Policy Media Staff Writer

Md. Saiful Islam Shanto

Md. Saiful Islam Shanto is currently working as a Policy Media Staff Writer at Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP) and is a distinguished Research Scholar in International Relations based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. His research focuses on Security Studies, South Asian politics, Peace & Conflict Studies, Chinese Foreign Policy, Migration, and Environmental Politics.

Md. Saiful Islam Shanto is a Policy Media Staff Writer and is a Research Scholar in International Relations based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and currently serves as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). He completed his M.S.S (Research) and B.S.S (Honors) in International Relations from Jahangirnagar University with outstanding academic results. His research interests include Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, South Asian Politics, Chinese Foreign Policy, Migration and Border Studies, Regional Cooperation, and Environmental Politics. He has published research articles in peer-reviewed journals, including works on U.S. migration policy, China-Africa relations, and China’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also contributes opinion pieces on foreign policy and international affairs to platforms such as South Asia Monitor and The Daily Observer. He actively participated in global academic forums, including conferences and workshops held in countries like Turkey, Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka. Through his multidisciplinary research and collaborative engagement, Mr. Shanto remains committed to addressing contemporary global challenges through evidence-based research and international dialogue.

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All articles by the author

How India’s ‘Big Brother’ Politics Is Backfiring in South Asia

Foreign Policy

Md. Saiful Islam Shanto

For decades, India has viewed South Asia as its natural sphere of influence. However, its traditional “Big Brother” approach—marked by political favoritism, unilateral decision-making, and perceived hegemonic behavior—is increasingly producing strategic backlash rather than regional cooperation. Countries including Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have grown more resistant to New Delhi’s influence, while weak regional integration and the stagnation of institutions such as SAARC and BIMSTEC have further undermined India’s leadership. As extra-regional powers expand their presence, India can no longer rely on geography, economic size, or historical influence alone. Restoring credibility will require replacing paternalistic diplomacy with a more cooperative and mutually respectful regional strategy.

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South Asia’s China Dilemma: Bargaining Power, Not Bloc Politics

Foreign Policy

Md. Saiful Islam Shanto

China’s growing role in South Asia has created both opportunity and anxiety. Infrastructure, trade, loans, ports, energy projects, and strategic competition have made China a central actor in the region’s future. This op-ed argues that South Asian countries should avoid bloc politics and instead build stronger bargaining power through transparency, regional coordination, and better governance.

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Bangladesh’s Geopolitical Moment: Between India, China, and the United States

Foreign Policy

Md. Saiful Islam Shanto

Bangladesh is entering a decisive geopolitical moment as India, China, and the United States compete for influence in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific. This op-ed argues that Dhaka must avoid dependence on any single power while protecting its economic interests, strategic autonomy, and regional importance. It highlights why a balanced, transparent, and nationally grounded foreign policy is now essential for Bangladesh’s future.

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Climate Migration Is Already Reshaping South Asia: Where Is the Regional Policy?

Environmental Policy

Md. Saiful Islam Shanto

Climate migration is no longer a future threat for South Asia. Floods, cyclones, heat waves, sea-level rise, and livelihood loss are already forcing millions of people to move within and across vulnerable areas. This op-ed argues that South Asian governments must treat climate migration as a regional policy issue, not only as a disaster response problem.

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Why South Asia Needs a Regional Cyber Accord?

Op-Ed Contest Spring 2026

Md. Saiful Islam Shanto

South Asian countries are expanding their digital infrastructure rapidly. However, regional cybersecurity defenses remain inadequate. This imbalance leaves vital civilian services highly vulnerable to digital attacks. Furthermore, these cyber threats could easily escalate into physical military conflicts between nuclear-armed states. To ensure public safety, regional governments must establish a South Asian Cyber Accord. This treaty would strictly prohibit digital attacks on civilian targets. It would also create an independent hub for sharing security intelligence. This cooperation is essential to neutralize transnational cyber threats and protect the region.

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Policy Briefs by the author

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