Hungary: Green Chances in the new Parliament The next Hungarian parliament could include two green formations: Dialogue for Hungary (PM), which will surely have some members in parliament, and Politics Can Be Different (LMP). If LMP surpasses the election threshold an independent parliamentary group is guaranteed. By Róbert László
Patriarchal Politics: The Struggle for Genuine Democracy in Contemporary India The 21st century has inherited the unfinished agenda of globalising democracy in a more vibrant form. In many instances there is a feeling of unease about the achievement of representative democracy because of the ongoing tendency of democratic nations to exclude or marginalise large sections of society. After 65 years of freedom and democracy India’s democratic structures continue to be restricted by their patriarchal foundations and women still fail to enjoy full and equal citizenship right across the country. By Ranjana Kumari
Regionalism, Parties and India's emerging Politics The recent local elections in India and the upcoming general electionhave opened up for speculation and debate on the role of smaller state-based regional parties. This article analyses how regionalism shapes India's political system. By Ajay K. Mehra
The Big Indian Development Debate For more than a decade, fast-growing India appeared to be well on the path to become another superpower. However, a considerable part of India’s population has remained poor; India’s growth lacks social inclusion. The debate is not new, but it is gaining increased attention in the current economic downturn, with elections pending for spring 2014. By Axel Harneit-Sievers
The Indian Growth Story – Achievements and Future Challenges Since India's economic liberalisation in 1991, the country has experienced impressive growth figures. Two decades after the reforms, social and ecologic costs of India's economy are surfacing. In an interview, environmentalist Ashish Kothari draws a picture of the Indian growth story and its deficits.
The Complicated Rise of India’s Regional Parties The “rise” of regional political parties seems to be an eternal theme on the Indian political scene. The exponential increase in the number of parties contesting elections, particularly over the past two decades, and the shrinking margins of victory in parliamentary elections are direct results of the emergence of new regional power centers. By Milan Vaishnav
The Aam Aadmi Party: A democratic revolt against the old order Emerged from an anti-corruption movement, the Aam Aadmi Party has made a spectacular entrance into Indian politics and challenged the rules of Indian politics. By Ajaz Ashraf
"Discrimination arouses hatred" What is the situation with regard to the rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans* and inter* (LGBTI) worldwide? The Director of the German Institute for Human Rights, Prof. Dr. Beate Rudolf in an interview with Caroline Ausserer. By Caroline Ausserer
Afghanistan's wasted potential The country’s natural resources, especially its abundance of water, could bring great benefits to the Afghans – but only if the right conditions can be achieved. A summary of "Afghanistan's Transition in the Making?" By Stefan Schaaf
In the Name of the People? Political protests in Thailand and the underlying conflict The opposition in Thailand continues to occupy Bangkok. The protests have been accompanied by widespread rumors of a coup as well as social tensions. Elaine Haller from our office in Bangkok analyzes the reasons for the escalation of the events. By Elaine Haller