Michael Kugelman

Michael Kugelman is the writer of Foreign Policy’s weekly South Asia Brief. He has been an analyst of the region for nearly two decades.

Follow Michael Kugelman:
On X
Articles by Michael Kugelman
Journalists mark World Press Freedom Day.
Journalists mark World Press Freedom Day.

Pakistan’s Press Enters a Dark Era

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
A health worker inoculates a woman with a COVID-19 vaccine in New Delhi on May 26.
A health worker inoculates a woman with a COVID-19 vaccine in New Delhi on May 26.

The U.S.-India Relationship Has a New Top Priority

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Protesters carry Palestinian flags in Pakistan.
Protesters carry Palestinian flags in Pakistan.

What Does the Gaza Crisis Mean for South Asia?

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Onlookers stand near the site of multiple blasts outside a school.
Onlookers stand near the site of multiple blasts outside a school.

Terror Attacks Surge in Afghanistan as U.S. Withdraws

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
A tanker gets refilled with medical oxygen for hospitals and medical facilities treating coronavirus patients in Bengaluru on May 5.
A tanker gets refilled with medical oxygen for hospitals and medical facilities treating coronavirus patients in Bengaluru on May 5.

India’s Coronavirus Crisis Plays Out on Twitter

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
A woman walks along a near-deserted street during a lockdown in Mumbai on April 29.
A woman walks along a near-deserted street during a lockdown in Mumbai on April 29.

Will Washington’s Slow Crisis Response Damage U.S.-India Ties?

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Cemetery workers and relatives of patients who died of the COVID-19 wear personal protective equipment before they perform last rites at a pyre at a crematorium in New Delhi on April 20.
Cemetery workers and relatives of patients who died of the COVID-19 wear personal protective equipment before they perform last rites at a pyre at a crematorium in New Delhi on April 20.

How India Became Pandemic Ground Zero

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks from the Treaty Room in the White House in Washington on April 14.
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks from the Treaty Room in the White House in Washington on April 14.

How Will Biden Pivot on South Asia?

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Afghan security forces conduct a military operation.
Afghan security forces conduct a military operation.

Biden’s Withdrawal Plan Sets the Clock Ticking in Afghanistan

Argument
Michael Kugelman
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar pose for a picture during a meeting in New Delhi on April 6.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar pose for a picture during a meeting in New Delhi on April 6.

Russia Makes a Power Play in South Asia

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to a meeting in New Delhi on October 5, 2019.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina prior to a meeting in New Delhi on October 5, 2019.

India Faces Tests From Its Neighbors

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
People hold a large national flag during Victory Day celebrations at the National Monument in Savar, Bangladesh, on Dec. 16, 2020.
People hold a large national flag during Victory Day celebrations at the National Monument in Savar, Bangladesh, on Dec. 16, 2020.

Bangladesh’s 50th Anniversary Raises Cause for Celebration and Concern

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Soldiers unload bags at a U.S. base.
Soldiers unload bags at a U.S. base.

It’s Time to Prepare for U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan

Argument
Michael Kugelman
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Vice President Kamala Harris enter the East Room of the White House in Washington on March 8.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Vice President Kamala Harris enter the East Room of the White House in Washington on March 8.

What to Expect From Lloyd Austin’s Trip to India

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
A general view shows tents at a camp for internally displaced families in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on Jan. 7.
A general view shows tents at a camp for internally displaced families in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on Jan. 7.

Washington Makes a Last-Ditch Effort for Peace in Afghanistan

South Asia Brief
Michael Kugelman
Load more by Michael Kugelman Return to staff list

Latest

See All Stories

Trending

  1. 1
    The TikTok Deal Is America’s White Flag in the Tech War With China
  2. 2
    Recognize Palestine, Then Put Real Pressure on Israel
  3. 3
    The End of Development
  4. 4
    Turkish Drones Are Fueling a Somali Shadow War
  5. 5
    Trump to U.N.: ‘Your Countries Are Going to Hell’