South Asian Politics Study Cards

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South Asian Politics

The study of political systems, ideologies, and movements in the countries of South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Political Systems

The different forms of government and political structures found in South Asian countries, such as democracy, monarchy, and authoritarian regimes.

Major Political Parties

The prominent political parties in South Asian countries, including the Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and Awami League.

Elections and Voting

The process of electing representatives through voting in South Asian countries, including the role of political parties, electoral systems, and voter turnout.

Government Structure

The organization and functioning of the government in South Asian countries, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Political Leaders

Prominent political figures in South Asian countries, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Foreign Relations

The diplomatic and political interactions between South Asian countries and other nations, including bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and international conflicts.

Political Movements

Social and political movements in South Asian countries, such as the Indian independence movement, the Bangladesh Liberation War, and the Sri Lankan civil war.

Political Challenges

The major challenges and issues faced by South Asian countries, including corruption, poverty, terrorism, ethnic conflicts, and religious tensions.

Political Ideologies

Different political ideologies and belief systems prevalent in South Asian countries, such as socialism, nationalism, secularism, and religious fundamentalism.

Democracy

A political system in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it through free and fair elections, and have the right to participate in decision-making processes.

Monarchy

A form of government in which a single person, usually a king or queen, holds supreme authority and inherits the position based on hereditary succession.

Authoritarian Regime

A government system characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, where the ruling authority exercises absolute control over the state and its citizens.

Indian National Congress

One of the major political parties in India, founded in 1885, and known for its role in the Indian independence movement and subsequent governance of the country.

Bharatiya Janata Party

A right-wing political party in India, founded in 1980, and known for its Hindu nationalist ideology and emphasis on cultural and national identity.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

A political party in Pakistan, founded in 1996, and led by Imran Khan. It advocates for justice, anti-corruption, and welfare reforms.

Awami League

A political party in Bangladesh, founded in 1949, and known for its role in the country's independence movement and subsequent governance.

Electoral Systems

The methods and rules used for conducting elections, including proportional representation, first-past-the-post, and mixed electoral systems.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast their ballots in an election, indicating the level of public participation and engagement in the political process.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, headed by the president or prime minister in South Asian countries.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of elected representatives in the parliament or legislative assembly.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality, consisting of courts and judges in South Asian countries.

Jawaharlal Nehru

The first Prime Minister of India, serving from 1947 to 1964, and a key figure in the Indian independence movement and nation-building.

Indira Gandhi

The first female Prime Minister of India, serving from 1966 to 1977 and 1980 to 1984, known for her strong leadership and controversial policies.

Benazir Bhutto

The first female Prime Minister of Pakistan, serving from 1988 to 1990 and 1993 to 1996, and a prominent political figure in the country.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

The founding father of Bangladesh and its first President, serving from 1971 until his assassination in 1975, known as the 'Father of the Nation.'

Bilateral Relations

The diplomatic and political interactions between two countries, involving trade, cultural exchange, cooperation, and resolution of conflicts.

Regional Cooperation

Collaboration and coordination among South Asian countries to address common challenges, promote economic integration, and enhance regional stability.

International Conflicts

Disputes and tensions between South Asian countries and other nations, often related to territorial claims, border disputes, and geopolitical interests.

Indian Independence Movement

A mass movement against British colonial rule in India, characterized by nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and calls for self-rule and independence.

Bangladesh Liberation War

A conflict in 1971 between East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan, resulting in the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.

Sri Lankan Civil War

An armed conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), seeking a separate Tamil state in Sri Lanka.

Corruption

The abuse of power for personal gain, involving bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and other unethical practices, which undermines governance and public trust.

Poverty

The state of being extremely poor, lacking basic necessities and access to essential services, which is a significant socio-economic challenge in South Asian countries.

Terrorism

The use of violence, intimidation, and fear to achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives, posing a threat to peace and stability in South Asian countries.

Ethnic Conflicts

Tensions and violence arising from differences in ethnicity, language, religion, or cultural identity, leading to social divisions and political instability.

Religious Tensions

Frictions and conflicts between different religious communities, often fueled by intolerance, discrimination, and competing religious ideologies.

Socialism

A political and economic ideology advocating for collective ownership and control of resources, aiming to reduce inequality and promote social welfare.

Nationalism

A political ideology emphasizing the interests, rights, and cultural identity of a nation, often associated with patriotism and loyalty to the country.

Secularism

The principle of separating religion from the state, ensuring equal treatment of all religions and protecting freedom of belief in South Asian countries.

Religious Fundamentalism

An extreme and rigid adherence to religious doctrines and beliefs, often associated with intolerance, radicalism, and opposition to secular values.