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From the Editor-in-Chief,
Welcome to the May edition of Diplomatist. To commemorate EU Day, we have
given a fitting focus to the region through a special supplement. It carries
articles and interviews that throw adequate light on the resilience of EU
and its institutions. The ongoing economic recovery in Europe is important for India
as the former happens to be a key trading partner.
The SAARC Summit held in Bhutan last month was not at all an epoch-making
summit. Nevertheless, it gave the region’s leaders the opportunity to revisit some of
the commitments they collectively made in Colombo and elsewhere on different issues.
Setting aside all bickering they found Climate Change as one area to work together
sans bias. This is definitely a silver lining as the regional bloc is often lampooned for
“a glass half empty or half full” depending on one’s level of cynicism. Our analysis
of SAARC is lively.
The Cover Story on the Polls in UK traces not only the scene in UK but also the
fall of many incumbent governments in Europe paving way to centre-right parties.
The Conservatives, short of an absolute majority, rode to power by stitching a
coalition with another political formation. We have documented the finer details of
the pact reached between Tory Party and its coalition partner to give the reader a
wider perspective.
There is another article capturing India’s economic and political relations with
Latin America. The writer has rightly pointed to the sturdiness of the Latin American
and Carribean economies who withstood the rigours of the global economic crisis
through better financial management and are reaching out to emerging economies
like India.
A scholarly article on Africa by a university professor looks at the changing
face of Africa driven by forces of globalization and indigenous aspirations of good
governance.
India’s role in Afghanistan is a matter of controversy. While India perceives its role
as a good neighbourly gesture to offer reconstruction expertise, some grudge it as an
intrusion. An article by a strategic writer looks at India’s options in Afghanistan at a time
“Good Taliban” are being wooed by president Karzai to join the ruling regime.
The world is looking forward to the G20 Summit in Canada in June with great
expectations. Whether it will be a mere stock taking exercise or a ritual in self
congratulation is not clear. But the outcome is bound to dictate continuance of
economic stimulus in many countries. The stand of China and the reaction to a banking
tax plan are going to guide its outcome. Our article dwells deep into all possible
dimensions about the Summit.
Starting with this edition, our readers will get the opportunity to understand more
about India’s leading sectors of business and industry and its captains. I am sure it
will not only enhance understanding of the segments discussed but also prepare our
resourceful readers—national and international—to be part of such success stories
through shared opportunities. So, read on..
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