Where Hawks Dwell on Water and Bankers Build Power Poles: Transboundary Waters, Environmental Security and the Frontiers of Neo-liberalism Hydropower development clearly has a significant role to play in the closer integration of different parts of the Himalayas and in facilitating downstream benefits throughout South Asia. However, the neo-liberal approach to infrastructure-led growth frequently overlooks the significant social, economic and political issues associated with this model of development in the region. Furthermore, the ongoing securitisation of water constrains the terms of debate under the guise of a unified national interest and enables large-scale dams to be constructed without due process. Douglas P. Hill November 2015 Strategic Analysis
Nations without Borders: Climate Security and the South in the Epoch of the Anthropocene The standard narrative on modern geopolitics is being re-scripted. Previous ingredients that made up the literature on high politics such as securing resources, rivalries over the control of territory and war plans are increasingly being replaced instead by concerns about the ‘mundane’ politics of global energy plans, food systems, infrastructure and city design. Meaningful geopolitics in the time of climate change, in other words, would now have to grapple with the inescapable urgency for sustaining key ecological, biological and atmospheric indicators at the planetary level. Rohan D’Souza November 2015 Strategic Analysis
The Promise of China’s Cooperative Behaviour towards India M.S. Prathibha November 2015 Strategic Analysis
Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World: Revisiting Kautilya and his Arthashastra in the Third Millennium Shounak Set November 2015 Strategic Analysis
Recasting Sino-Indian Relations: Towards a Closer Development Partnership Sino-Indian relations were governed by concerns about an unsound bilateral bonhomie, internal as well as external strategic and political considerations, and in addition, national interests and priorities not necessarily oriented towards pacifying the bilateral relations. Keshab Chandra Ratha , Sushanta Kumar Mahapatra November 2015 Strategic Analysis
Pakistan’s Tactical Nuclear Weapons: Deconstructing India’s Doctrinal Response The military and scientific leadership of Pakistan has given clear signals that tactical nuclear weapons have a vital role in Pakistan’s nuclear weapons policy. Developed to lower Pakistan’s nuclear threshold, these weapons may further deter India from launching a conventional strike to punish Pakistan for its sub-conventional war against India. This has led to a debate on the possible doctrinal responses that India could adopt to counter Pakistan’s tactical nuclear weapons. Arka Biswas November 2015 Strategic Analysis
Reconsidering the Paracel Islands Dispute: An International Law Perspective The Paracel Islands dispute has recently resurfaced as a source of conflict between Vietnam and China, who both claim sovereignty over the islands from ‘time immemorial’. This article re-examines their respective claims from an international law perspective. It also focuses on delineating the respective claims with emphasis on sovereignty, territory and self-determination. Based on available sources, this article suggests that Vietnam appears to have a more credible sovereignty claim over the Paracel Islands vis-à-vis China. Christopher Budd , Dalbir Ahlawat November 2015 Strategic Analysis
3rd India Africa Forum Summit: Rejuvenating Relations Touted as the most spectacular diplomatic exercise hosted by India since the 1983 Non Aligned Movement (NAM) summit, this meeting provides opportunity for India to rejuvenate relations with the continent. Ruchita Beri October 29, 2015 IDSA Comments
Reenergising India-Africa Maritime Relations Africa needs not only maritime administration frameworks and the local capacity to enforce regulations, but also a model for sustainable blue-economy development that does not result in the destruction of its natural maritime habitat. In this, it can use India’s assistance. Abhijit Singh October 28, 2015 IDSA Comments
Russian Bombing in Syria: An Interim Assessment It is now abundantly clear that Russia has emerged as the most important player in Syria. With the US on the defensive, the coalition that Russia is forging with Iran and Iraq is likely to get stronger. K. P. Fabian October 27, 2015 IDSA Comments
