In two new publications, Shanthie D'Souza, senior research fellow in public policy, analyzes the illicit drug trade in Afghanistan and discusses Narendra Modi's courting of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a special report for the Mantraya Institute for Strategic Studies (MISS), D'Souza and her coauthor analyze how the drug trade has shifted after it was banned by the Taliban in 2023. The report finds that despite overall adherence to the ban, economic pressures have forced some farmers to return to the now-illegal, but more lucrative, illicit drug trade. Read the report at MISS.
In an article for the Lowy Institute, D'Souza articulates the logic behind Indian Prime Minister Narandra Modi's warming relationship with Russia. D'Souza identifies economic challenges and defense as drivers of improving Indian-Russian relations and cites Trump administration tariff policies as an aspect of Modi's decision making. Read the full article at the Lowy Institute.