Politics

Stay informed on the latest political developments in South Asia with in-depth analysis, news, and stories from across the region at Himal Southasian

Dictated democracy? Bhutan struggles to stabilise its government and political system

With elections looming, Bhutan – one of the youngest democracies in the world – is struggling to stabilise its government and political system.

By I P Adhikari

/ 17 Dec 2012

Dictated democracy? Bhutan struggles to stabilise its government and political system

Mother to many

Pushpa Basnet, the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year, talks to Himal.

By Kristen Zipperer

/ 3 Dec 2012

Taming the east

In overcoming the Eastern Province’s challenge to their power, the Rajapaksas have browbeaten the judiciary, undermined devolution, and seeded new conflicts.

By Tisaranee Gunasekara

/ 30 Nov 2012

The eclipse of feudalism in Pakistan

Rural Pakistan has been transformed over the last half-century, the people are more free; but the old values continue to extract a toll.

By Arif Hasan

/ 16 Nov 2012

65 years and counting

India-Pakistan visa relaxation for ‘Midnight’s Children’ may be too little too late.

By Neelkamal Puri

/ 12 Nov 2012

Where will we live?

Arif Hasan speaks on the 'World-Class City' concept, and its repercussions on urban planning for Asian cities.

By Arif Hasan

/ 18 Oct 2012

Becoming Bangladeshi

Reflections on the origins of identities in Bangladesh, and the perennially unfinished business of shaping them in Southasia and beyond.

By Prashanta Tripura

/ 11 Oct 2012

February in History

The Maldives’ Commission of National Inquiry report is a history written by the victors, but it forces all parties to look to the future, not the past.

By Daniel Bosley

/ 14 Sep 2012

‘Where Indian growth is crooked’

Economist Amit Bhaduri speaks about the current direction of the Indian economy.

By Neeta Deshpande

/ 29 Aug 2012

The return of the Taliban puritans?

The stoning of a woman and the attack at a weekend vacation spot have woken up Afghanistan's young but a pro-peace protest movement is only at its very beginnings.

By Thomas Ruttig

/ 21 Aug 2012

Not just another border

A closer look at an Indo-Pak border crossing that defies the stereotypes.

By Tridivesh Singh Maini

/ 15 Aug 2012

Violence in Kokrajhar

Uncontrolled immigration in Assam has not only angered locals, but also provided them an excuse to mistreat all immigrants: illegal, Muslims, Bangladeshis or otherwise.

By Walter Fernandes

/ 7 Aug 2012