Category: Timely Commentary & Analysis

State of the Order: Assessing January 2022

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Modi faces a critical test in India’s most populous state

By Adnan Ahmad Ansari

2022 will witness one of the most critical Indian elections in recent memory–for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and for India’s democracy.

Global Sanctions Dashboard: Groundhog edition

By Julia Friedlander, Michael Albanese, Maia Nikoladze and Castellum.AI

Who sanctions Russia and why, Colombia’s narcotics trafficking, Iran’s balancing act, and Chinese military sanctions.

Navigating Pakistan’s Afghanistan conundrum 

By Syed Ali Zia Jaffery

While Pakistan is rightly highlighting the need for the international community to engage with the Afghan government, it must ensure that the Afghan Taliban do not ignore Pakistan’s vital security interests.

Event recap: Women’s role in the future of Afghanistan

By Atlantic Council

On January 19, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center and the US-Afghan Women’s Council co-hosted a conversation on women’s role in the future of Afghanistan.

Afghanistan needs a political roadmap to reduce economic hardship

By Omar Samad

Afghans in general are aware that inside the country the Taliban are in the driver’s seat, but the vehicle cannot go far without having other major constituencies onboard as part of a new social contract.

India takes a major step towards regulating crypto

By Adnan Ahmad Ansari

Through the budget, the Indian government has thrown a lifeline to the crypto and Web 3 ecosystem. The ecosystem now needs to build on this opening further as the government prepares to introduce legislation in parliament to regulate crypto assets.

Future of DHS Project identifies the challenges and opportunities to using biometrics at US borders

By Madison Littlepage

The Atlantic Council's Forward Defense practice explores the potential value for incorporating advanced biometric systems at US points of entry.

Ukraine and Dollar Weaponization

By George Pearkes

America has responded to Russian aggression with an unconventional weapon: the dollar.