In The News

Sri Lanka Tells China It Will Rethink Ties and a Major Port Project

Chen Qin and Huang Shan March 12, 2015
Foreign relations can shift with a new national government, and a key link in China’s plan for a maritime Silk Road winding through the Pacific and Indian oceans has been put on hold in Sri Lanka. The new government under President Maithripala Sirisena announced an environmental review for a proposed port and retail project in Sri Lanka. The deal included more than 1 million square meters of land...

Under Modi, India Challenges Old Assumptions

Harsh V. Pant March 12, 2015
Foreign policy in India has abruptly reversed course under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in office since May. Rather than maintain India’s aloof and traditional non-alignment stance, Modi has initiated a fresh start with major powers, engaging all with a confident enthusiasm to secure the best possible outcomes for India. Modi’s diplomacy is pragmatic and pro-active, explains Harsh V. Pant,...

Why “India’s Daughter” Should Be Seen in India

Salil Tripathi March 6, 2015
Indian courts tried blocking “India’s Daughter,” the BBC film on the 2012 gang rape and murder of a physiotherapy student on a city bus, from a global showing. “As Indian government officials drummed up publicity for the film in a way that was beyond the wildest imagination of any marketing executive – calling for its global ban, complaining about defaming India, worrying about impact on tourist...

Thai Coup Alienates US Giving China New Opening

Shawn W. Crispin March 5, 2015
After months of street protests, the Thai military ousted Prime Minster Yingluck Shinawatra’s elected government in May 2014, replacing her with General Prayuth Chan-ocha. Thailand has been a long-time strategic partner for the United States on many global initiatives, and US diplomats criticized the coup. “As the erstwhile allies drift apart, China has moved to fill the gap with economic aid and...

History Without Borders

Peter C. Perdue February 24, 2015
The conflicts of the modern world are deeply rooted in centuries of history. Historians and social scientists could do more to develop research across disciplinary, regional and national boundaries, argues Peter Perdue, professor of history at Yale University. “Everyone knows that we live in a globalized world, but the history profession stands out among academic disciplines for defining its...

New Contours

Nayan Chanda February 18, 2015
Good relations between countries can develop quickly with a few gestures. After President Barack Obama joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s Republic Day celebrations, some critics expressed concern about the two leaders linking up to contain China. Instead, China moved swiftly to improve ties with India. For emerging economies, an alliance with a larger power no longer locks them into...

Beyond the Pomp and Pageantry

Nayan Chanda February 5, 2015
Barack Obama was the first US president to attend India’s annual Republic Day celebrations – an invitation that undoubtedly will add to improving relations between the two countries while lending speed to domestic reforms urged by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Mod, explains Nayan Chanda, YaleGlobal editor, in his column for Businessworld. “The highly symbolic visit by a US President and the...