Modi’s India

The United States knew twentieth century India through Mother Theresa who served the sickly in an ocean of poverty or through a Hollywood’s terrifying Tantric named Mola Ram, from the Indiana Jones universe. India came close to declaring sovereign default in 1991 with foreign reserves of just US$1 billion. Dr. Manmohan Singh, an economist of…

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The Afghan Reversal

In the ever-evolving chessboard of South Asian geopolitics, Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture, grappling with the unintended consequences of its once-vaunted alliance with the Taliban. What was envisioned as a strategic triumph – a friendly regime in Kabul and a buffer against Indian influence – has morphed into a complex web of challenges….

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From the Editorial Desk (March 2025)

The World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos gave a unique opportunity to engage with global investors, policymakers, and thought leaders, reaffirming the country’s commitment to economic growth, digital transformation, and regional development. In the previous edition, I reflected on the first three events organized by Pathfinder Group; ‘Inspiring Pakistan’, ‘Pakistan Breakfast’ and ‘Investment Pakistan.’…

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State – Society Conflict in Pakistan

The state-society interaction in Pakistan has a direct connection with the country’s political stability, governance structure, and economic development. This interaction has resulted in a multifaceted conflicting scenario in which the country’s political and social landscapes are passing through critical phases. The leading academic surveys from diverse directions of international intellectual communities have emerged, they…

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Twenty Years

The American war in Afghanistan lasted for two decades and a substantial number of books were written by western military men, diplomats, politicians, and journalists. They provide an outside perspective, and no Afghan has written about the experience of their nation. Twenty Years by Sune Engel Rasmussen is unique as it gives experience of several…

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Future of Gaza

Context In the post-October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, the geopolitics of Middle East is fast evolving. This has been accompanied by the loss of Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria in December 2024. The inauguration of President Trump on January 20, 2025 has presented unique threats…

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The Geographical Rationale

Lord Palmerston, a British statesman and Prime Minister is often quoted to have said that there are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends but only permanent interests in international relations. He was primarily correct because Britain did not have land borders contiguous with any other nation but Ireland. However, for countries with neighbours geographically…

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Youth Bulge or Youth Burden?

Pakistan – A land of vast resources and brilliant people – is a mantra we have grown up with, but over the years’ harsh realities hit. Almost 60% of the population of Pakistan consists of youth and the majority is hanging between education institutes and the job market. Every year, a boat sinks far away…

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