| Title: | South Asia: Retrospect and Prospects |
| Author/s: | Iqbal Singh Sevea |
| Abstract: | ISAS presents a milestone publication that examines important facets of contemporary South Asia. The region is increasingly important in the evolving global geopolitical and geoeconomic order. The region is home to some of the fastest growing economies, a young population, and expanding digital infrastructure. Furthermore, the significance of the region has been accentuated by geopolitical reconfigurations and escalating contestations for influence in the Indian Ocean. At the same time, the South Asian countries continue to grapple with a multifaceted array of challenges. These range from internal ideological contestations and high rates of inflation to the urgent need to mitigate the impact of climate change. The diversity of the region serves to accentuate the complexity of these challenges. Apart from providing well researched insights into the state of play in contemporary South Asia, this book draws attention to the complexities of South Asia as well as the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the countries of the region.
This publication is structured around five key themes: geopolitics and international relations; trade and economics; domestic politics; human development; and climate change. While structured along these themes, the book adopts an interdisciplinary approach. Such an approach is crucial for a critical understanding of a region that is as socio-economically, geographically, culturally, ideologically, and politically diverse as South Asia. The book also covers all the eight countries of contemporary South Asia: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Each chapter in this book takes a deep dive into a specific topic. It brings together internationally renowned scholars and policymakers to study issues ranging from the state of democracy in South Asia and entrepreneurship in South Asia to the evolution of South Asia’s relations with powers like the United States and China. Overall, the publication also draws attention to the links between South and Southeast Asia (financial, digital, and the blue economy). This publication is a testament to ISAS’ commitment to scholarly excellence and its enduring role as a thought leader in the understanding of contemporary South Asia. This book is viewed as an important means of not only presenting detailed analyses of key topics but also as a medium to encourage readers to immerse themselves in the diverse interplay of geopolitics, economics, politics, human development, and environmental sustainability. |
| Date: | 30 July 2026 |
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| Title: | India, China, and Climate Change Governance Leadership and Responsibility in the Asian Global South |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan, Agnieszka Nitza-Makowska, Elo Süld |
| Abstract: | This important volume sheds light on how the major Asian Global South states – India and China – are handling their leadership roles and responsibilities within the broader framework of global climate diplomacy, examining their governance efforts and ability to shape and manage global climate challenges.
Bridging international geopolitics and climate governance from a Global South perspective, the book looks in-depth at the internal dynamics, strategic positioning, and global interactions of China and India in climate politics and governance. Chapters analyse climate ties, intra-South rivalries, and cooperation efforts between neighbouring countries, providing region-specific case studies from the Middle East, Central and South Asia. The book also highlights the role of non-state actors in shaping climate governance. By critically examining the extent to which India and China exercise agency and responsibility in the global climate regime, the book attempts to critically engage with the prevailing assumptions about responsibility, hierarchy, and influence in global climate politics. The book will be of value to scholars, researchers, and postgraduate students in the fields of international relations, political science, environmental governance, and climate change studies. |
| Date: | 15 July 2026 |
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| Title: | Routledge Handbook of State, Nation and Nationalism in South Asia |
| Author/s: | Amit Ranjan |
| Abstract: | The Routledge Handbook of State, Nation and Nationalism in South Asia analyses the nature of postcolonial South Asian states, examines enduring debates on nation and nationalism, and investigates the role of interconnected structure and agency in constructing an idea of nation and nationalism in respective South Asian countries.
Following an introduction by the editor, the book is structured in three parts: Part I, Nature of State; Part II, Imagining a Nation and Nation-Making; and Part III, Contesting Nationalism. Written by a mix of established and young scholars on South Asian politics and related disciplines, this handbook explores the following pertinent questions about the region: What is the nature of the State? Who identifies which identity groups are part of the nation and who are the “others”? What is the “dominant” form of nationalism? Why do identity-based differences and conflict exist? A useful guide and reference work, this handbook will be of interest to students and researchers of South Asian Studies and related disciplines. |
| Date: | 21 May 2026 |
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| Title: | When Audit Matters: CAG Interventions That Made a Difference |
| Author/s: | Vinod Rai |
| Abstract: | When Audit Matters: CAG Interventions That Made a Difference offers a compelling re-examination of public audit as a force for institutional strengthening and governance reform, rather than merely a mechanism for fault-finding or compliance. Bringing together contributions from experienced government auditors, the volume presents real-world case studies across sectors such as infrastructure, finance, environment, social welfare and public service delivery, illustrating how evidence-based audits can lead to corrective action, policy recalibration and stronger administrative systems.
The book highlights the evolving role of India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in promoting transparency, accountability and better governance outcomes. Through analytical insights and first-hand accounts, it demonstrates how professional judgement and rigorous auditing practices can improve procedures, strengthen controls and support democratic accountability. Accessible yet rigorous, this volume will be of interest to policymakers, public administrators, auditors, scholars and anyone interested in the role of institutions in enhancing state capacity and public trust. |
| Date: | 15 April 2026 |
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