When Beliefs Drive Nations: From India to Venezuela
Two very different countries, one common thread: how ideology shapes politics, policies, and the lives of millions
Dear readers,
Ever notice how ideas can shape entire countries, sometimes in ways that surprise or even unsettle you? Last week, we explored two stories from very different parts of the world that show just how powerful beliefs can be when they drive governance.
First, India. Our story on Hindu nationalism goes beyond headlines to explain why this movement resonates so strongly with millions of people today. It looks at the philosophies, historical narratives, and ambitions behind it — and what it means for governance, minority communities, and India’s democratic future.
Then, there’s Venezuela. Once one of Latin America’s wealthiest nations, it’s now a cautionary tale. We traced how political missteps, ideology, and economic mismanagement collided to create a national crisis — and what lessons other countries might take from Venezuela’s experience.
Two regions, very different stories. But the thread is the same: when belief systems become the main driver of governance, the stakes are huge. Citizens, institutions, and economies all feel the impact, often long after the headlines fade.
Both stories mentioned above are exclusive to subscribers. If you’re not part of our subscriber community yet, now’s a good time. You’ll get full access to the kind of reporting and analysis you won’t find anywhere else.
Here are a few more stories from last week you might find interesting:
Frustrated Philippines Searches Vainly For New Leaders
Philippine politics enters a volatile stretch as scandals, protests, and warring dynasties leave the country with no clear alternative to its embattled top leaders ahead of 2028.
USAF Fighter Jets’ New Strategy on Isolated Island
The US Air Force’s move to base F-15E fighters on remote Diego Garcia highlights a strategy to keep its edge over China by operating safely far from mainland threats.
Thailand Girds For Early 2026 Polls Amid Economic Stagnation
Early elections loom in Thailand amid economic stagnation, rising youth-driven reform momentum, and coalition maneuvering that could reshape the country’s political future.
SEA Flood Crisis And Environmental Reckoning
Southeast Asia’s deadly floods expose an ecological crisis fueled by deforestation, weak oversight, and policies that have pushed fragile environments past their breaking point.
Probing the Causes Behind the Wang Fuk Court Tragedy
Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades exposes deep failings in building oversight, contract politics, and a government eager to stifle scrutiny.
Thanks for being part of a community that chooses to stay informed with clarity, depth, and a bit of perspective.
The Asia Sentinel Team
I' m sorry, but if you had explored a bit further, you would have discovered we were merely replaying two articles from the previous week to in a bid to give readers who hadn't seen them earlier a different perspective. But thank you, one of our most diligent readers, for taking note of them. We hope you read them --Eds.
The articles mention socialism and Hindu nationalism. For reasons best known to the editorial team, they left out Islam. This craven omission tells you all you need to know about Asia Sentinel.