In autumn 2021, the Covid-19 global pandemic lingers on even though vaccinations are getting pace. The 10th issue of Heinrich Böll Stiftung (hbs)'s serial publication Perspectives Asia takes a look at how the pandemic is reshaping state/society relationships in different Asian countries; it also shares down-to-earth Covid-19 experiences from different regions and cultures, on issues as diverse as trust in government institutions, the situation of migrant workers, and gender relationships.
The study takes a civil society perspective to the workings of the Asian Infrastructure Bank. The frameworks, policies and modalities are analyzed to understand the role of civil society in interfacing with the Bank. This is a noteworthy endeavor in the direction of ensuring accountability and accountability standards in Multilateral Development Banks.
The success of green federalism depends on what institutional mechanisms are created to establish communication and procedures between the various tiers of government and the thematic resorts that need to be involved to adequately address projects and programmes towards ecologically sustainable development.
The study enquires the India-ASEAN partnership from a civil society perspective and explores the potential and opportunities of this co-operation. The possibilities for further strengthening the cooperation are drawn out, while highlighting gaps and challenges that presently impede closer ties. The study makes a case for a greater role of civil society organizations between the countries of ASEAN and India.
The latest issue of Perspectives Asia aims to draw a fine line between different forms of nationalism. The articles from various Asian countries focus on strategies and political styles adopted by populist leaders and explain how nationalistic and religious ideas are distorted by politics.
Fishers have lost their place in the seas, their traditional livelihoods and a secure existence. The state offers them solutions that consider questions of climate change and mitigation yet are increasingly technocratic in nature. Based on field work across the coast of Gujarat, this study assesses the impact of industrial development on the fishing community.
Since the beginning of the new millennium, the growth of the “New Middle Class” in the world’s rapidly emerging economies has received much interest, even excitement. But what is new middle class really like in countries such as India and Brazil? And to what extent does it have a potential for green politics?
Over the last years, Asia has undergone an impressive digital transformation. Large parts of the continent have turned from the world’s factory into a creative industry.The different contributions across the continent highlight both the opportunities and risks of digitalization in Asia.
The lecture was an outsiders perspective on Indian Diaspora and Diaspora policies with reference to Africa tracing the links in history, origin of people’s movement in trade and labor, current policies and challenges.
The lecture drew attention on various aspects of India and Indian Diaspora in East Africa, which is largely a business community and is an old Diaspora in the region. The community is integrated though still considered a ‘heritage resource’ for the host and home countries. Their experiences are diverse in the countries they are in and it is important to understand this in order to assess potential towards bettering bilateral relations between India and these countries namely, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
