Indian Middle Classes, Democracy and Electoral Politics Indian "middle classes" had for long been spectators in electoral politics. However, as the country prepares for the 16th general elections, this time around, they seem to be audible and visible everywhere. Who are the middle class in India and what are their role in the election? By Richa Singh
Election Campaigns: Environmental Issues Remain out of Focus Days before the presidential elections in Afghanistan much is discussed amongst the candidates: foreign policies, economic development and reconstruction of the country. No or little attention is being paid to environmental protection, neither from the candidates nor from the people. By Nabila Horakhsh
India’s Nuclear Weapons Programme: The Myth of Moderation India is driving a nuclear and missiles arms race in one of the world’s most volatile and poorest regions, marked by persistent strategic hostility and a hot-cold war between India and Pakistan since 1947. There is very little clarity about India’s nuclear deterrence doctrine. This is likely to add to regional insecurity and instability. By Praful Bidwai
Elections and Foreign Policy in India Despite economic liberalization since 1991, the promotion of exports and increasing foreign direct investment, India is still not a heavy weight in the global economy. However, foreign policy issues have increasingly triggered domestic controversies and government crises in recent years. By Christian Wagner
Afghanistan’s Presidential Election of 2014: Who is leading? 11 candidates were approved by the Afghan Election Commission to compete in the presidential elections in Afghanistan on May 3rd. Here's an overview on the three candidates with the highest chances of winning. By Malaiz Daud
Ukraine: "Women of Maidan - to Women of Crimea" International Women's Day is celebrated in Ukraine to honour 'women's beauty'. Women of Maidan are now aiming to remind of the original meaning of the day and to draw attention to women’s issues in the country. Thus they organized a solidarity action “Women of Maidan – to Women of Crimea”. By Anna Dovgopol
Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party: In defiance of a tired democracy After it was sworn in as the ruling party at Delhi's Legislative Assembly in December, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has had nothing short of a roller coaster ride. This photo essay offers a few glimpses of its rocky ride through their 49 days in office in the first two months of 2014. By Nikhil Roshan
The Limits of the Youth Vote in Indian Elections Especially the 120 million young first voters could have extraordinary impact on the outcome of the elections. It is no surprise then that some political parties started chalking out strategies to attract the young voters of India, by putting forward young candidates and reaching out to the youth in colleges and universities. By Sanjay Kumar
Dossier: Afghanistan’s Transition in the Making? People, Perceptions and the Politics of 2014 2014 is viewed as one of the most important years since the Afghan transition process began, over a decade ago. Western troops are being drawn down and more importantly, the first presidential and provincial elections autonomously organised within the country, will present a further important step within the political transition process. This dossier provides analyses, profiles, interviews, as well as studies that will shed light on the events of what is an important year for Afghanistan.
The ECJ recognises homosexuality as grounds for asylum On November 7, 2013, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided that homosexual asylum seekers be granted asylum in EU Member States. An important judgment that is, however, a drop in the ocean in the light of the EU’s policy of closure with regard to asylum and refugee policy. By Caroline Ausserer