FNF South Asia invites interested individuals to submit their proposals for policy papers.
The rise of China has significant implications for South Asia in terms of opportunities and challenges. Economically, China’s growth as the world’s second-largest economy has made it a key trading partner and investor for South Asian countries. Despite complex relations, India has experienced substantial economic and trade growth with China. Other countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh participate in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and also try and strengthen people-to-people relations with China. South Asian nations actively engage with China for economic and strategic benefits.
However, this economic engagement also brings challenges and concerns. South Asian nations have raised issues related to trade imbalances, competition for domestic industries, and potential debt burdens associated with Chinese investments. The strategic implications of China’s military growth, modernization of its armed forces, and expanding naval capabilities are other critical aspects. South Asian countries, especially India, monitor China’s military activities and seek regional power balance through alliances with influential powers.
Given the context of opportunities and risks, how do South Asian countries view China’s economic and military growth, and how are they navigating their engagements with China to promote their own interests, protect their values, and ensure regional stability? To comprehend these intricate interrelationships, the Regional Office of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is creating eight policy papers, each focusing on a specific South Asian country. These papers examine how countries perceive China’s economic and military expansion, analyze the opportunities, implications, and challenges within their own contexts, and offer policy recommendations for South Asian countries when engaging with China.
Based on the principles of liberalism, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom offers political education in Germany and abroad. With the events and publications, they help people to become actively involved in political affairs. FNF supports talented young students with scholarships.
Location:
Sri LankaBenefits
- Invitation to present the paper in front of an international audience in Colombo in September 2023. ( For one author amongst the selected abstracts)
Eligibilities
- Relevant work/educational experience of at least 5 years in the field of International Relations, Economy and Trade, Geopolitics, Foreign Policy, and other related fields,
- Knowledge of the South Asian policy processes and political landscape,
- Experience in primary and secondary research projects independently,
- Demonstrated proficiency in high-quality succinct error-free writing in English,
- Ability to articulate research content to varying audiences in English,
- Ability to process vast amounts of information and generate valuable insights quickly,
- Ability to communicate ideas in a clear and concise manner and adapt messages to different interlocutors, including government partners, policy influencers, team members, researchers, partner organizations, and donors.
Application Process
- The application will have to be submitted to [email protected].
- Applicants will have to submit a 500-word abstract, CV, and quotation for the final draft as the application.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link