Some issues flagged up in the candidates’ manifestos are revealing. These are protecting the rule of law, youth employment, balanced economic development, pro-poor laws and strong institutions.
Five years ago the remote Himalayan state of Bhutan turned from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, making it the youngest democracy on earth. Looking back at the developments since the transition, the democratization of Bhutan was a success story despite a few shortcomings.
The Sino-American competition for allies within Asia Pacific could be an opportunity for these countries to compel China to narrow conflicting issues, especially India who should focus its foreign policy into engaging China in a proactive way.
After bilateral talks between India and Pakistan, Medha Bisht analyses the underlying issues plaguing the negotiations.
