International Politics
Introduction
International Politics
After the end of the cold war, foreign and security policies have been subject to rapid change. This development has been further accelerated after September 11. The debates surrounding the war on Iraq have brought to the surface tensions between the USA and Europe – as well as within Europe itself. The implications of American unilateralism are still unfolding. Afghanistan, which was at the heart of assault post September 11, still faces political instability.

Nonetheless, with Afghanistan having recently joined the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), a new opportunity has arisen for regional cooperation. It is increasingly being realized that the involvement and support of neighbors is essential to ending conflict, stabilization and reconstruction in that country. However, persistent antagonism between India and Pakistan has raised Pakistani fears of strategic competition in Afghanistan. As a result, the Indo-Pakistan peace process; peacebuilding in Afghanistan; and American, European and NATO involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan have all become interlinked. Increasingly, questions of foreign, security, and developmental policy have become intertwined.

Given this background, the Foundation underscores that traditional security policies such as deterrence and containment have been replaced by risk prevention, crisis intervention, and preemptive policy measures.

Foreign Affairs and Security

Pakistan’s nuclear bayonet

An extremist takeover of Pakistan is probably no further than five to 10 years away. Even today, some radical Islamists are advocating war against America. Read more on the website of HBS, Berlin. Pervez Hoodbhoy

Article

Why Afghanistan could dominate talks with Obama

 - November 9, 2010 -

The Obama visit coincides with a critical stage of America's longest war in Afghanistan. This will occupy much of the behind-the-scenes activity, which is the core of each other's national security concern, notes Shanthie Mariet D'Souza.

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Article

India's Tripartite Plan for Afghanistan

 - September 20, 2010 - Delhi is drawing closer to Iran and Russia in anticipation of a U.S. troop drawdown. While the United States seeks to revamp its Afghanistan strategy, India, too, is reassessing its approach to the war-torn country. Its vision, a kind of regional "concert of powers" with Russia and Iran, would not only protect India's interests in Afghanistan in the short term but could help stabilize the country in the long term after U.S. troops leave. By Shanthie Mariet D'Souza more»

Article

Reinventing Pakistan

 - March 25, 2010 - The article clearly explains the present scenario of  Pakistan holistically. Pakistan have to look into itself for the solution of the problems rather than expecting from United States or India or any other country.Homoginization is not the criterion for development. The respect for diversity and economic, political and social justice should be the priority for development rather than theocracy. By Pervez Hoodbhoy more»

THE FLIGHT TO NOWHERE

Pakistan’s Nuclear Trajectory

 - This unpublished piece is an excerpt of the forthcoming book of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung ( Nov 09) in the Publication series on Promoting Democracy under Conditions of State Fragility. By Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy more»

South Asia’s Nuclear Rejectionism

 - Although they may not be racing each other, India and Pakistan are in a full-fledged nuclear arms race. Today, they are the world’s only countries that are openly increasing their fissile material stocks. By Pervez Hoodbhoy more»

The Impact of the Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal on the NPT and the Global Climate Regime

 - The climate and the non-proliferation regimes are crucial to protect our world from the two potential crises of catastrophic climate change and nuclear war. Promoting nuclear power will weaken these regimes, make nuclear war more likely, and is unlikely to protect us from climate change. It is time to move away from nuclear power towards more sustainable ways of generating electricity By M. V. Ramana more»

Regional Cooperation

Indian Peace Delegation’s Visit to Pakistan

April 14, 2011 - An Indian peace delegation visited Pakistan from 17-26th March 2011 to express their solidarity with the Pakistani civil society and to jointly reiterate the desire of the people in both the countries to see the India-Pakistan dialogue moving forward. They met civil society members, journalists, law makers, federal ministers and leaders of various political parties who welcomed them with open arms. more»

Report

Afghanistan-India-Pakistan Trialogue 2009

 - June 14, 2010 - The instability in the South Asia revolves around the nature of relationship between Afghanistan-India-Pakistan Triangle. Bilateral efforts some times ignore the wholistic view of conflicts. This trialogue provides a platform to policy makers, analysts and Track II representatives involving civil societies to discuss all issues comprehensively. more»

Conference

An Assembly Towards a Union of South Asian Peoples.

 - Geopolitically South Asia has never been a coherent region. South Asia is suffering from numerous conflicts leading to political and economic instability. The regional organisations like SAARC have failed to meet people's expectation. This conference identified relevant issues and suggested future course of action and made a pledge to enhance regional cooperation not only in economic matters but also towards building a unique South Asian Identity above national considerations. more»

CONFERENCE

India - Pakistan Conference: A Road Map towards Peace

 - India and Pakistan constitute a volatile region of Asia. Distrust, suspicion and hostility has flared into wars and conflict on occasion, and kept relations between the two countries simmering even in the best of times.  Ten organisations are part of this initiative: ANHAD, Centre for Policy Analysis, COVA, Focus on the Global South, India; Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Hind-Pak Dosti Manch, Peace Mumbai, SAHR, SANGAT, and SAPA. more»

Global Governance

POLICY PAPERS

Foundation Newsletter and Resources on the G20

The Heinrich Böll Foundation publishes a monthly newsletter, the “G20 Update,” on the G20 Summit processes and outcomes with special emphasis on the contributions to the processes by civil society organizations (click here for the February 2012 issue. It also maintains a “drop box” of information and publications about the G20. more»

Publication

Questioning Globalization

- Originating from the association with the Heinrich Böll Foundation Asia-Europe Dialogue project Kavaljit Singh's Questioning Globalisation is a critical analysis of the motivations and ulterior goals which accept certain global developments in the name of an essential reactionary agenda responding to the forces of globalisation.With the help of case studies, statistical data and cogent analysis, the book debunks several myths associated with the globalization process. Kavaljit is Founder-Director of the Delhi-based Public Interest Research Centre. more»

German Politics

Multi-culturalism in Germany, the Netherlands and beyond. In search of new concepts

February 2, 2010 - The disturbing rise of right-wing votes in several states during the recent European elections asks for a revision of the concepts of integration, diversity and multi-culturalism. Michal Bodemann is advocating a new approach to maintain immigrants' distinct cultures, while at the same time open new gateways to institutional structures. By Y. Michal Bodemann more»