South Asia

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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Graham joined Al Jazeera Inside Story to discuss the implications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

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
Graham joined Al Jazeera Inside Story to discuss the implications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

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
Graham joined Al Jazeera Inside Story to discuss the implications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

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

Jan 3, 2022

Graham joined Al Jazeera Inside Story to discuss the implications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

By Niels Graham

Watch the full panel here.

China East Asia

In the News

Jan 1, 2022

Riaz in BBC Bengali: জো বাইডেন: যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের মানুষের মধ্যে নতুন প্রেসিডেন্টের জনপ্রিয়তা এত দ্রুত কমছে কেন?

By South Asia Center

Bangladesh Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Dec 31, 2021

Riaz contributes to the book “Routledge Handbook of Autocratization in South Asia”: Bangladesh: In Pursuit of a One-Party State?

By South Asia Center

Bangladesh Political Reform

SouthAsiaSource

Dec 28, 2021

How not to privatize: K-Electric and circular debt in Pakistan

By Ammar Khan

K-Electric could have been the jewel in the crown of Pakistan’s privatization program. Unfortunately, it became a case study in how not to destroy investor confidence and value in Pakistan.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Dec 25, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in RadioFreeEurope on the rivalry between regional powers to fill the power vacuum in Afganistan

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Dec 21, 2021

NRSF Javid Ahmad in The Hill: Pakistan is opening a dangerous Pandora’s box with the Taliban

By Atlantic Council

Indo-Pacific Pakistan

In the News

Dec 20, 2021

Younus writes for Profit by Pakistan Today: The China-Pakistan impasse is very real

By Atlantic Council

Indo-Pacific South Asia

In the News

Dec 20, 2021

Cunningham featured in Pulse News Mexico: A Nation on the Verge of Collapse

By Atlantic Council

Indo-Pacific South Asia

In the News

Dec 20, 2021

Ambassador Samad featured on Afpak File Podcast: The First 100 Days: Assessing The Taliban’s Diplomacy And Foreign Policy

By Atlantic Council

South Asia

Event Recap

Dec 20, 2021

Event recap: “The transformative potential of crypto and blockchain for Pakistan”

By Fahim Ahmad

The Atlantic Council South Asia Center's Pakistan initiative, convened a panel discussion on December 13 to discuss the potential of digital currency in Pakistan and how it will benefit the socio-economic situation in the country.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy
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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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