IDSA ISSUE BRIEFS

The Kingdom and the Caliphate: Saudi Arabia’s Approach towards the Islamic State

The Kingdom and the Caliphate: Saudi Arabia’s Approach towards the Islamic State

Saudi Arabia has joined the war against the IS and it supports more boots on the ground to tackle this challenge. Although it is employing all the options available to it, the success of anti-IS operations depends to a significant extent on the ground situation in Syria and Iraq.

February 02, 2015

India is a de facto member of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

India is a de facto member of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

India is already in de facto observance of the spirit of the CTBT by maintaining its unilateral moratorium on nuclear explosive testing. Given that additional nuclear tests may not be needed, it could well reconsider its current position on signing the treaty.

December 24, 2014

Resolving India’s Nuclear Liability Impasse

Resolving India’s Nuclear Liability Impasse

India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act has emerged as an appropriate template that could rekindle the nuclear energy sector while also safeguarding the public interest.

December 06, 2014

Exchange Rate Variation in Defence Contracts in India

Exchange Rate Variation in Defence Contracts in India

This Brief analyses industry demands and reviews existing regulations in IT and defence procurement markets, culminating with suggestions on a possible way forward for reforms that can avoid adverse implications of industry demands, particularly in view of their potential conflict with important policies fostering indigenisation.

October 31, 2014

ISIS in Central Asia

ISIS in Central Asia

There is no single factor cited for motivating Central Asians to join ISIS ranks. However, the search for employment and earnings remain the main driver. More than 4 million migrants (Uzbeks, Tajiks and Kyrgyz) engaged in low-paid jobs in Russia are vulnerable to the jihadi network.

October 22, 2014

India’s Defence Procurement Procedure: Assessing the Case for Review and Reforms

India’s Defence Procurement Procedure: Assessing the Case for Review and Reforms

his Issue Brief examines certain provisions relating to intellectual property rights and transfer of technology in India’s defence procurement procedures, together with suggestions on streamlining the same for achieving enhanced procurement efficiencies in capital acquisitions.

October 17, 2014

Xi’s Visit: Dawn of a New Era?

Xi’s Visit: Dawn of a New Era?

Modi should talk to Xi and seek an interim boundary solution at least by having some sort of Friendly Pillars, call them Shanti Stupas along the border (almost 500 kilometers) in the Western Sector.

September 16, 2014

India-China Ties: Between Personalities and Principles

India-China Ties: Between Personalities and Principles

President Xi Jinping’s visit to India is a new opportunity for infusing momentum in the bilateral relations. Economic dealings would be one aspect of the talks; but neither country can afford to bypass the sensitive security and strategic issues that dog their efforts to bring peace and stability.

September 05, 2014

Beijing’s APEC Call on India: A New Twist in India-China Power Politics?

Beijing’s APEC Call on India: A New Twist in India-China Power Politics?

While India needs to vigorously pursue its endeavour for APEC membership, it is crucial for the policymakers to comprehend the geo-political allusions of this Chinese invitation, which is linked with India-China ties as well as their balance-of-power politics in Asia-Pacific.

August 05, 2014

Ballot Box Distress and Future of Afghanistan

Ballot Box Distress and Future of Afghanistan

The recently concluded Afghan Presidential election, rather than facilitating crucial political transition, is mired in controversy. An early resolution is crucial both for Afghanistan and the international community. For Afghanistan, a peaceful and non-controversial transition would ensure the legitimacy of the upcoming government and push the twin processes of reconciliation and democratization forward.

July 30, 2014

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