In this episode of #Unraveled, host Marvi Sirmed speaks with Michael Kugelman, the director of the Wilson Center's South Asia Institute and a columnist for Foreign Policy magazine. The discussion centers on America's strategic shifts in South Asia and their broader implications. Kugelman outlines how the United States has intensified its engagement with South Asian countries to counter China's growing influence in the region, including alternative investment models as a way to mitigate China's economic sway. Kugelman points out that BRICS -Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa- poses a significant challenge for the next US administration. He emphasizes that BRICS represents a broader and more complex challenge due to its collective influence and the shifting dynamics in global geopolitics. When discussing the US role in fostering peace between Pakistan and India, Kugelman criticized former President Trump's past offer to mediate. He stated that Trump's offer was not a sincere attempt at mediation but rather a strategic move to gain Pakistan’s support for US negotiations with the Taliban. Kugelman’s insights highlight the nuanced and evolving nature of US foreign policy in South Asia, reflecting both the challenges and strategic maneuvers in response to regional and global shifts.