Project

South Asian Politics and Security

Analysis of emerging domestic political, institutional economic, and socio-cultural dynamics and consequences for regional relations and security behaviors.

About the Project

Domestic politics play an increasingly important role in shaping and constraining regional security dynamics throughout South Asia. Evolving developments including slowing macroeconomic growth, intensifying nationalism, challenged political institutions, rising populism and social movements, a diminishing U.S. military footprint, and the increasing economic influence and political presence of China have a profound impact on the region. This project leverages Stimson South Asia’s extensive network of regional and international scholars and analysts to explore these developments and their implications for regional interactions and geopolitical competition.

Research & Writing

Policy Memo

The next administration should craft a standalone South Asia strategy to address regional complexities while aligning with Indo-Pacific priorities.
November 26, 2024

Commentary

In a brief Q&A, Nonresident Fellow Dr. Amira Jadoon explains the wide implications of ISKP’s recent attack in Moscow.
April 16, 2024

Commentary

Despite some early friction, Washington and New Delhi have taken a pragmatic approach in navigating their differences
February 22, 2024

Policy Memo

Collaboration could prevent risks of spillover effects emanating from political, social, and economic instability in Afghanistan.
August 23, 2023

Commentary

How the Russia-Ukraine war is accelerating three long-term shifts in Indian foreign policy.
March 9, 2023

Commentary

More about the context and implications of the shooting that wounded the former Pakistani Prime Minister
November 4, 2022

Policy Memo

A survey of Indian public opinion finds overwhelming nationalism, confidence in military prowess, and support for a large nuclear arsenal
August 17, 2022

Commentary

Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe’s attempt to bring stability to the country has been met with protests and resistance.
August 1, 2022

Report

The U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue convened Indian and American national security experts to offer insight on strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
November 16, 2021

Report

This report was supported by the Asia Center at the United States Institute of Peace.
August 12, 2021

Policy Memo

As the United States withdraws from Afghanistan it is important to examine the role Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) may play in the country’s future security landscape.
August 6, 2021

Policy Memo

For the last 20 years, the United States has mostly overlooked its divergences with India in multilateral forums as the relationship paid economic, strategic, and political dividends bilaterally, whereas the costs of divergences at the multilateral level were negligible. In spite of such exceptionalism enjoyed by New Delhi, U.S. diplomats at all levels reminded their Indian counterparts that India’s “obstinate role [at the UN] was increasingly at odds with our emerging strategic proximity.”
April 15, 2021

Policy Memo

With multilayered and long-standing ties to Afghanistan, Pakistani political actors on the Af-Pak border have an important role to play in Afghanistan’s peace process.
April 14, 2021

Op-Ed

This article was originally published in War On The Rocks.
March 29, 2021

Op-Ed

This article was originally published in War On The Rocks.
February 26, 2021

Commentary

This article was originally published in The Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs.
January 15, 2021

Op-Ed

This article was originally published in The Diplomat.
November 11, 2020

Book

An in-depth analysis of India’s premier professional military education institution with implications for Indian military strategy
September 30, 2020

Op-Ed

This article was originally published by Foreign Policy and was co-authored by Sumit Ganguly
August 28, 2020

Op-Ed

This article was originally published in the Washington Post
August 5, 2020

Stimson in the News

Akriti Vasudeva quoted in South China Morning Post
May 7, 2020

Op-Ed

Originally published in Lawfare.
March 15, 2020

Op-Ed

This op-ed was published in the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
February 4, 2020

Sub-Projects

There are no subprojects associated with this project.