Iran’s ‘Pivot’ to Asia: Quest for Survival and Regional Cooperation This monograph attempts to analyse Iran's Look East strategy, which became the macro framework of Iran's foreign policy after the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and more effectively under President Ebrahim Raisi. It delves into various geopolitical and economic drivers of Iran's pursuit of long-term partnerships with China and Russia. It seeks to understand how Iran's regional policy is responding to the new geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia and the Caucasus following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Azerbaijan's victory in the second Nagorno-Karabakh war. It also examines the problems and prospects in India-Iran ties, especially in the context of Iran's Look East strategy. Deepika Saraswat | | Monograph
Is Multilateralism Dead? Cooperation and collaboration through multilateral institutions are the only viable and sustainable responses to a world grappling with complex global challenges. Ashok Sajjanhar | | IDSA Comments
Saudi-Pakistan Mutual Defence Agreement and Shifting Alignments in West Asia The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact symbolises regional actors' growing autonomy and assertiveness in reshaping the regional security environment. Deepika Saraswat | | IDSA Comments
Trump’s Tariffs and BRICS: Towards a Resilient Bloc? President Trump’s tariffs have reinforced the importance of BRICS as a platform for collective bargaining and the pursuit of alternative institutional frameworks. Rajeesh Kumar | | Issue Brief
Emerging Frontiers: Technology Absorption in the Indian Army Publisher: Pentagon Press In the 21st century, power on the battlefield is no longer defined by size or legacy, but by speed of adaptation. The world’s most advanced militaries are no longer just acquiring weapons; they are absorbing innovation at the pace of disruption. Emerging Frontiers confronts one of the most urgent challenges facing armed forces today: how to integrate technologies never built for war but rapidly redefining it. AI, drones, quantum computing and cyber systems now emerge from private labs and startups, not defence PSUs or primes. The race is no longer just for firepower - it is for technological fluency. The book delivers: A clear foundation in emerging and disruptive technologies. Comparative insights from innovation ecosystems in the US, Israel, Ukraine and India. Profound lessons from contemporary conflicts - Russia- Ukraine, Armenia-Azerbaijan and Israel-Hamas. A blueprint for reforming India’s defence innovation culture. But more than that, it delivers a powerful argument: India’s armed forces must not just adopt technology - they must lead it. Absorption is not a matter of buying more. It is about building the capacity to experiment, adapt, co-create and lead in an environment where yesterday’s solutions are obsolete tomorrow. The book is essential for those who believe that the future of national security will belong to nations that learn faster, adapt smarter and move first. It calls for organisational ambidexterity, cultural agility and a shift in mindset, where military personnel are not only end-users but also innovators, collaborators and strategic technologists. ISBN: 978-81-984458-8-9, Price: ₹ 995/- E-copy available Akshat Upadhyay | | Book
India–European Union Defence Cooperation: Avenues for Collaboration Defence and security cooperation can become the mainstay of the India-EU relationship. Jason Wahlang | | IDSA Comments
Japan and Australia Deepen Defence Cooperation Japan and Australia have strengthened their defence partnership, exemplified by the August 2025 US$ 6 billion Mogami-class frigate deal. Simran Walia | | IDSA Comments
Shigeru Ishiba’s Diplomatic Legacy While Prime Minister Ishiba’s untimely exit marks the return of political instability in Japan, he helped navigate Japan through extreme international uncertainty. Arnab Dasgupta | | IDSA Comments
Charlie Kirk’s Killing Bares Rising Extremism in the US Body Politic Political violence in the US has increased in recent times, with Charlie Kirk’s killing the latest instance of rising extremism in the US body politic. Adil Rasheed | | Issue Brief
Small Modular Reactors and India: Institutional Drivers and Challenges Given India’s future energy demand and need for clean energy, Small Modular Reactors (SMR) are a suitable option. Niranjan Chandrashekhar Oak , Bhawna Budhwar | | Issue Brief
