[{"_1":2,"_335":-5,"_336":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_16":17,"_333":334},"root",{"_5":6,"_14":15},"fb",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":12,"_13":8},"apiKey","AIzaSyAdxqOaB63feHHqSm_nZCKsSHpSAcxkct8","authDomain","thediplomat.firebaseapp.com","projectId","firebase-thediplomat","appId","ga",true,"routes/$issue",{"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":23},"slug","2024-07","path","/2024-07","issue",{"_24":25,"_26":27,"_28":29,"_30":31,"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43},"eid","-O-tbQ2wpU8FKqDvxq28","title","Indian Foreign Policy Under Narendra Modi: A Decade of Transformation","description","This month, our cover story takes stock of how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decade in power has reshaped Indian foreign policy – and what to expect from the next five years and beyond. We also analyze Japan’s growing security role in the Pacific Islands region and trace the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s evolution from a regional security grouping to an emerging bloc in great power competition. And, of course, we offer a range of reporting, analysis, and opinion from across the region.","masthead","

\n Publisher\n Diplomat Media, Inc.
\n 3033 Wilson Blvd
\n Suite 700
\n Arlington, VA 22201
\n United States of America\n

\n Publisher\n James Pach\n

\n Editor-in-Chief\n Shannon Tiezzi\n

\n Managing Editor\n Catherine Putz\n

\n Southeast Asia Editor\n Sebastian Strangio\n

\n South Asia Editor\n Sudha Ramachandran\n

\n Contributing Editors\nAbdul Basit
\nSnigdhendu Bhattacharya
\nKavita Chowdhury
\nShanthie Mariet D’Souza
\nShihoko Goto
\nJames Guild
\nMubashar Hasan
\nBrian Hioe
\nLuke Hunt
\nUmair Jamal
\nAisyah Llewellyn
\nMercy A. Kuo
\nRathindra Kuruwita
\nPatricia O’Brien
\nMong Palatino
\nSantosh Sharma Poudel
\nRathindra Kuruwita
\nRajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
\nTita Sanglee
\nSribala Subramanian
\nThisanka Siripala
\nPaolo Sorbello
\nTroy Stangarone
\nTakahashi Kosuke
\nColleen Wood
\nGrant Wyeth
\nMohamed Zeeshan\n

","number",116,"date","July 2024","month",7,"year",2024,"status","rdy","toc",[44,61,69,84,94,124,154,184,213,243,268,288,313],{"_24":45,"_46":47,"_26":48,"_49":50},"LTR","priority",0,"Letter","pages",[51],{"_24":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":59,"_40":41,"_26":60},"-O-tbQf_-uLz_vggVK0D","lead","

Foreign policy is always evolving.

","model","story","preview",1,"letter-from-the-editors","Letter From the Editors",{"_24":62,"_46":58,"_26":63,"_49":64},"CVRS","Cover Story",[65],{"_24":66,"_53":67,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":68,"_40":41,"_26":27},"-O-tbQfrAZwsGRPMcWUs","

Modi’s assertive foreign policy approach has redefined India's image to that of a more proactive global player. But can India live up to the hype?

","indian-foreign-policy-under-narendra-modi-a-decade-of-transformation",{"_24":70,"_46":71,"_26":72,"_49":73},"LDS",2,"Leads",[74,79],{"_24":75,"_53":76,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":77,"_40":41,"_26":78},"-O-tbQfrAZwsGRPMcWUt","

The expansion of security and defense cooperation stands as the most spectacular change in Japan’s contribution to the region in recent years.

","japans-enhanced-security-engagement-with-the-pacific-islands","Japan’s Enhanced Security Engagement With the Pacific Islands",{"_24":80,"_53":81,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":58,"_18":82,"_40":41,"_26":83},"-O-tbQfrAZwsGRPMcWUu","

China and Russia have pushed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization beyond its original mission, at the expense of practical regional collaboration.

","sco-expansion-a-double-edged-sword","SCO Expansion: A Double-Edged Sword",{"_24":85,"_46":86,"_26":87,"_49":88},"INT",3,"Interview",[89],{"_24":90,"_53":91,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":92,"_40":41,"_26":93},"-O-tbQfsNVclGx7KTpMN","

Under Xi, China’s economic approach “has been and is likely to be state-led innovation and development.”

