South Asia

South Asia is home to over 1.8 billion people and the largest youth population in the world. It includes India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, it serves as a strong economic link between the East and the West. South Asia’s strong global connections make it a zone of opportunity for businesses and governments engaging in infrastructure development, trade, and economic development.

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How ‘artivism’ can change society—in Afghanistan and beyond

Issue Brief Apr 1, 2025

Rescuing Pakistan’s economy

By Aasim M. Husain

For decades, Pakistan has struggled with a declining standard of living, skyrocketing public debt, and economic policies that have failed to address the root causes of its stagnation.
Economy & Business Middle East
How ‘artivism’ can change society—in Afghanistan and beyond

New Atlanticist Mar 25, 2025

Starlink’s India launch is a crash course on New Delhi’s approach to tech sovereignty

By Trisha Ray

A recently announced partnership to deploy the Elon Musk-led company’s satellite internet in India offers a window into New Delhi’s “hybrid” approach.
Economy & Business India
How ‘artivism’ can change society—in Afghanistan and beyond

New Atlanticist Feb 19, 2025

Why India and Armenia are now taking their relationship to new heights

By Tatevik Khachatryan, Srujan Palkar

The growing military and diplomatic cooperation between New Delhi and Yerevan benefits both beyond immediate defense concerns.
Economy & Business India

Programs

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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Content

Photo Essay

Nov 17, 2020

How ‘artivism’ can change society—in Afghanistan and beyond

By Kabir Mokamel and Omaid Sharifi

Art can be used as an outlet for self-expression, but also as a tool to advocate for human rights. Through art, we can share the untold stories of the civil society, win back the hearts and minds of our fellow citizens, and send a clear message that activism in South Asia is vigorous and flourishing, and—in a region that continues to face many challenges—demonstrate that change is possible.

Afghanistan Civil Society

New Atlanticist

Nov 13, 2020

Rushing for the exits in Afghanistan would leave a lasting stain on America

By James Cunningham, John Negroponte, Ronald Neumann, Hugo Llorens, Richard Olson, and Earl Anthony Wayne

Withdrawing quickly would end any hope for a decent and responsible peace agreement in Afghanistan, and would also put to rest any prospect that Trump’s legacy might include taking credit for the Afghan peace process that he and his Afghanistan team took the lead in creating.

Afghanistan Conflict

New Atlanticist

Nov 12, 2020

How President-elect Biden can reshape US relations in Greater South Asia

By Shuja Nawaz

With the Taliban feeling increasingly emboldened, President-elect Biden must adopt a new and more practicable strategy for the region that is not based solely on military and security compulsions but includes future-oriented economic and political plans, working with international organizations and partners to achieve common goals.

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Nov 12, 2020

VETERANS DAY 2020 film featured in multiple outlets

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council's premiere of "Veterans Day 2020," written by Nonresident Senior Fellow Michelle Kholos Brooks and produced by Senior Fellow Steven Grundman, was featured in a variety of news outlets, theater sites, and veterans service organizations.

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Nov 9, 2020

Ghori-Ahmad joins Tabadlab to discuss Pakistan’s FATF verdict

By Atlantic Council

Financial Regulation International Financial Institutions

In the News

Nov 7, 2020

Biberman quoted in RadioFreeEurope on possible divisions within the Taliban

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Security & Defense

In the News

Nov 7, 2020

Nawaz quoted in The Express Tribune on the impact of the US Election on US-Pakistan relations

By Atlantic Council

Elections Pakistan

In the News

Nov 6, 2020

Brooks featured in BroadwayWorld for the premiere of her short film ‘Veterans Day 2020’

By Atlantic Council

On November 6, Atlantic Council Nonresident Senior Fellow Michelle Kholos Brooks was featured in BroadwayWorld for the premiere of her short film Veterans Day 2020.

Afghanistan Civil Society

In the News

Nov 6, 2020

Varshney in the Indian Express: US Election 2020 shows a deeply divided nation

By Atlantic Council

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2020

A zero-sum game: What can we expect during the upcoming elections in Myanmar?

By Rudabeh Shahid

While Myanmar gained attention for the restoration of some democratic rights in 2010 following years of military rule, the upcoming election is at risk of undermining this progress amid widespread political repression and human rights violations. There is strong evidence that the elections will be neither free, fair, nor inclusive, as a result of the suppression of free speech, use of hate speech, and cancellation of voting in several regions.

Coronavirus Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Fellow

Grace Abuhamad

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Digital Policy Internet

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Paul Amato

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Missile Defense Nuclear Deterrence

Fellow

Peter Arvo

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

China Human Rights

Staff

Rayhan Asat

Former Senior Legal & Policy Advisor, China Lead

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Central Asia China

Fellow

Kyle Atwell

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Colombia
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Events

Online Event Fri, March 27, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

POSTPONED—IMEC during a time of war
Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia India Middle East