Opinion

One side effect of the polarising effect of nationalism and populism around the world in recent years has been a decrease in the political stability and mandate enjoyed by incumbent regimes. From the erosion of the nationalist hegemony in Malaysia or India to the rise of populism in the United States and pockets of Europe, swings in both directions have led to fragile coalitions, divided legislatures and a rise in uncertainty. One of the few silver linings to emerge from this cloud of political uncertainty was Sri Lanka’s spritely Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who, at age 55, became the youngest president elected by Sri Lankans in 30 years in a runoff to a closely contested election in October. Dissanayake, colloquially known as AKD, and his National People’s Power (NPP) went before the

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Monday to bolster ties between the neighboring countries. Dissanayake said India's economic support is critical in realizing his vision of a prosperous Sri Lanka, as the island nation emerges from the worst economic crisis in its independent history. "Our conversations focused on strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities, fostering regional security, and advancing key sectors such as tourism and energy," Dissanayake, who is popularly known as AKD, said in a statement. "These engagements reaffirm the commitment to deepening the partnership between our two nations." New Delhi's support amid geopolitical te...

At the heart of the problem is India’s decision to not only allow the ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina to stay in India but also willy-nilly allow her to air her controversial views on Bangladesh politics. She has gone to the extent of accusing the Mohammed Yunus-led Bangladesh government for the deteriorating communal situation in the country which according her amounted to a ‘genocide’ of the Hindus. It is not surprising that such statements have annoyed the Bangladesh government. During the visit of India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri to Dhaka on December 9, 2024, Yunus did not miss the opportunity to point this out to his Indian visitor. Characteristic of his polite demeanour he simply complained: “Our people are concerned because she is making many statements from

South Korea’s ruling party has thrown its support behind attempts to impeach embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol over his ill-fated decision to declare martial law that sparked a political crisis and widespread public anger in the country. The announcement came moments before Yoon delivered a defiant speech Thursday in which he attempted to justify his hugely controversial martial law decision and rejected growing calls from across the political spectrum for him to stand down. The People Power Party (PPP) had initially refused to back impeachment, hoping instead Yoon would resign from office. But its leadership said attempts to persuade him had made no progress. “We tried to find a better way than impeachment, but that other way is invalid,” party leader Han Dong-hoon said. “Suspen

Islamabad, Pakistan – Less than two weeks after his “final call” protest in Islamabad was forcefully dispersed, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has pledged to continue his fight, threatening to launch a nationwide civil disobedience movement. In a message posted on X, Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023 on numerous charges, announced the formation of a five-member negotiation team. The team aims to discuss two key demands with the government: the release of under-trial prisoners and the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the events of May 9, 2023 and November 26, 2024 – two dates on which Khan’s supporters held major protests but faced a backlash from the government and security forces. “If these two demands are not accepted, a civil diso