","sara-hsu","Sara Hsu",{"_24":95,"_46":96,"_26":97,"_49":98},"CHN",4,"China",[99,104,109,114,119],{"_24":100,"_53":101,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":102,"_40":41,"_26":103},"-O-tbQftWj0oC2EIOrEr","

Recent speeches by China’s defense and foreign ministers provide new context on the Global Security Initiative.

","chinas-vision-for-a-multipolar-security-order","China’s Vision for a ‘Multipolar’ Security Order",{"_24":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":58,"_18":107,"_40":41,"_26":108},"-O-tbQftWj0oC2EIOrEs","

From bolstering tech ambitions to propping up the property market, China’s leaders have no shortage of urgent priorities to pursue.

","where-does-chinas-economic-policy-go-from-here","Where Does China’s Economic Policy Go From Here?",{"_24":110,"_53":111,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":112,"_40":41,"_26":113},"-O-tbQftWj0oC2EIOrEt","

Led by “King” Fu Kun-chi, Hualien County has become a nexus for political and economic connections with the PRC.

","how-china-gained-a-foothold-in-eastern-taiwan","How China Gained a Foothold in Eastern Taiwan",{"_24":115,"_53":116,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":86,"_18":117,"_40":41,"_26":118},"-O-tbQfugTHqYa-_MUZd","

In a lecture to China’s top legislative body, a leading computer scientist outlined a national AI strategy focused on developing the real economy and overcoming U.S. tech restrictions.

","chinese-leaderships-in-house-lecture-offers-valuable-insights-into-chinas-ai-strategy","Chinese Leadership’s In-House Lecture Offers Valuable Insights into China’s AI Strategy",{"_24":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":96,"_18":122,"_40":41,"_26":123},"-O-tbQfugTHqYa-_MUZe","

Hong Kong’s vague and ambiguous concept of “national security,” imported from the mainland, is being applied to arts and culture.

","hong-kong-and-tiananmen-erasing-memory-in-the-name-of-national-security","Hong Kong and Tiananmen: Erasing Memory in the Name of National Security",{"_24":125,"_46":126,"_26":127,"_49":128},"NEA",5,"Northeast Asia",[129,134,139,144,149],{"_24":130,"_53":131,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":132,"_40":41,"_26":133},"-O-tbQfugTHqYa-_MUZf","

Even as Japan’s government seeks to attract more workers from abroad, public sentiment is souring on foreign tourists.

","japan-wants-to-improve-its-foreign-worker-policy-but-xenophobia-prevails","Japan Wants to Improve its Foreign Worker Policy, But Xenophobia Prevails",{"_24":135,"_53":136,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":58,"_18":137,"_40":41,"_26":138},"-O-tbQfvUcmkZze6gzVb","

The ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party scuffle for control over the National Assembly’s standing committees.

","south-koreas-legislature-paralyzed-yet-again","South Korea’s Legislature Paralyzed, Yet Again",{"_24":140,"_53":141,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":142,"_40":41,"_26":143},"-O-tbQfvUcmkZze6gzVc","

Domestic, bilateral, and global trends are combining to reshape China-South Korea trade for the long term.

","reality-check-south-korea-and-china-face-more-complex-economic-dynamics","Reality Check: South Korea and China Face More Complex Economic Dynamics",{"_24":145,"_53":146,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":86,"_18":147,"_40":41,"_26":148},"-O-tbQfvUcmkZze6gzVd","

For North Korea’s military-industrial complex, collaboration with Russia creates a self-perpetuating cycle.

","why-north-koreas-military-partnership-with-russia-is-here-to-stay","Why North Korea’s Military Partnership With Russia Is Here to Stay",{"_24":150,"_53":151,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":96,"_18":152,"_40":41,"_26":153},"-O-tbQfwn_NzfABeByTD","

While South Korea’s interests were clear, what was evident from the summit was the lack of clarity on African governments’ joint, specific position on engagement with Seoul.

