Apu, Neela, and Amita. Stereotypes of Indian Americans in Mainstream TV Shows in the United States

Indians and Indian Americans in the United States have often been stereotyped. Many of these clichés are reflected in the portrayal of Non-Resident Indians (NRI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) in American TV shows. This paper analyzes the stereotypes in the characters of three of the most well-known Indian Americans on TV. It is divided into two different sections: In the first part, the foundations for the case studies are laid, including a short discussion of the theoretical approaches used, a general assessment of stereotypes of Indians and Indian Americans with special emphasis on the “model minority” myth, and the presentation of the hypothesis and the case study selection. In the second main section, the case studies of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon (“The Simpsons”), Neela Rasgotra (“ER – Emergency Room”), and Amita Ramanujan (“Numb3rs”) are described and analyzed. A conclusion summarizes the argument

The India-Myanmar Relationship: New Directions after a Change of Governments?

Despite a promising start after independence, bilateral relations between India and Myanmar have had a long history of mutual neglect and obliviousness. This paper revisits the developments since the end of colonial rule and points out crucial historical landmarks. Further, the most important policy issues between the two nations are discussed. The focal point of the analysis is the question of whether one can expect new directions in the bilateral relationship since the election of new governments in India in 2014 and in Myanmar in 2015. While there have been signs of a new foreign policy approach towards its eastern neighbour on the part of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it remains to be seen if the government of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy will substantially alter Myanmar’s course on an international level

The India-Myanmar Relationship: New Directions after a Change of Governments?

Despite a promising start after independence, bilateral relations between India and Myanmar have had a long history of mutual neglect and obliviousness. This paper revisits the developments since the end of colonial rule and points out crucial historical landmarks. Further, the most important policy issues between the two nations are discussed. The focal point of the analysis is the question of whether one can expect new directions in the bilateral relationship since the election of new governments in India in 2014 and in Myanmar in 2015. While there have been signs of a new foreign policy approach towards its eastern neighbour on the part of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it remains to be seen if the government of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy will substantially alter Myanmar’s course on an international level

Media and Social Identities in India and Beyond

Guest edtior's foreword to the special issue on "Media and Social Identites in India and Beyond"

Die Parlamentswahlen in Indien 2009

The Lok Sabha elections 2009 in India were a decisive victory for the Congress party and the ruling United Progressive Alliance. While the result of the election on the national level suggests a more stable political environment and a decline of power of the fragmented state parties, a closer look might reveal different dynamics. Hence, this study focuses on the crucial state level of Indian politics. First, however, the different and ever-changing alliances before the 2009 elections are described in detail. Second, and most importantly, the study analyzes the Indian parliamentary elections in some of the key states (Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Orissa), since the national result alone does not reveal the dynamics at the all important state level. Third, and finally, the significance of the election result and its long-term implications are assessed