Globalization of the Jihadist Threat: Case Study of Trinidad and Tobago Despite a well-integrated Muslim population, and an environment where there is no tangible discrimination or lack of opportunity, the Jihadist ideology has succeeded in taking root in Trinidad. Links with organized crime have helped fuel the movement and strong links have been forged with ISIS and Al-Qaeda with the result that at least 89 Trinidadians are now in Syria. It is also argued that some Trinidadian Muslims have succumbed to the messages broadcast by ISIS and that the lure of fighting for an Islamic Caliphate has found resonance. Sanjay Badri-Maharaj March 2017 Strategic Analysis
Cambodia–Thailand Sovereignty Disputes: Implications for Cambodia’s Strategic Environment and Defence Organization This article analyses two security challenges facing the Royal Cambodian Government (RGC) and the Cambodian Defence Organization at the strategic level for the next decade. The first obvious challenge relates to the stalemated territorial dispute along the Cambodia–Thailand border, particularly the question of ownership of the Preah Vihear (called PhraViharn in Thailand) temple and its surrounding area since October 2008. Veasna Var March 2017 Strategic Analysis
Bangladesh and the Rohingya: Implications of Refugee Re-location to Thengar Char Island Bangladesh may be able to manage the Rohingya refugee problem only as a short-term expedient, albeit with considerable economic implications. Gautam Sen February 28, 2017 IDSA Comments
Whither the Mexican Air Force Combat Fleet? The main threat to Mexico comes from illegal privately-operated aircraft which are heavily involved in smuggling. The inability of the Mexican Air Force to guarantee the integrity of its own airspace is therefore a matter of concern. Sanjay Badri-Maharaj February 28, 2017 IDSA Comments
Rebooting the Defence Budget There is a strong case for abandoning the present approach of looking at the defence budget through the narrow prism of allocation and utilisation, and instead focus on outcomes. Amit Cowshish February 28, 2017 IDSA Comments
Trump and Israeli Settlements Expansion It is in the US interest not to encourage Israeli policies that could possibly lead to further radicalisation of Palestinians. Gautam Sen February 22, 2017 IDSA Comments
An Analysis of the Internal Security Budget 2017-18 For the financial year 2017-18, the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) has been allocated Rs. 83,823 crore, a hike of around 11.5 per cent over that of the previous year. Though the Union government has been providing substantial budget support to the MHA to aid its reform and modernisation programs, the ministry’s efforts to bring about desired reforms have shown mixed results so far. Pushpita Das February 21, 2017 IDSA Comments
India – UAE Relations: New Dimension to Strategic Partnership As India seeks to enhance economic engagement and deepen security cooperation with the Gulf, it finds a willing partner in the UAE. Meena Singh Roy , Md. Muddassir Quamar February 17, 2017 Issue Brief
India’s Participation in CPEC: The Ifs and Buts Isolated statements from China and Pakistan soliciting India’s participation in CPEC could be part of a strategic mind-game. India must consider engaging astutely in this mind-game. Priyanka Singh February 17, 2017 Issue Brief
Gorkhas of the Indian Army and India-Nepal Relations This commentary is inspired by the Annual Gorkha Brigade Conference held at New Delhi on 11 February 2017 and the unique relationship between India and Nepal that this military connection underpins. Vikrant Deshpande February 17, 2017 IDSA Comments