","south-korea-africa-summit-a-disappointing-outcome","South Korea-Africa Summit: A Disappointing Outcome?",{"_24":155,"_46":156,"_26":157,"_49":158},"SOA",6,"South Asia",[159,164,169,174,179],{"_24":160,"_53":161,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":162,"_40":41,"_26":163},"-O-tbQfwn_NzfABeByTE","

Narendra Modi has emerged weaker from the recent elections. He is not invincible. Will that change his style of functioning?

","can-an-autocratic-modi-become-a-team-player","Can an Autocratic Modi Become a Team Player?",{"_24":165,"_53":166,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":58,"_18":167,"_40":41,"_26":168},"-O-tbQfwn_NzfABeByTF","

The main challenge lies in raising taxes in a country that has long failed to widen its tax base.

","pakistans-ambitious-budget-made-with-an-eye-on-imf-deal","Pakistan’s Ambitious Budget Made With an Eye on IMF Deal",{"_24":170,"_53":171,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":172,"_40":41,"_26":173},"-O-tbQfx2zCOHWkADy4E","

A number of factors, including perceived electoral irregularities, a lack of genuine competition, and disenchantment with local governance, has eroded public trust in the electoral process.

","low-voter-turnout-apathy-mar-bangladeshs-local-elections","Low Voter Turnout, Apathy Mar Bangladesh’s Local Elections",{"_24":175,"_53":176,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":86,"_18":177,"_40":41,"_26":178},"-O-tbQfx2zCOHWkADy4F","

Why would Afghans, who are very familiar with Taliban brutality, be impressed with their justice system?

","providing-rural-justice-aided-talibans-takeover-of-afghanistan","Providing Rural Justice Aided Taliban’s Takeover of Afghanistan",{"_24":180,"_53":181,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":96,"_18":182,"_40":41,"_26":183},"-O-tbQfx2zCOHWkADy4G","

Modi will need to set aside some Hindu nationalist goals to hold on to the support of his secular allies in government.

","how-different-will-modi-30-be-from-previous-terms","How Different Will Modi 3.0 Be From Previous Terms?",{"_24":185,"_46":37,"_26":186,"_49":187},"SEA","Southeast Asia",[188,193,198,203,208],{"_24":189,"_53":190,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":191,"_40":41,"_26":192},"-O-tbQfyQygFl28yIoKW","

Why has China taken such strong actions against the Philippines, while seemingly turning a blind eye to major land reclamations by Vietnam?

","explaining-vietnam-and-the-philippines-divergent-south-china-sea-strategies","Explaining Vietnam and the Philippines’ Divergent South China Sea Strategies",{"_24":194,"_53":195,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":58,"_18":196,"_40":41,"_26":197},"-O-tbQfyQygFl28yIoKX","

Reports of arson attacks and the mass displacement of Rohingya civilians in western Myanmar are being used as rhetorical weapons in the country’s civil war.

","the-burning-of-buthidaung-allegations-denials-and-silence-in-myanmars-rakhine-state","The Burning of Buthidaung: Allegations, Denials, and Silence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State",{"_24":199,"_53":200,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":201,"_40":41,"_26":202},"-O-tbQfyQygFl28yIoKY","

The region is home to a thriving and massively profitable black market trade in small arms, many of them sourced from official military stockpiles.

","in-southeast-asia-the-authorities-are-the-biggest-gun-dealers-in-town","In Southeast Asia, the Authorities Are the Biggest Gun Dealers in Town",{"_24":204,"_53":205,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":86,"_18":206,"_40":41,"_26":207},"-O-tbQfyQygFl28yIoKZ","

The war of words between the Duterte and Marcos clans has made the former president an unlikely – and unconvincing – champion of free expression.

","dutertes-ironic-free-speech-advocacy-in-the-philippines","Duterte’s Ironic Free Speech Advocacy in the Philippines",{"_24":209,"_53":210,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":96,"_18":211,"_40":41,"_26":212},"-O-tbQfzr5nL-w7YtHoz","

Some Vietnamese nationalists view Phnom Penh’s decision to press ahead with a controversial canal project as a sign of ingratitude.

