Dr Rudabeh Shahid - Geopolitics and Statelessness in South Asia

IAS Residential Fellow Dr Rudabeh Shahid delivers a seminar on their research -

This keynote speech addresses the issue of statelessness in South Asia, emphasizing the region's geopolitical dynamics. It begins by defining statelessness and discussing its impact on human rights. It continues by exploring historical factors that have contributed to statelessness, including the Partition of India and the legacy of colonialism. The talk additionally presents case studies from Myanmar and Sri Lanka, demonstrating how national policies and ethnic conflicts have resulted in large populations of stateless individuals, leading to severe socio-economic and political challenges. Additionally, the presentation examines the role of major global players such as China, the US, UK, and Japan in shaping the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. The presentation underscores the complex relationship between national security and human rights obligations, thereby calling for coordinated efforts by South Asian nations and international organizations to devise and execute strategies that tackle both the immediate effects and the root causes of statelessness.

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