The Tamil Nadu Factor in Post-war Sri Lanka: Perspectives of Tamils and Muslims Growing international concerns about human rights violations in the last phase of the Eelam war and the continued surveillance and intimidation of the Tamils in Sri Lanka have drawn the attention of their co-ethnics across the world. The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which had detached itself from the political events in Sri Lanka after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, has renewed its interest. In the post-war phase, the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils has become an emotive issue. Smruti S. Pattanaik | September 2014 | Strategic Analysis
Understanding the Nuclear Aspirations and Behaviour of North Korea and Iran This article explores the drivers of North Korea and Iran’s nuclear aspirations and behaviour by employing the theoretical prisms of ‘security dilemma’, ‘regional security complex’ (RSC) and ‘social constructivism’. It argues that ideational values and interests are shaping Iranian and North Korean nuclear aspirations and behaviour. Conversely, the absence of positive inter-subjective understanding of the US and its allies regarding Iran and North Korea is influencing their nuclear non-proliferation policy towards these states. Shaheen Akhtar , Zulfiqar Khan | September 2014 | Strategic Analysis
An enigma called defence technology fund There has been much speculation since 2011 about who is going to manage the proposed fund, how is it to be different from the already existing technology related heads in the defence budget, and how will the amount set aside for the purpose be utilized. Amit Cowshish | August 27, 2014 | IDSA Comments
National Security Decision Making: Overhaul Needed A sub-committee of the CCS must devote time and effort to make substantive recommendations to improve the structures for higher defence management, defence research and development, self-reliance in defence production and the improvement of civil-military relations. Gurmeet Kanwal | August 26, 2014 | IDSA Comments
Ukraine: where is it going? It is possible, if there is political will, to find a negotiated settlement on the basis of a new constitution giving greater say to regions in foreign policy. In brief, the US should agree to a sort of Finlandization of Ukraine. K. P. Fabian | August 25, 2014 | IDSA Comments
Failed India-Pakistan dialogue: Reworking policies In the short-term India needs to let the internal situation within Pakistan play itself out and see what emerges from the standoff. There is no doubt that Pakistan will have to be engaged but terms and manner will be dictated by the prevailing political and economic scenario in India, Afghanistan and the region including India-China relations. Arun Sahgal | August 22, 2014 | IDSA Comments
Border tension between Bangladesh and Myanmar There are logical reasons for India to suitably intercede with both its neighours to facilitate an agreement on the border. A mediatory role by India may not be unwelcome by Bangladesh and Myanmar as both have friendly relations. Gautam Sen | August 22, 2014 | IDSA Comments
Examining the Assam-Nagaland Border Crisis These repeated incidents of border trouble and deaths bring into sharp focus the lack of serious border law enforcement. It is, therefore, critical that we do four important policy interventions fast. Namrata Goswami | August 21, 2014 | IDSA Comments
1st US-Africa Leaders Summit: A New Chapter in the US-Africa Relations The summit is seen as one of the major initiatives of the Obama administration towards the African continent and being the first US President to hold the largest event with the African head of states and governments. Aakriti Sethi | August 20, 2014 | Backgrounder
Delimitation of Indo-Bangladesh Maritime Boundary In a recent judgment, the UN Tribunal has delineated the maritime boundary line between India and Bangladesh in the territorial sea, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf within and beyond 200 nautical miles (nm). Both the countries are pleased and hope to consolidate further their relationship. Rupak Bhattacharjee | August 19, 2014 | IDSA Comments