","how-the-politics-of-gratitude-inflames-cambodia-vietnam-relations","How the ‘Politics of Gratitude’ Inflames Cambodia-Vietnam Relations",{"_24":214,"_46":215,"_26":216,"_49":217},"CEA",8,"Central Asia",[218,223,228,233,238],{"_24":219,"_53":220,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":221,"_40":41,"_26":222},"-O-tbQfzr5nL-w7YtHp-","

A recent agreement sketches out the framework for the long-discussed railway to proceed, but many of the financing details remain unclear.

","details-and-a-lack-thereof-the-china-kyrgyzstan-uzbekistan-railway","Details and a Lack Thereof: The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway",{"_24":224,"_53":225,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":58,"_18":226,"_40":41,"_26":227},"-O-tbQg-nAlUe-lNUyD2","

“One way or another, our journalists will do what matters.”

","keeping-kyrgyz-journalism-afloat-while-the-island-of-democracy-sinks","Keeping Kyrgyz Journalism Afloat While the Island of Democracy Sinks",{"_24":229,"_53":230,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":231,"_40":41,"_26":232},"-O-tbQg-nAlUe-lNUyD3","

Uzbek imams and religious bloggers occupy an influential space online in Uzbekistan.

","imams-in-uzbekistan-asked-to-stay-off-social-media","Imams in Uzbekistan Asked to Stay off Social Media",{"_24":234,"_53":235,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":86,"_18":236,"_40":41,"_26":237},"-O-tbQg-nAlUe-lNUyD4","

Connecting with Iran may be tempting for Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, but increased relations with Tehran may ultimately be counterproductive.

","could-iran-be-a-gateway-for-central-asia","Could Iran Be a Gateway for Central Asia?",{"_24":239,"_53":240,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":96,"_18":241,"_40":41,"_26":242},"-O-tbQg-nAlUe-lNUyD5","

Central Asian nations have seized the initiative, emerging as worldwide pioneers in tackling the challenge of repatriating and reintegrating citizens who traveled to Iraq and Syria.

","how-central-asia-approaches-repatriation-and-reintegration-from-middle-east-war-zones","How Central Asia Approaches Repatriation and Reintegration From Middle East War Zones",{"_24":244,"_46":245,"_26":246,"_49":247},"OCE",9,"Oceania",[248,253,258,263],{"_24":249,"_53":250,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":251,"_40":41,"_26":252},"-O-tbQg-nAlUe-lNUyD6","

With its proposal to develop nuclear power, the Liberal Party has focused Australia’s collective mind more clearly on its energy future. But the complications may prove far too toxic.

","australias-liberals-go-nuclear","Australia’s Liberals Go Nuclear",{"_24":254,"_53":255,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":58,"_18":256,"_40":41,"_26":257},"-O-tbQg03TrIVSG1nhXK","

To evaluate whether Wellington’s shift toward tighter defense cooperation is truly abandoning a long-held tradition, first we must ask what an “independent foreign policy” really means.

","re-thinking-new-zealands-independent-foreign-policy","Re-Thinking New Zealand’s Independent Foreign Policy",{"_24":259,"_53":260,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":261,"_40":41,"_26":262},"-O-tbQg03TrIVSG1nhXL","

The island nation is far from alone in adopting a “look north” policy. It’s time for Canberra to take a long, hard look at why.

","solomon-islands-new-government-a-chance-to-reset-australias-pacific-diplomacy","Solomon Islands’ New Government: A Chance to Reset Australia’s Pacific Diplomacy",{"_24":264,"_53":265,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":86,"_18":266,"_40":41,"_26":267},"-O-tbQg03TrIVSG1nhXM","

While political relations have improved, Australian public opinion on China remains generally negative.

","despite-the-diplomatic-thaw-australians-still-deeply-mistrust-china","Despite the Diplomatic Thaw, Australians Still Deeply Mistrust China",{"_24":269,"_46":270,"_26":271,"_49":272},"USA",10,"US in Asia",[273,278,283],{"_24":274,"_53":275,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":276,"_40":41,"_26":277},"-O-tbQg17Yyt8MnTc_ac","

As the G-7 seeks to set global standards, including on tech issues, it should be mindful of the diversity of the moral compass in the Indo-Pacific.

