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— The SAC Team
Flagship reports and issue briefs
Wed, Sep 16, 2020
Aligning India’s data governance frameworks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to usher in another half a billion Indians online is a fitting goal for an ambitious, young digital nation. Yet closing India’s digital divides and developing a robust digital economy will require a moonshot effort that leaves little room for error.
Issue Brief by
Wed, Sep 9, 2020
Transforming Indian agriculture: A policy framework to guide US-India partnership
Agriculture has formed the backbone of India’s economy for many decades and remains crucial to providing food security for the country’s growing population. It constitutes a major pillar of India’s economic growth and a significant contributor to its growing exports sector.
Issue Brief by
Thu, Aug 13, 2020
Evolving news media landscapes in India and Pakistan: Implications for regional peace and stability
India and Pakistan recognize the utility of the press in contemporary conflicts, and seek to deploy it as an offensive weapon in a larger information war. Both countries have utilized digital, print, and broadcast media to shape international perceptions and public opinion domestically.
Report by Fatima Salman
Trade and commerce in South Asia
People gather at a street shoe market in Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 19, 2019. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain
As the countries of South Asia continue to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak, many eyes remain on the region’s role as a major emerging market. Drawing strong interest from the United States and China – as well as their respective allies – the combined economic potential of South Asia is huge, and represents a deep opportunity for the post-COVID global economy.
Thu, Sep 10, 2020
Should trade be more strategic?
The current approach by the Trump administration risks weaponizing international trade and ignoring valuable opportunities to both strengthen US commercial interests and further strategic objectives.
Tue, Sep 8, 2020
The US should pursue a trade policy reset in South Asia
The United States needs a reset on its trade policy in South Asia that focuses on the twin goals of supporting its potential partners in the region and providing tangible economic benefits back home.
New Atlanticist by Amber Jamil
Fri, Aug 21, 2020
Event recap: India – US Partnerships in Global Value Chains with Ambassador Sandhu and FICCI
On Thursday, August 20, 2020, the South Asia Center and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) were joined by Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu for a timely conversation on India-US partnerships in global value chains. FICCI President Dr. Sangita Reddy and Ambassador Sandhu provided opening remarks; FICCI Deputy Secretary General Manish Singhal and FICCI Senior Vice President Uday Shankar moderated the conversation; and FICCI […]
Event Recap by
Countries in focus
Afghanistan
Politically, Afghanistan is at a critical juncture. As the United States deliberates how it will continue to engage with the nation, the pressure is mounting on its regional partners to step up and help stabilize the country for the sake of their own interests as well as those of the Afghan people.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has undergone significant economic and social change since gaining independence in 1971, and is today one of the fastest growing countries worldwide. Despite its impressive achievements, Bangladesh continues to confront challenges including providing livelihoods for its youthful and growing population.
India
India has the strongest economy in the South Asian region, with rapid industrialization and growth in its services sector turning it into a global investment hub, although it continues to rely heavily on its agricultural sector. India must also navigate difficult relations with its neighbors, including Pakistan and China.
Pakistan
It has been hard for Pakistan to achieve strong economic growth over the years, but it still provides opportunities for private sector investors. Security remains a primary concern for Pakistan, as the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan and tensions with its eastern neighbor India persist.
Featured commentary and analysis
In-depth analysis of topics including trade, economic development, democratic institutions, media diplomacy, and regional security.
Fri, Sep 18, 2020
Event recap: The Rohingya Crisis: Three Years On, with Chatham House and the Atlantic Council
On Thursday, September 17, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center partnered with Chatham House to host a panel discussion on the Rohingya refugee crisis to discuss the evolution of the crisis as well as potential international solutions. The webinar was moderated by Dr. Gareth Price, Senior Research Fellow of Chatham House’s Asia-Pacific Programme, and included: Dr. Rudabeh Shahid, nonresident senior fellow of the South Asia Center; Dr. Claire Smith and Ms. Susannah Williams of the Department of Politics at the University of York; and Dr. Ellen Stensrud, a researcher at the Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies.
Event Recap by
Wed, Sep 16, 2020
The international community must do more to support Afghan and Rohingya refugees amid the COVID-19 pandemic
While the international community remains hyper-focused on addressing the virus and its associated economic slowdown, Afghan and Rohingya refugees continue to be forced into a life of complete uncertainty as they escape violence in their home countries. Concerted action by the international community and host countries towards mitigating the virus’ disproportionate effects on asylum seekers would immensely improve refugee welfare.
New Atlanticist by
Tue, Sep 15, 2020
Women must be meaningfully included in the Afghan peace negotiations
The long-awaited Afghan peace process finally began on September 12, and Afghanistan’s women must have a seat at the table. While crucial issues such as disarmament, power-sharing, the presence of foreign troops, human rights abuses, and territorial disputes will likely take center stage, leaders from around the world have issued a call to uphold the right of Afghan women to be included in the talks.
New Atlanticist by
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Leadership
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Harris A. Samad (Project Assistant)
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The South Asia Center has no openings at this time.
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The South Asia Center serves as the Atlantic Council’s focal point for work on greater South Asia as well as its relations between these countries, the neighboring regions, Europe, and the United States.
