RESEARCH AREAS

South Asia

AEI's work on South Asia examines U.S. relations with countries such as Pakistan and India, regional security issues, trade, economic development, democratization, and human rights issues. This section of the website gathers together AEI research, books, and events focused on South Asia.

Feature: Troops in Afghanistan

Photo courtesy of U.S. Army/
Sgt. Matthew Moeller

President Obama identified a number of questions that must be answered before he can make a considered decision about whether or not to increase troop levels in Afghanistan. Kimberly and Frederick W. Kagan's new report on Afghanistan calls for an additional 40,000-45,000 U.S. troops there in 2010. In graphic detail, the report tells us what forces are needed, how and where they might be used, and why we must succeed.

Afghanistan Force Requirements | Frederick W. Kagan and Kimberly Kagan
The Afghan Illusion | Frederick W. Kagan, Kimberly Kagan, and James M. Dubik
Conference Call: Frederick W. Kagan on Afghanistan

"Why We Need More Troops in Afghanistan" | Frederick W. Kagan
"Afghanistan Assessment" | Frederick W. Kagan and Kimberly Kagan

Scholars on South Asia

Dan Blumenthal
South Asia regional issues
Thomas Donnelly
Defense issues related to Afghanistan and Pakistan
Frederick W. Kagan
Defense and military strategy in Afghanistan; security developments in Pakistan; AEI's Critical Threats Project
Danielle Pletka
South Asia (India and Pakistan)

Recent Publications

McChrystal Lite

By Thomas Donnelly , Tim Sullivan
The Weekly Standard
Monday, November 9, 2009

A clever commander like McChrystal and the capable troops he leads will no doubt figure out how to make the most of what they have got. But a half-surge would seem to cut their prospects of winning by more than half.

The Two-Front War

By Frederick W. Kagan
The Weekly Standard
Monday, November 9, 2009

Pakistan has shown surprising determination and competence in its struggle against one part of the Islamist network. The United States must show similar determination and competence in our struggle against the other.

U.S. Must Back Karzai--Flaws and All

By Thomas Donnelly
Washington Examiner
Tuesday, November 3, 2009

We must go to war with the partners we have, not necessarily the ones we would like to have.

Unfortunately, Failure Is an Option

By Lawrence B. Lindsey , Reuel Marc Gerecht
The Weekly Standard
Monday, November 2, 2009

Option B defines a problem as being too serious to ignore and thereby requiring resources, yet commits fewer resources than would guarantee success.

» List all Recent Publications

Books

Sustaining India's Growth Miracle

Edited By Charles W. Calomiris , Jagdish Bhagwati
Columbia University Press
(January 2008)

This volume analyzes the forces behind India's emerging role as a world economic player and identifies the hidden weaknesses that, if unaddressed, may slow the country's growth.

The Islamic Paradox Shiite Clerics, Sunni Fundamentalists, and the Coming of Arab Democracy

By Reuel Marc Gerecht
AEI Press
(November 2004)

This monograph concludes that, paradoxically, those who have hated the United States the most nowhold the keys to spreading democracyin theMuslim Middle East.

The War against the Terror Masters Why It Happened, Where We Are Now, How We'll Win

By Michael A. Ledeen
St. Martin's Press
(January 2002)

The war on terrorism is new to America, but the battle has raged for decades. This book reveals the full story--and how it will end.

» List all Books

Events

PAST EVENTS

Afghanistan Strategy: The Way Forward

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
04:00 PM - 05:30 PM

The United States faces a critical decision point in its next steps in Afghanistan. This event will address the implications of such policy choices and the prospects for success in the struggle against extremist forces.

Natural Allies? U.S.-Indian Relations in the Obama Era

Monday, June 29, 2009
09:00 AM - 12:30 PM

How will the security challenges in South Asia shape security cooperation between the United States and India?

Can India Afford to Be a Great Power?

Thursday, June 5, 2008
03:00 PM - 04:30 PM

Will the national bureaucracy shed its legendary inefficiencies and mitigate corruption? Will the Indian armed forces procure the weaponry and talent necessary to field a fully modern force?

» List all Past Events