The Diplomat | Author
Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Akhilesh Pillalamarri is an international relations analyst, writer, and journalist.
Akhilesh (Akhi) Pillalamarri is an international affairs analyst, writer, and journalist focusing on geopolitics, international security, Asia, comparative law & politics, history, and technology policy. He is a public speaker who has appeared on television, podcasts, at universities, and is the author of 300 articles, many of which have been cited by governments, the courts, academics, major newspapers, and think tanks.
January 17, 2024
What the Ram Mandir’s Consecration Means for India
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
For many Hindus, the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya is not just a Ram temple, but the Ram temple, located at the site where their deity Ram was born.
December 20, 2023
How India Arrived on the World Stage in 2023
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Beyond its role as a major military and strategic player, hundreds of millions of Indians are participating in and shaping global technological, cultural, and economic trends.
December 01, 2023
What US Officials and Activists Should Know About the Khalistan Movement
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Contrary to what activists claim in Western capitals, Sikhs in India are not facing genocide or persecution, nor are they deprived of political agency.
October 17, 2023
Erika Fatland on Traveling in the Himalayas
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
“Many of the people in the Himalayas live more isolated now than they did a hundred years ago.”
September 12, 2023
What Should India’s Name Be?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Bharat, India, Hindustan: A history of the words used to describe this ancient state.
August 31, 2023
How Did Pakistan Become Geopolitically Irrelevant?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Shifting geopolitical currents, internal instability, India’s rise and China’s indifference underlie its declining stature on the world stage.
August 11, 2023
The Roots of Northeast India’s Ethnic Turmoil
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The drive to maintain their identity and avoid assimilation is strong among the region’s tribal and ethnic groups.
June 28, 2023
America’s India Problem
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Predictions of the demise of Indian democracy by American media and activists are exaggerated and reflect a narrow understanding of India’s history and complexity.
May 27, 2023
What Is the Future of Hindu Nationalism in India?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The question is not whether Hindu nationalism will be part of India’s political landscape, but whether and to what extent non-Hindus will be able to play a role.
April 24, 2023
How the US Is Pushing India Away
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
A policy that does not respect that India does not need lessons in how to run its domestic affairs could push New Delhi to close ranks with other countries against the U.S.
March 24, 2023
Is India the ‘Mother of Democracies’?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
While no one place can be called the "mother" of democracies, Indian democracy is as ancient as Greek democracy, and both evolved independently.
March 21, 2023
India’s Coming Battle Over Its Supreme Court
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
At the center of the looming showdown between the apex court and parliament is the collegium system of appointing judges.
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