| Title: | AI Governance in the Indo-Pacific: Competition, Sovereignty and Strategic Adaptation |
| Author/s: | Karthik Nachiappan |
| Abstract: | Artificial intelligence (AI) governance is becoming a major policy challenge in the Indo-Pacific as AI increasingly shapes economic competitiveness, national security, digital sovereignty and workforce transformation. While the United States (US) and China dominate global AI development, the Southeast Asian countries are developing their own approaches to harness AI’s benefits while managing risks related to regulation, jobs and technological dependence.
This Special Report examines how the Southeast Asian nations are balancing opportunities from both US and Chinese AI investments without becoming overly reliant on either. It also highlights the importance of cooperation with Germany and Europe to promote shared principles that ensure AI development supports openness, human dignity and a stable international order. |
| Date: | 23 June 2026 |
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| Title: | How South Asia’s Energy Transition Can Respond to Global Disruptions: Regional Stakeholder Perceptions |
| Author/s: | Jhalak Aggarwal, Saeeduddin Faridi, Pushpa Sharma, Ravi Shankar Prasad |
| Abstract: | The South Asian countries – from India and Bhutan to Sri Lanka and Nepal – are accelerating their energy transition. Home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, the region has vast renewable resources and growing energy markets. At the same time, geopolitical uncertainties have heightened concerns around energy security, reinforcing renewable energy as both an economic and strategic priority.
This Special Report brings together regional perspectives on the key trends and challenges shaping a just energy transition. Drawing from a roundtable co-organised by ISAS and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, India, the report outlines pathways for greater regional cooperation to support the transition, manage declining fossil fuel revenues, and advance a shared renewable energy future. |
| Date: | 15 May 2026 |
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| Title: | Humanitarianism, Development Assistance, Early Warning and Political Violence in South Asia in a Post-Liberal International Order |
| Author/s: | Ruth Hanau Santini, Andrea Novellis, Rajni Gamage, Devyani Chaturvedi |
| Abstract: | ISAS, in collaboration with the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, convened an online roundtable in October 2025 on humanitarianism, development assistance, early warning and political violence in South Asia within a post-liberal international order. The participants noted the limitations of current predictive tools and called for hybrid approaches that combine qualitative and quantitative methods. They emphasised that despite technological advances, gaps in implementation persist, requiring improved transparency, data sharing and coordination, alongside a more anticipatory and cooperative global framework for effective humanitarian action.
Drawing on these discussions, this report examines how intersecting global crises – such as conflict, economic instability and climate change – are reshaping humanitarian action and early warning systems in South Asia and the broader Global South. It finds that overlapping challenges are straining the capacity of states and international institutions, particularly amid a weakening liberal international order characterised by reduced multilateral cooperation, politicisation of aid and shifting global priorities. |
| Date: | 29 April 2026 |
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