A transatlantic charter of Afghanistan

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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All In-Depth Research and Reports

Issue Brief

Apr 8, 2022

Technology for social good

By Uzair Younus

Growing cooperation between the United States and India in the digital realm presents significant opportunities in terms of investment, job creation, and deeper trade linkages. Deeper technological cooperation can also make a significant impact on improving social outcomes, particularly as they relate to empowering local communities by democratizing access.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Mar 28, 2022

Pakistan: The next great infrastructure connector

By Ali Jehangir Siddiqui

Pakistan sits at the crossroads of the abundant resources of Central Asia and the Middle East, and the lucrative markets of China and India. It therefore has the potential to play a significant connecting role, one that enables broader regional interdependency while boosting domestic economic prospects.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Mar 21, 2022

Trading in US-India data flows: Prospects for cooperation in US-India data policy

By Justin Sherman

This issue brief details opportunities for cooperation and sources of contestation in US-India data policy. It then recommends that the United States and Indian governments convene bilateral dialogues focused narrowly on achieving tangible, near-term objectives on data policy.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

In-Depth Research & Reports

Feb 15, 2022

Realizing the promise and potential of “Web3” for Pakistan

By Uzair Younus

This paper is an initial attempt to frame debate about the Web3 ecosystem in Pakistan – which is a $100+ billion opportunity – and make recommendations on how policymakers should approach regulating this sector.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

Issue Brief

Oct 18, 2021

Recasting Pakistan’s water scarcity challenge

By Fazilda Nabeel

Pakistan’s water situation is at a crossroads. The country has been increasingly cited by international organizations for being on the brink of water scarcity because of its declining per capita water availability. At the same time, the architecture of water resource governance in the country is undergoing a major overhaul.

Civil Society Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Aug 4, 2021

Beyond Pakistan’s 2021-22 budget: The economy and growth

By Uzair Younus

Recently appointed to his position, Shaukat Tarin has positioned the budget as being growth oriented in focus, with significant increases to subsidies, public-sector development, and salaries of government employees.

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform
india, trade relations

Report

Jul 6, 2021

Reimagining the US-India trade relationship

By Ridhika Batra, Mark Linscott, Anand Raghuraman, Harsha Vardhana Singh

The United States and India have long striven to maintain and deepen bilateral ties, weathering Cold War tensions and antagonisms over India’s nuclear tests to reinvigorate linkages and strengthen cooperation.

Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jan 14, 2021

The hard work ahead in improving US-India agricultural trade

By Mark Linscott and Scott Sindelar

Between the United States and India, challenges on trade, specifically agricultural trade, persist. This analysis concludes that both countries should pursue a multi-pronged approach to expanding bilateral agricultural trade.

India South Asia

Issue Brief

Sep 16, 2020

Aligning India’s data governance frameworks

By Mark Linscott and Anand Raghuraman

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.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Sep 9, 2020

Transforming Indian agriculture: A policy framework to guide US-India partnership

By D. Narain

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.

Economy & Business India