Tag Archives: India

India’s Soft Power Remains Diminished, But Beijing’s Appeal Remains Untested

Posted on December 24, 2017 by William Holland

The politics of the subcontinent are intractable.  That’s because most westerners shape their policy convictions from inside the ideological symmetries of the enlightenment whose apex is Westphalia.  Clearly, whoever continues to teach it this way hasn’t visited the subcontinent where … Continue reading →

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Trump’s Assessment of Afghanistan: The Preview

Posted on August 21, 2017 by William Holland

Tonight the President will address the nation on our commitment to Afghanistan, by any reckoning I imagine that he will continue to posture U.S. forces in line with his national security adviser McMaster, who has advocated a mini-surge of U.S. … Continue reading →

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India’s Prospectus: A Market Based Economy?

Posted on June 26, 2017 by William Holland

The Raj lives on in India as a near permanent rentier economy.  Often called the license Raj, the sobriquet is fitting yet damaging.  The ground harnessing this collectivist agenda is geography and history, the twin engines for international relations. Indian consciousness … Continue reading →

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Pakistan’s ‘Relief Valve’, The Azaadi of Kashmir

Posted on May 29, 2017 by William Holland

The Economist  provides an unrivaled summary of the geopolitical consequences of the British partition of India.  Positioning Muslim majorities on both sides of India effectively sought to keep New Delhi in a perpetual state of siege.  Only Northern Ireland & … Continue reading →

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Asia’s Future: Hindutva or Caliphate

Posted on May 14, 2017 by William Holland

Modi’s win in Uttar Pradesch brings coattails.  Most thought Modi’s rise could survive any blemish, nevertheless, we’re witnessing the limits of secular writ in India.  The rise of Modi cannot be laid at the feet of Amit Shah, Modi’s chief … Continue reading →

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Kashmir, Islamabad & New Delhi

Posted on July 24, 2016 by William Holland

I’ve spent a lifetime in pursuit of understanding the intricate geopolitical wiles of the Subcontinent, especially Pakistan.  In short, its not a democracy and it just may well be the perfect challenge for any sitting President, to undertake dealings with … Continue reading →

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India’s Fragile Democracy: Indebted Tycoons & Trumps

Posted on July 23, 2016 by William Holland

Teachers unions throughout the United States and indebted unions with enormous unfunded liabilities tried using Conservative arguments favoring States Rights to avoid having to recognize the supremacy of federal law regarding bankruptcy proceedings.  The Constitution spoke of the supremacy of federal law … Continue reading →

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India: Banking Reform & Credit Allocation

Posted on June 6, 2016 by William Holland

Dominant political majorities politicize banking.  In the United States, banks have been regulated to the point of dysfunction.  It continues this way because it serves the policy goals of a dominant political class.  Keeping banks near insolvency isn’t a policy … Continue reading →

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Apaiser: Peace or Imminent U.S. Defeat, The Parisian Afghani’s & Power Blocks

Posted on December 23, 2012 by William Holland

About 40 miles north of Paris is the lovely town of Chantilly, a town known for horse training.  This luxury town is now witnessing the imminent defeat of America throughout the AfPak region.  How is this so?  America has a … Continue reading →

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The Great Gamble

Posted on October 20, 2012 by William Holland

There are two authorities on the AfPak region that are worth reading, Dr. Anatol Lieven who resides at King’s College, London and Ahmed Rashid.  Dr. Rashid currently has residence at Oxford University.  Both men have impeccable credentials along with language … Continue reading →

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