Research Programmes
The Centre de Sciences Humaines of New Delhi carries out research programmes in the field of social sciences that contribute towards a better understanding of the contemporary dynamics of development in India, in the regional and international context.
Regional dynamics in South Asia and international relations
In addition to programmes on the strategic orientations of India’s foreign policy, in particular the positioning of India with regards to its neighbours and security issues, this research section also investigates the role of the Indian Diaspora and refugees’ issues. Lastly, the restructuring of contemporary Islam in South Asia constitutes the focus of a newly launched programme.
Politics and society
The main thematic perspectives explored under this section include: the impact of political and administrative decentralization reforms; the evolution of Indian federalism; the role of identity-based dynamics in politics; the evolution in practices of democracy (political representation of specific groups, social movements, new forms of political mobilisation, et al.)
Economic reforms and sustainable development
The research programmes conducted in the Economics Division cover a wide range of interrelated themes including economic growth (convergence across India’s states, regional determinants, impact on poverty reduction, city-centric growth), evaluation of public policies (employment guarantee scheme, special economic zones), comparative efficiency of regulatory tools and models of cooperation in resource management and public goods, and state-level policy dynamics.
Urban dynamics
This research section deals with fundamental urban development issues, such as peri-urban dynamics, urban governance, the functioning of the real-estate market, the issue of slums, the provision of healthcare and water resources. A real expertise on the metropolis of Delhi, including the constitution of a Geographic Information System, has especially been developed.
