Introduction Descriptions of India and of Hindus that have assumed a dominant position in the discourse on Indian civilisation and culture have mostly been those which have distorted the perception of India. Written and expounded with a clear objective of undermining the Indian self-image and self-estimation, these portrayals of India’s traditions and life are the ones which have largely influenced and shaped the understanding of India not only among generations of colonial administrators who came to India but among Indians themselves.

India and China have been pursuing essentially a two pronged strategy in Asia, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. On the one hand, they are engaged in a growing economic partnership with a moderating influence on the strategic competition. On the other hand, they have been relentless in their pursuit of a militarily advantageous position in the region. The equation, however, is not comparable, with India having to account for Pakistan, while China has to contend with a US-Taiwan partnership.

Yet Another Turning Point? Every general election in Pakistan has been viewed with a mixture of trepidation and hope and hence invariably touted as a critical turning point in that country’s history. Full Paper in pdf format is available here

Rise of China: Challenge or Opportunity? China’s extraordinarily rapid rise in the hierarchy of global power is raising concerns about its future policies. Opinion is divided whether China will increasingly assert its power in disruptive ways or will act more responsibly as its own stakes in the international system grow. Arguments can be made for both views, though emerging signs suggest that China’s self-assertion is becoming an unpleasant reality, whereas the expectation that it will work for and within a global consensus remains more a matter of hope.