Author: Pravar Petkar, Head of Strengthening Democracy Desk The world’s largest democratic exercise has now concluded. The BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate and incumbent PM Narendra Modi is set for a third term in office. Yet the dynamics now are very different to those in 2014 and 2019: gone is the BJP’s overall majority; Modi instead …
‘Power’, said Marcus Aurelius, ‘is something that can only be exercised within oneself, upon ones own mind – not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength’. [Meditations, Book VI, Ch. 8] It is a question that we seldom ask these days – what really is power; where is it found; and how can …
The Nature of Power: A Complex and Intricate Dance Read More »
Author: Shruti Kapil, Associate Security & Mutual dependence Summary: the 2024 General Elections in India have been labeled the ‘AI elections’. There is growing evidence of both opportunities for political parties and threats to the information ecosystem, with a careful balance required between government regulations, innovation and fostering individual responsibility through education. The 2024 general …
Navigating the Minefield: Misinformation and disinformation in Indian elections Read More »
With India’s elections ongoing, questions have been raised about the independence of the Election Commission of India, the body responsible for administering them. Concerns about the Commission’s independence are not new, though there are small signs of progress. This year, the heat of summer in India is accompanied by the heat of its Lok Sabha …
With national elections having begun in India, this article shines a light on the complexities of organising an election for almost one billion voters, including the voting phases, access to poll booths and whether India’s electronic voting systems ensure a free and fair contest. It is co-written by a constitutional law academic from the UK …
Getting almost a billion voters to the polls: a look inside the 2024 Indian Elections Read More »
Intelligence cooperation between the UK and India has a long history and remains a key component of the bilateral relationship. Like most intelligence relationships, there have been moments of highs and lows. However, moving ahead, the quality of this relationship can be strengthened by infusing a sense of equality into a relationship that has hitherto …
Britain needs Stronger Intelligence Cooperation with India Read More »
This is part one of a three-part response to the Carlson-Putin interview. The United Kingdom for all intents and purposes is at war with Russia. Underlying all other points this must never be forgotten. To my mind Tucker Carlson has pulled off the interview of the year. He allowed Putin to speak, and some have …
Why Ukraine and the West must resist Putin’s fuzzy logic Read More »
If post-terror history has anything to teach us, it’s that Israel is set to see a sharp economic downturn. With over 300,000 reservists being drafted for military duty, Israel’s skilled workforce has been squeezed by 15%. India has remained a steadfast ally to Israel and proves that counter-terrorism can be coupled with economic growth. If …
India, Israel and the economic consequences of terror Read More »
Modi’s leadership has brought the once-distant nations closer than ever It is a time when we look to our state leaders for a strong response, one that rejects moral equivalences and stands firmly with Israel and for those in Palestine who stand against terror. Amid this bleak landscape, India has emerged as a steadfast ally to the …
Milton Freedman once wrote “the political system is not inclined to bring about policies that would reduce the scope of government. Politicians win elections by promising benefits, not by imposing burdens.” What Freedman was suggesting was a simple truth, namely that the democratic tendency is always for the state to keep growing by venturing into …
