ISSN (Print) - 0012-9976 | ISSN (Online) - 2349-8846

Articles by Parvathi VasudevanSubscribe to Parvathi Vasudevan

What Next for Zimbabwe?

Robert Mugabe stepped down as President of Zimbabwe after pressure from the Zimbabwean army and parliament. Mugabe was a popular leader, but his reign was marked by brutal suppression, ethnic and racial violence, and widespread corruption. The new President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was with Mugabe throughout, promises to provide an alternative future for Zimbabwe.

Is Nigeria Falling Apart?

Nigeria, suddenly the cynosure of international attention following the abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls by the Boko Haram, seems to be "on the thin edge of the knife". Will it survive the persistent terrorist attacks and the resultant public fear and insecurity?

Democracy in Nigeria

The election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was made possible through largely free and fair polls in Nigeria, suggesting that democracy was "back on track" in a nation dominated by the military in the past. Violent incidents were orchestrated by opposition groups following the elections but conciliatory statements by the opposition candidate bode well for the settlement of differences. The administration has now got to address a range of vital issues affecting the citizenry.

A Test for Democracy and Development in Nigeria

The north-south "zoning" arrangement of the presidency in Nigeria, as practised by the Peoples Democratic Party, has turned out to be an issue in the run-up to the 2011 elections. While incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan has an advantage in the elections, the policy positions of other candidates on the economic problems of Nigeria could influence voters.

Zimbabwe: A Time of Turbulence

A series of violent incidents and human rights violation following the presidential elections in Zimbabwe have forced the election commission to postpone its run-off elections. This article examines the historical background of the present political chaos and the first round triumph of Morgan Tsvangirai over Robert Mugabe.

Kenya: How Much More of Troubled Times?

Kenya is in turmoil following the contested results of the recently held general elections. International mediation between the parties in conflict will help but serious political and economic reform is a must to end disparities and inequality, which are the root causes of the problem.

Elections as a Litmus Test in Nigeria

The recent elections in Nigeria will prove a tough challenge for democracy and for the new president Alhaji Yar'Adua. While on the economic front Nigeria has in recent years registered encouraging success, its ambitions to be an African power will rest on Yar'Adua's ability to manage the country's diversity and to set in place vital improvements in the social sector.

Nigeria Candle in the Wind?

Nigeria, richly endowed with strategic natural resources and yet poor, remains a country caught in contradictions and its own unhappy history. Presidential elections due in April are vital as the country moves to define a new future for itself. A lot though depends on the strength of Nigeria's as yet new democracy and the political leadership that emerges.

Perspectives on Defence and Foreign Policy

likely strategic environment in South Asia during the decade of the eighties on the basis of the past experience and of the study of the behavioural patterns of the countries in and involved with South Asia in regard to defence and security of the region.

Struggle for Indian Ocean

the production of soaps: how far will the rapidly rising cost of all petroleum products curb such runaway growth? Castor oil has an export demand because of its chemical versatility; production of various value-added products in India has commenced, and can be expected to progress rapidly given the proper incentives, and this will cut down raw oil exports. It should be remembered that not only are oils annually renewable resources, but that they have the long straight chains that also characterise a major part of petroleum, which could lead to replacement of the latter in many end- uses. Oilcakes are in internal demand for the rapidly-growing animal feed industry needed to support the milk revolution, and some curbs on exports are certain to come. If the proportion of HFS groundonuts in total groundnut production were to rise, while this total remained static, export ceilings may be called for if domestic oil needs are to be met.

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