understanding the historical development of hydro diplomacy provides insights into the complexities faced in managing transboundary water resources in South Asia. This paper highlights the importance of cooperation, negotiation, and updated agreements to ensure sustainable and equitable use of water in the region in the backdrop of legal and customary International law on transboundary river water sharing.

Gods in the public sphere: political deification in South Asia

ABSTRACT This article proposes the idea of ‘political deification’ as a useful analytical concept to theorize the efficacy of religious icons, symbols, and objects in the political field of social movements and electoral politics in South Asia. This article uses the insight from various ethnographic studies to understand comparatively what political deification does, that is, what it is productive of. Some forms of political deification operate at the scale of the nation and sovereign authority; other forms operate at the scale of more localised caste-based communities within relatively established political orders; while yet other forms are scaled in ways that enable them to partake in countercultural formations that work to bring new political communities into being in opposition to an established order. We argue that political deification is fundamentally productive of political communities at different scales, in different contexts, and different parts of South Asia.

Framing South Asian politics: An analysis of Indian and Pakistani English print media discourses regarding Kartarpur corridor.

This paper aims to analyze the divergent perspectives of Indian and Pakistani English print media on opening the Kartarpur corridor. It is a four-kilometer-long cordoned-off strip from the Indo-Pak international border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur located in Pakistan. The basic purpose of establishing this corridor is to give easy access to the Indian Sikh community. The initiative was taken into account in August 2018, which resulted in the appearance of a vast quantity of contemplations in the national print media of both countries, especially until the opening of the corridor in November 2019. Print media plays a key role in building knowledge and framing the general public's opinion through interpreting an issue. The data were taken from Dawn, The News International (Pakistan), The Times of India, and Hindustan Times (India) from August 2018 to March 2020 using Lexus Nexus Library. The corpus analysis was carried out by applying the lexical study of Natural Language Processing (NLP) through its Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) tool to find out the general patterns or topics in the print media of both countries. It was found that Pakistani print media terms the Kartarpur corridor as a sign of regional peace, religious tourism, mediation, and diplomatic efforts. In contrast, Indian print media focuses on apprehensions related to traveling modalities, pilgrimage facilities, and tensions between the two states.

Myanmar and the Rohingya: in the shadow of Sino-Indian geopolitical competition

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the geopolitical factors that have been the catalyst for the Rohingya crisis, with special attention on the roles of China and India. It then situates those views through 20 in-depth interviews of informants from Bangladesh who are experts in South and Southeast Asian politics. Bangladesh has borne the brunt of accommodating the fleeing Rohingyas and is currently bearing the ensuing socio-economic costs. The research findings suggest that as a result of Chinese and Indian strategic interest in Myanmar and competition for regional dominance, the Rohingya have become the meat in the sandwich, and the ‘Rohingya crisis’ has been propelled into a status quo.

Power Politics in South Asia: Analyzing India-US-China-Pakistan strategic quadrilateral

South Asian politics is currently marked by ever-enhancing power politics between India and Pakistan, which is exacerbated by the extra-regional predilections, particularly US and China, to the respective states. Against this backdrop, this research analyzes the security and nuclear dimensions of India-Pakistan power politics. Additionally, it holistically highlights various dynamics of Indo-US strategic partnership and Sino-Pakistan strategic convergence. The theoretical framework used is the concept of power politics to underlie the engagement of regional and extra-regional powers in pursuit of their realist goals in South Asia, while the type of research is exploratory. In the end, it is concluded that the extra-regional influences have been fanning the Pakistan-India contestation, causing instability in the region.