Balochistan: In the Crosshairs of History Balochistan is one of the most restive areas in Pakistan that has endured systematic and extraordinary suppression at the hands of the Pakistani State and its security forces. The Baloch form a distinct ethno-national identity, and dream of creating a Baloch nation-state, but this runs contrary to the overarching Pakistani identity and State, attracting their fury. The Baloch have struggled for decades for international recognition of their plight but have hardly received any support. Saman Ayesha Kidwai September 2022 Strategic Analysis
Eastwards Ho? India’s Relations with the Indo-Pacific Eastwards Ho? India’s Relations with the Indo-Pacific edited by E. Sridharan comprising 15 essays by renowned experts on Asian geopolitics, seeks to place India on the strategic map of the evolving Indo-Pacific region as an economic and geopolitical power. At the outset, the editor provides a succinct overview of economic integration in Asia, particularly of China with its neighbours reflected in a massive increase in bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). Akash Sahu September 2022 Strategic Analysis
Ordering Violence: Explaining Armed Group-State Relations from Conflict to Cooperation In 2022, the ceasefire between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim–Isak-Muivah (NSCN–IM) entered its 25th year. While the ceasefire has greatly reduced violence between the group and security forces, it has by no means ended it. Alex Waterman September 2022 Strategic Analysis
An Analysis of the Post-370 Revocation Trends in Kashmir: Issues and Concerns This article is an exploratory study of social, political, economic, governance, and militancy-related trends in the Kashmir region after the abrogation of Article 370 (5 August 2019), i.e., Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, and based on that, makes a strategic forecast about the overall security situation in Kashmir. Abhinav Pandya September 2022 Strategic Analysis
(Re-) Narrating the Evolution of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation: China’s Diplomacy Behind the Scenes The launch of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) opened a fresh chapter in international politics in the Mekong region, by marking China’s official entry into the continental Southeast Asian arena. However, little is known about the LMC’s evolution. By extensively relying on the recently opened Archives in Bangkok, this article illuminates facts and narrates the LMC’s formation, with special emphasis on the Chinese perspective. Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt , Poowin Bunyavejchewin September 2022 Strategic Analysis
Challenges to the Development of the Northeast through the Act East Policy It is argued that the way to bring about development in the Northeast is by economically integrating the region with the vibrant markets of Southeast Asia and East Asia through the Act East Policy. Accordingly, a number of projects have been initiated to improve connectivity between the Northeast and the neighbouring countries. It is believed that connectivity projects will act as growth corridors resulting in economic development of the region. Pushpita Das September 2022 Strategic Analysis
Sufi-Barelvis, Blasphemy and Radicalization: A Critical Analysis There is a trend of upsurge in radicalisation of Sufi-Barelvis and violence resorted to by them, particularly in Pakistan, based on their uncompromising stance on the issue of blasphemy. Apart from its roots in various socio-political factors, strong emphasis on veneration of Prophet Muhammad makes Sufi-Barelvis extremely sensitive to any allegation of blasphemy. From print-media and Urdu press to social media and internet, the revolutionisation of the medium of communication in recent times has also played a key role in this radicalisation. Pradeep Singh Gautam September 2022 Strategic Analysis
Belt and Road Initiative and Environmental Challenges Several Belt and Road Initiative projects pass through ecologically sensitive areas and in countries with weak environmental laws and governance. Opangmeren Jamir August 31, 2022 IDSA Comments
Delegitimising China’s Naval Presence in the Indian Ocean Region The impending removal of the piracy High Risk Area off the coast of Somalia presents an ideal opportunity for India, in partnership with the wider Indo-Pacific maritime community, to delegitimise China’s naval presence and strengthen regional mechanisms for ensuring maritime security. Anurag Bisen August 30, 2022 Issue Brief
Export Controls on Advanced Technology Trade and the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Export controls or strategic trade technology control has been used as a significant tool to impose sanctions on Russia, for its military operations in Crimea and Ukraine. Rajiv Nayan August 30, 2022 Issue Brief
