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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Nooruddin in International Studies Review: The forum: Global challenges to democracy? Perspectives on democratic backsliding

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
Nooruddin in International Studies Review: The forum: Global challenges to democracy? Perspectives on democratic backsliding

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
Nooruddin in International Studies Review: The forum: Global challenges to democracy? Perspectives on democratic backsliding

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

In the News

Jun 12, 2023

Nooruddin in International Studies Review: The forum: Global challenges to democracy? Perspectives on democratic backsliding

By Atlantic Council

Democratic Transitions Elections

In the News

Jun 9, 2023

Chhibber, Mohseni-Cheraghlou, and Narayanan cited in ORF report on Bretton Woods and development

Read the full report here.

Africa Economy & Business
Ferryman Siddique Hawlader (2nd-R), 45, rides his boat on the Buriganga river in Dhaka, Bangladesh, March 29, 2023.

SouthAsiaSource

Jun 6, 2023

<strong>What the new US visa policy for Bangladesh means</strong>

By Ali Riaz

The US visa restrictions alone will not guarantee a free and fair election or restore democracy in Bangladesh. However, the new policy sends a loud and clear message.

Bangladesh Democratic Transitions

In the News

Jun 4, 2023

Hakimi quoted in Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: The limits Of China’s budding relationship with Afghanistan’s Taliban

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan China

New Atlanticist

May 30, 2023

China is trading more with Russia—but so are many US allies and partners

By Josh Lipsky, Niels Graham

A number of countries have increased their trade with Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, including non-aligned countries and even some EU members.

China Economy & Business

In the News

May 29, 2023

Halaimzai & Theros in PeaceRep: Establishing the Afghanistan Research Network

By Atlantic Council

Sahar Halaimzai and Marika Theros recently established The Afghanistan Research Network (ARN) as a first step to preserve, sustain and amplify Afghan expertise and knowledge, and to provide analysis that can inform creative actions in the short-term while helping shape future prospects for a more stable and pluralistic Afghanistan in the long-term. The Afghanistan Research Network aims […]

Afghanistan Freedom and Prosperity

MENASource

May 25, 2023

Developing countries need a loss and damage fund for climate change. How can COP28 make it happen?

By Lama El Hatow

A L&D fund is the last lifeboat for these countries after decades of struggle to achieve some form of global climate justice.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

In the News

May 25, 2023

Nawaz quoted in Dawn: Experts flay govt’s ‘nonsensical’ economic policy

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Pakistan

In the News

May 24, 2023

Younus in Financial Times: Pakistan pins hopes on Chinese help in debt crunch

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business International Financial Institutions

In the News

May 23, 2023

Ahmad in Foreign Policy: It’s time to recognize the Taliban

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Fellow

Tasha Manoranjan

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English Human Rights

Staff

Alyxandra Marine

Associate Director and Resident Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Crisis Management Defense Policy

Fellow

Paul D. Miller

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Pakistan

Fellow

Stanislava Mladenova

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Afghanistan Conflict

Fellow

Cameron Munter

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center South Asia Center

National Security Conflict

Fellow

Gopal Nadadur

Nonresident Senior Fellow, India

Economy & Business India
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Events

Online Event Wed, April 8, 2026 • 8:30 am ET

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