This course introduces students to the politics and government of modern SOUTH ASIA. We will focus on democracy, exploring commonalities and differences between India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. What explains variation in the existence, nature, and degree of consolidation of democratic regimes across South Asia? In the process, students will learn how topics such as economic development, caste, religion, or gender figure into our evaluation of democracy.

No prior knowledge of South Asia or political science is required – just curiosity and willingness to engage with new ideas.