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The 10th ASC attains particular significance in view of the continuing trouble spots in the continent and the wider implications these would have for international stability and security as a whole. The conference would, therefore, focus on the myriad challenges to Asian Security in the 21st century with particular reference to the strategic outlook of major political actors in Asia; the emerging challenges to the nuclear order; the future of Afghanistan; the challenges posed by transnational terror networks and sectarian violence; and the multilateral framework for managing conflict and fostering cooperation among the political actors in Asia.
The contemporary strategic context is increasingly defined by the rapid growth of major Asian economies and the rapidly increasing interest the major powers are evincing in the region. It has also resulted in a perceptible shift in power to the Asian continent. An assessment of how each of the major Asian powers and important external actors are responding to these developments is necessary for understanding the underlying concerns about peace and security in Asia in the 21st Century. The conference would debate the strategic outlook from the perspective of major political actors in Asia.
While the emerging power shift is full of promise and opportunities, there are important concerns that cannot be ignored. Asia’s statesmen face a variety of challenges, which, if ignored or viewed with lesser concern, could lead to further instability and insecurity in the region. The foremost among these concerns is the emerging challenges to the nuclear order in Asia. The conference will debate the nuclear stability/equation in Asia; the threat of nuclear proliferation among states and the potential dangers of non-state actors gaining access/acquiring nuclear technologies; the consequences of proliferation for strategic stability and the possibilities for cooperative preventive measures.
The conference will take stock of recent developments in Afghanistan followed by a discussion on the future of peace and stability in these conflict zones. What is the character of the conflict in Afghanistan? What are the current trends? What is the role of regional actors? What is the nature of engagement of US and its allies? What is the assessment of future course of action by major actors? What is the role played by INGOs and international community? What could be done to stabilize Afghanistan? These are some of the questions that the participants will address during their deliberations on the future of Afghanistan.
The emerging trends in transnational terror networks and sectarian violence will form an important part of the conference deliberations. Participants will address the following questions: What are the lessons of the US-led ‘Global War on Terror’? Has the ‘GWOT’ weakened the transnational terror networks such as al Qaeda? What is the impact of ‘GWOT’ on state actors with links to transnational terror networks? What is the role of intelligence sharing in the fight against terror networks? What are the trends in religious sectarianism? What implications do the emerging trends in sectarian violence hold for peace in Asia?
While Asian states are better positioned to secure their interests than they ever were, the importance of multilateral institutions/efforts for better securing economic integration and security concerns cannot be ignored. There is a clear and recognised need for both reinforcing the exiting institutions and founding of others that could be useful for addressing specific concerns. The conference would provide a forum for assessing the adequacy of existing multilateral institutions, identify their weaknesses and suggest a road map for effective cooperation in the future.
The 10th ASC will feature six sessions, would comprehensively seek to address the major trends in the Asian strategic context; assess major challenges for peace and stability; and suggest creative solutions for management of conflict and cooperation in the new century.
The detailed outlines of sessions are appended below for reference. The key questions listed are only indicative. Participants could include other issues that may add value to the debate. Other details will be communicated separately.
Key Questions
Papers
0830 – 0900 – Registration
0900 – 0950: Inaugural Session, IDSA Auditorium
0950 – 1015: High Tea
Chair: M.K. Rasgotra
Discussants: Varun Sahniand S. Kalyanaraman
Chair: Brahma Chellaney
Discussants: Robert Ayson, Anita Inder Singh and Muthiah Alagappa
1330 – 1415: Lunch Break
Chair: Arundhati Ghose
Discussants: R. Rajaraman and G. Balachandran
Chair: N.S. Sisodia
Discussants: Thomas Marks and Vishal Chandra
1300 – 1400 Lunch
Chair: N.N. Vohra
Discussants: Praveen Swami, V. Krishnappa and Indranil Banerjie
Chair: Jasjit SinghGuest Speaker: Chinmaya R. Gharekhan
Discussants: T.V. Paul and Gudrun Wacker
Chair: K. Subrahmanyam Guest Speaker: H.E. Ruud Lubbers, Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands
Opening Remarks: N.S. Sisodia Vote of Thanks: V. Krishnappa
