On August 5, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a new chapter in the fraught history of Kashmir. By voiding Article 370 of the Constitution, India has erased the special status and political autonomy of the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. It has split the state in two and, crucially, removed its right to…
Where does this summer leave us? Viewed from a hot and humid United States, where I find myself sipping an iced latte (a position of cool perspective), the challenges facing the UK and this country bear many similarities. August has brought tension and uncertainty. The so-called ‘special relationship’ may seem increasingly dysfunctional, but as summer…
“The CCP’s greatest fear is national fragmentation. It is willing to counter this existential threat in any way possible in order to maintain order, even in Hong Kong as a last resort.” Since assuming leadership in 2012, President Xi Jinping of China has focused on consolidating and solidifying power at home and projecting Chinese influence…
The Scottish Confucius Institute for Business and Communication at Heriot-Watt University and Alba Cathay Chinese School has designed a Chinese language course for students who have previously studied Chinese for a minimum of 60 hours (this should include both contact hours and self-guided study). By the end of this course, students are expected to recognise…
McKinsey Global Institute, supporter of the Asia Scotland Institute, have released a report entitled ‘Asia’s Future is Now’. The full 20-page report (PDF – 721KB) can be downloaded here. In the report, McKinsey Global Institute looks at Asia’s soaring consumption and its integration into global flows of trade, capital, talent, and innovation, and how Asia’s economies…
The Asia Scotland Institute is looking forward to an exciting festival season this summer. As in previous years, we have highlighted on our website a selection of Asia-themed festival activities. These can be found in the section “Cultural Events”. These highlights are for information only and as always any further information on events or reservations…
The ties that bind the two countries are as strong as ever, says Roddy Gow Scotland’s links with India extend back over many years and earlier this month the British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith, visited Edinburgh with a dual mission. He attended and spoke at the launch of the Asia Scotland Trust…
McKinsey Global Institute, supporter of the Asia Scotland Institute, have released a report entitled ‘China and the World: Inside the dynamics of a changing relationship’. The full 168-page report (PDF – 8MB) can be downloaded here. In the report, McKinsey Global Institute looks at the shift in China’s trade relations with the rest of the world…
The Asia Scotland Institute is delighted to welcome Qatar Airways as a new strategic partner. Institute Director David Birrell commented, “Increased international connectivity is a critical success factor as we inspire the next generation to engage with Asia. We are delighted to have the support of the world’s fastest-growing airline”. Qatar Airways is thrilled to…