India’s Civilisational Ties with the World: An Underexplored Theme in India’s Soft Power Discourse ‘Soft Power’ has never before been explicitly stated as part of India’s foreign policy, like it has been done in the last few years. However, much remains to be done to transform India’s capacities into capabilities for an effective soft power exercise, and to be able to employ such soft power as a veritable instrument of influence. This article discusses the civilisational asset that India possesses and its potential for enhancing soft power, that is, India’s historical and civilisational ties with, and the cultural footprints thereof, in different parts of the world, especially Asia. Arpita Mitra January-March 2023 Journal of Defence Studies
Integrated Rocket Force: A Timely Idea The Pralay surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 150–500 kms can be the focal point of an Integrated Rocket Force and provide critical deterrent capabilities. Akshat Upadhyay January 24, 2023 Issue Brief
Terror Attack Prediction Based on Time Series Forecasting of Twitter Data The use of social media such as Twitter by terrorist organisations to spread their propaganda and to recruit new members is well-documented. As per an estimate, there were about 46,000–90,000 Twitter accounts in 2014, which either advocated for Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or were run by supporters of the group. In 2015, Twitter reported that it had banned 1,25,000 ISIS sympathetic accounts. In 2016, it published an update that 3,25,000 accounts had been deleted. Ranjit Mishra January-March 2023 Journal of Defence Studies
Starlink’s Role in Ukraine: Portent of a Space War? Starlink, a satellite internet constellation owned by Elon Musk, provides satellite-based internet connectivity to consumers globally, and has been actively involved in guiding Ukrainian military drones and missiles against Russian military positions, thus becoming party to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict and a bonafide military objective. Russia had also accused Starlink of helping the Ukrainian forces to guide and modify fire of the two Neptune missiles, which led to the sinking of the Russian warship Moskva. Kaushik Ray , William Selvamurthy January-March 2023 Journal of Defence Studies
US–Saudi Tensions: Implications for the Petrodollar System The petrodollar system that came into existence in the 1970s has come under stress, with oil being traded increasingly in non-US denominated currencies. Adil Rasheed January 18, 2023 Issue Brief
Unpacking India’s Defence Cooperation with Africa India’s defence cooperation with African countries is on the rise. This cooperation is to some extent driven by the common security challenges faced by these countries. It is also guided by three principles: keeping African priorities first, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All) and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the World is One Family. Training of African defence officers, involvement in United Nations Peacekeeping on the continent and maritime cooperation are the three pillars of defence engagement with African countries. Ruchita Beri July-September 2023 Journal of Defence Studies
2034: A Novel of the Next World War by Elliot Ackerman and James Stavridis For a book published in 2021 and preceding the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, 2034: A Novel of the Next World War by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis is remarkably topical and prescient. It forecasts a future where great power ambition and a sense of infallibility of a superpower lure it towards utilising ‘compellence’ as a strategy towards attaining its goal of world domination, leading to predictable consequences. Alok Deb January-March 2023 Journal of Defence Studies
Militaries in Cyberspace: Approaches, Expectations and Outcomes Militaries are the sword arm of the state, entrusted with defending the state against all threats that would harm its interests. These threats are increasingly emanating from cyberspace and militaries around the world are being called upon formally to undertake responsibility for defending against threats from this domain in addition to the existing physical domains of land, sea, air and space. The unique nature of this domain has required some restructuring on the part of the military. Cherian Samuel January-March 2023 Journal of Defence Studies
The International System: Economic and Science and Technological Perspectives Two phenomenal developments characterized the change in the international system in the years after the Second World War: (i) the spread of Multi-national Corporations (MNCs) and (ii) the rise of a Third World, with its pluralization of political systems, economic forms and social doctrines. While the former is an important factor in the North–South relationship, the latter development has brought about new changes in the international economic system. S. P. Varma January-February 2023 Strategic Analysis
India in the Emerging World Order The fact that bipolarity is passing and a new multipolar world structure has emerged, merits a deeper examination. In the political sphere, the interests of the super powers, collaborative or competitive, do influence the existing international order. At the level of avoiding mutual conflict or ensuring peace in Europe, the super powers have taken many steps to reduce tension. But their competition for dominance of the Third World continues. Their influence is particularly evident in conflict situations obtaining, for instance, in Southern Africa and West Asia. P. R. Chari January-February 2023 Strategic Analysis
