Project on South Asia and Iran
In the international scenario, South Asia holds a central position from the geostrategic and economic point of view: the demographic weight and the strong economic rise of India make it a pivotal element in the regional grand chessboard and a privileged partner of the United States. At the same time, the Afghan crisis and the presence of Islamist forces on Pakistani territory, make Islamabad an indispensable partner in combating terrorism.
Vulnerability distinguishes the region: South Asia is a territory with the presence of many nuclear weapons, at the same time it is criss-crossed by religious, ethnic and political tensions, and by territorial disputes. The region is also characterized by strong elements of competitiveness at the international, economic and energy level. These tensions and disputes have been exploited skillfully and unscrupulously by Iran to avoid further international isolation. Although Iran has increased its regional power after the war in Iraq and the Taliban defeat in Afghanistan, Tehran fears the expansion of U.S. military presence near its eastern and western borders and the increasing U.S. ties with the Karzai government and with India.
The Project analyzes some political and economic issues (Islamic terrorism, democratization), highlighting the changes taking place in the region, and evaluating the relations between the main powers of South Asia and the other international actors, such as Iran, China, Central Asia, Saudi Arabia and the United States