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. Jagannath P. Panda August 05, 2014 Issue Brief
Is Russian ready to face the Afghan fallouts? Russia seems both happy as well as worried about US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Concerns about Central Asian security apart, now with the sectarian strife in West Asia flaring up, the Russian anxieties would heighten about possible spread of ISIS type assertion along its southern belt. P. Stobdan August 05, 2014 IDSA Comments
Post-Crimea: Central Asian Fear Putin’s Stick There is a growing sense that Putin, after what he did to Crimea, has prepared a fine blueprint for similar intervention in Central Asian states should it become a necessary case for protecting Russian interests in these countries. P. Stobdan August 04, 2014 IDSA Comments
Is Putin Gearing Up for Intervening in Asia Next? In a three part series the author analyses Russia's strategic play. In this first part, the recently held military "snap inspection" drill by Russia involving 65,000 troops is examined and significantly the intent and purpose behind it. P. Stobdan August 01, 2014 IDSA Comments
ZARB-e-AZB: Phony War or Paradigm Shift For all the grandstanding by the Pakistan army and the civilian government that Op Zarb-e-Azb was going to be against all kinds of terror groups based in NWA, no such thing seems to be happening. Clearly, this operation has been launched keeping an eye on the post-2014 situation in Afghanistan. Sushant Sareen July 31, 2014 IDSA Comments
Indian Army’s Modernisation Plans: Call for Pragmatism The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence’s figures reveals that the army's equipment modernisation is steadily falling. In 2008-09, the army spent 27 paisa of every rupee on capital expenditure. This fell to 24 paisa in 2009-10; 23 paisa in 2010-11; 20 paisa in 2012-13 and just 18 paisa in the last two years. Resultantly the army’s ambitious plans to transform from a ‘threat-based to a capability force’ by 2020 are being consistently thwarted. Arun Sahgal July 31, 2014 IDSA Comments
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. Smruti S. Pattanaik , Akriti Vasudeva July 30, 2014 Issue Brief
Recent Incidences of Global Biosafety and Biosecurity Lapses in Laboratories Need Relook at Implementation of National Policies The Recent epidemic of Ebola caused panic across the world and all efforts are being made to contain its spread. Recent years have also seen incidences of accidents and security… Continue reading Recent Incidences of Global Biosafety and Biosecurity Lapses in Laboratories Need Relook at Implementation of National Policies B. M. Gandhi July-December 2014 CBW Magazine
Total Recount in Afghanistan: What Next? As all the votes cast in the run-off election are audited and recounted under international supervision, the final outcome could be a close finish with winning candidate leading by a much narrow margin. The process of constitutional amendment can only be initiated after the new parliament is formed as parliamentary elections are due in 2015. Vishal Chandra July 26, 2014 Issue Brief
Genetically Engineered Insects: A Boon or Curse? The age of genetic engineering and biotechnology has enabled the humanity to save lives and make them better and to upgrade lifestyles in many ways. Ongoing research and innovations in… Continue reading Genetically Engineered Insects: A Boon or Curse? Anshu Joshi July-December 2014 CBW Magazine