The South Asia Center is the hub for the Atlantic Council’s analysis of the political, social, geographical, and cultural diversity of the region. ​At the intersection of South Asia and its geopolitics, SAC cultivates dialogue to shape policy and forge ties between the region and the global community.

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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.



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All Events

Event Recap

Jun 22, 2016

International commitment to Afghanistan: A conversation with SRAP Ambassador Richard Olson

By Nidhi Upadhyaya

On June 21st, the South Asia Center hosted a discussion with Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Olson, to discuss the current state of affairs in the region. Moderated by Ambassador James B. Cunningham, Senior Fellow in the South Asia Center, this discussion comes at a time when Afghanistan faces mounting challenges. The […]

Afghanistan Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Event Recap

Jun 16, 2016

Ben Rhodes: Tearing Up Iran Nuke Deal Will Precipitate a Crisis in the Middle East

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The next US president would precipitate a crisis in the Middle East and alienate America’s allies if he or she decides to tear up the nuclear deal with Iran, a senior White House official said at the Atlantic Council on June 16. “The way in which the Iran deal was structured creates enormous disincentives for […]

Iran Middle East

Event Recap

Jun 13, 2016

Security Seen as Priority for Megacities

By Mitch Hulse

Densely populated cities need to prioritize safety and security as urbanization rates swell and resources become strained, said Tom Ridge, the first US secretary of homeland security. “We face a remarkable challenge: if you are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare for such dense populations, where do you get the resources to deal with […]

Brazil France

Event Recap

May 17, 2016

This brave new world: India, China, and the United States

By Michelle Foley

On May 17th, the Brent Scowcroft Center for International Security and the South Asia Center co-hosted Anja Manuel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of the RiceHadleyGates LLC, for a discussion on her new book, “This Brave New World: India, China, and the United States.” In the book, Manuel discusses the implications for the world order given […]

China Climate Change & Climate Action
Kimberly Motley

Event Recap

Apr 18, 2016

Motley’s law: The new age of legal representation

By South Asia Center

On April 18, the South Asia Center’s Afghanistan Rising Initiative hosted Kimberley Motley for a conversation about her experiences as an international litigator in Afghanistan and around the world, as well as her advocacy for rule of law and human rights worldwide. In her remarks, she emphasized how the rule of law means little if […]

Afghanistan Rule of Law

Event Recap

Mar 31, 2016

The new Afghanistan: A conversation with Rula Ghani

By South Asia Center

On March 31, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center hosted First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Rula Ghani for a public and on the record conversation about the progress made under the Ghani Presidency, and the challenges that remain for Afghanistan. The Atlantic Council’s President and CEO Frederick Kempe made welcome remarks, underscoring […]

Afghanistan

Event Recap

Feb 24, 2016

Data diplomacy in South Asia: Water, natural hazards, and regionalism

By South Asia Center

On February 24, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center hosted a conversation with Saleem H. Ali, University of Queensland’s Chair in Sustainable Resource Development, entitled “Data Diplomacy in South Asia: Water, Natural Hazards, and Regionalism.” Effective regional planning in the Indus Basin argues for increased transboundary data sharing on environmental indicators. Many analysts believe that […]

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Event Recap

Jan 11, 2016

Space weapons and the risk of nuclear exchange

By South Asia Center

On January 11, 2016—building on a 2015 feature on space weapons and the risk of nuclear exchange—the South Asia Center and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists convened a panel of experts to discuss the danger that anti-satellite weapons pose to global security. Panelists included Dr. Nancy Gallagher, Interim Director at the Center for International […]

Nuclear Nonproliferation

Event Recap

Dec 14, 2015

The wisdom of a grand nuclear bargain with Pakistan

By South Asia Center

The policy options available to address Pakistan’s growing nuclear arsenal are “not particularly good,” according to Dr. Toby Dalton, co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Dalton addressed the question of growing international concern over Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal on December 14 at the South Asia Center’s event, “The Wisdom of […]

Nuclear Nonproliferation Pakistan

Event Recap

Dec 8, 2015

Building regional stability: Addressing Pakistan’s conflict-displaced persons

By Nicole Pfeifer

On December 3, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center hosted Mr. John Groarke, US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Pakistan Mission Director, to discuss efforts to bring stability to the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) in Pakistan and the greater region.  Joined by The Hon James Cunningham, Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan and currently a […]

Pakistan Security Partnerships
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