Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Debasish Roy Chowdhury is the co-author of To Kill A Democracy: India’s Passage to Despotism

Recent Articles

How India's Economy Has Really Fared Under Modi

Talk of an economic miracle is foundational to Modi's appeal and legitimacy at home. Yet his record is far from clear cut.

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

5 Takeaways from TIME’s Interview With Anwar Ibrahim

In a freewheeling interview, TIME spoke to Malaysia's leader about restoring democracy, great-power rivalry, and a rising Islamist tide.

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Is on a Mission to Save Malaysia’s Democracy

TIME sits down with the democracy icon in Kuala Lumpur nearly a year after taking office.

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury/Kuala Lumpur

How Bollywood Rolled Over to Hindu Supremacists

A fear of hurting "Hindu sentiments" has led to movies that viewers just don't like. But a bright spot is the southern movie industry.

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Islamic Outrage Against India Won't Protect Its Muslims

Delhi has tried to mend fences after remarks by BJP officials angered Islamic countries. It won't help India's Muslims

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

For India's Muslims, Eid al-Fitr Brings Little to Celebrate

Hindu mob violence and state persecution have left India's Muslims more fearful than ever of their place in the country

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

The Kashmir Files Marks India’s Descent Into Darkness

Released in theaters in March, the film is stirring up vicious Hindu bigotry and making Muslims even more fearful

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Here's Why the U.S. Doesn't Mind India's Silence On Ukraine

Keeping quiet about the invasion of Ukraine by longstanding ally Russia suits India's strategic goals—and Washington's

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Joe Biden’s Democracy Summit Is the Height of Hypocrisy

Far from defending freedom, the summit offers a legitimizing platform to some of democracy's worst offenders

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Sialkot Lynching: Pakistan, India and the Trap of Extremism

A horrific killing poses a stark warning to both nations about the cyclical dangers of stoking religious hate

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

India's Farmers Force Modi to Retreat, For Now

The potential benefits of his climbdown may far outweigh the momentary humiliation

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Is India Headed for an Anti-Muslim Genocide?

To keep winning elections, India's ruling BJP needs to keep polarizing voters—and Muslims are paying a terrible price

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

After America, It’s China’s Turn to Worry about Masculinity

Beijing's crackdown on "effeminate men" is typical empire-building behavior

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

The Lessons for Asia as Biden Deserts Afghanistan

Afghanistan again serves as a reminder of America’s capacity for mayhem

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Modi Never Bought Enough Vaccines. Now the World Is Paying

“India’s vaccine nationalism—along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s empty showboating—not only plunged India into an unexpected vaccine shortage, but also put countries banking on vaccines from India at great risk,” writes Debasish Roy Chowdhury.

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Who Benefits the Most From the COVID Aid Given to India?

A crisis of horrifying dimensions has unfolded in India, but the long term effectiveness of foreign aid needs to be questioned.

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

India’s Media Is Partly to Blame for Its COVID Tragedy

India's media is holding the government to account for the COVID-19 catastrophe, but far too late argues Debasish Roy Chowdhury

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Why the Quad Alliance Is Ambiguous and Contradictory

The centerpiece of Biden's Asia play is ill-defined and lacks a clear mandate, argues Debasish Roy Chowdhury

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

How Long Will Biden Pretend India Is a Democratic Ally?

For America’s principled alliance of democracies against China to work, the constituents of the coalition need to be, well, democratic, writes Debasish Roy Chowdhury

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury

Save Sarcasm for Other Democracies. America Is Fine

Resilient democratic institutions and conventions prevented Trump from becoming a Modi or an Erdogan

By Debasish Roy Chowdhury
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