","asian-values-in-the-moral-debate-for-ai-governance","Asian Values in the Moral Debate for AI Governance",{"_24":279,"_53":280,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":58,"_18":281,"_40":41,"_26":282},"-O-tbQg17Yyt8MnTc_ad","

It seems unlikely Trump 2.0 would upend security structures in the region. In trade and commerce, however, Trump’s potential return has Asian officials and observers hugely worried.

","asia-on-edge-what-maga-think-tanks-reveal-about-a-trump-20-presidency","Asia on Edge: What MAGA Think Tanks Reveal About a Trump 2.0 Presidency",{"_24":284,"_53":285,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":286,"_40":41,"_26":287},"-O-tbQg17Yyt8MnTc_ae","

The political conditions in the U.S. aren’t quite right – and China doesn’t seem receptive to such outreach, rendering it an unnecessary option for the time being.

","should-the-us-initiate-a-new-round-of-backroom-diplomacy-with-china","Should the US Initiate a New Round of Backroom Diplomacy With China?",{"_24":289,"_46":290,"_26":291,"_49":292},"SCR",11,"Security",[293,298,303,308],{"_24":294,"_53":295,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":296,"_40":41,"_26":297},"-O-tbQg2q69x91wvYkWu","

Given rising concerns about a Taiwan emergency, it’s worth revisiting the last full-scale invasion of the island in 1895.

","invading-taiwan-lessons-from-history","Invading Taiwan: Lessons From History",{"_24":299,"_53":300,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":58,"_18":301,"_40":41,"_26":302},"-O-tbQg2q69x91wvYkWv","

A look at where the PLA’s cutting-edge aircraft programs – from the J-XD to J-20 upgrades and the mysterious H-20 stealth bomber – stand.

","chinas-6th-generation-and-upcoming-combat-aircraft-2024-update","China’s 6th Generation and Upcoming Combat Aircraft: 2024 Update",{"_24":304,"_53":305,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":306,"_40":41,"_26":307},"-O-tbQg2q69x91wvYkWw","

Like the 2021 edition, Germany’s 2024 Indo-Pacific Deployment will signal Berlin’s commitment to the region – and the limits of its presence.

","germanys-defense-engagement-in-the-indo-pacific-is-a-balancing-act","Germany’s Defense Engagement in the Indo-Pacific Is a Balancing Act",{"_24":309,"_53":310,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":86,"_18":311,"_40":41,"_26":312},"-O-tbQg2q69x91wvYkWx","

Mongolia’s energy security needs to be viewed holistically, as a function of its economy, environment, and geopolitical situation.

","mongolias-precarious-energy-security","Mongolia’s Precarious Energy Security",{"_24":314,"_46":315,"_26":316,"_49":317},"ASL",12,"Asia Life",[318,323,328],{"_24":319,"_53":320,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_46":47,"_18":321,"_40":41,"_26":322},"-O-tbQg3EvN5L5Rs9HjS","

Like pre-college education before, high school education in India is witnessing a massive shift to the private sector.

","from-free-access-to-free-market-the-rise-of-private-indian-universities","From Free Access to Free Market: The Rise of Private Indian Universities",{"_24":324,"_53":325,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":58,"_18":326,"_40":41,"_26":327},"-O-tbQg3EvN5L5Rs9HjT","

The hit film “Vina: Sebelum 7 Hari” drew its inspiration from the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in 2016, prompting accusations of bad taste.

","art-imitates-life-in-indonesian-horror-film-but-is-anyone-entertained","Art Imitates Life in Indonesian Horror Film – But is Anyone Entertained?",{"_24":329,"_53":330,"_55":56,"_57":47,"_46":71,"_18":331,"_40":41,"_26":332},"-O-tbQg3EvN5L5Rs9HjU","

With the DPP’s legacy on marriage equality as a springboard, President Lai should advance LGBTQ rights in Taiwan through a two-pronged strategy.

","taiwans-lgbtq-progress-under-lai-ching-te-from-rhetoric-to-action","Taiwan’s LGBTQ Progress Under Lai Ching-te: From Rhetoric to Action","routes/$issue.cover",{"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":23},"actionData","errors"]