Publication

In recent years, the frequent reports of suicide and fragging cases among armed forces personnel have prompted several questions about the negative effects of stressful life experiences on the well-being of soldiers. The narrow conception of mental health is not enough to understand and explain the status of mental health and well-being of a soldier, which eclipses the interwoven nature of various social determinants of health at workplace, such as the complexity of social categories reflected in class, power and caste structures.

• Yasir Hamid Bhat |
• October 2016 |
• Journal of Defence Studies

The nature of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations has evolved considerably since 1948. Most contemporary conflict zones are full of violence, resulting in a large number of civilian casualties. So much so, that even the peacekeepers have now become major targets of violence and asymmetric threats.

• A.K. Bardalai |
• October 2016 |
• Journal of Defence Studies

India needs to factor in the critical issue of reputation for resolve in future crisis situations in order to build its credibility and enhance its deterrence potential.

• Abhay Kumar Singh |
• October 21, 2016 |
• IDSA Comments

India needs to address the issue of water sharing with China in a comprehensive manner that includes both national and international initiatives.

• G.G. Dwivedi |
• October 21, 2016 |
• IDSA Comments

The indication by Defence Minister Tomomi Inada post her visit to South Sudan that security conditions are conducive for an increase in SDF roles points to a pragmatic outlook and mature understanding of Japan’s role in international issues.

• Adarsha Verma |
• October 18, 2016 |
• IDSA Comments

Instead of erecting static structures or walls with mounted electronic complements, a more dynamic mode of border management and surveillance may be expedient and cost-effective with concomitant mobile patrols by all-terrain vehicles, hovercraft, etc.

• Gautam Sen |
• October 18, 2016 |
• IDSA Comments

The key to calling Pakistan’s nuclear bluff lies in ensuring that the Indian armed forces are prepared to meet the threat of use of tactical nuclear weapons.

• Sanjay Badri-Maharaj |
• October 17, 2016 |
• Issue Brief

Is it a matter of such transcendental importance to keep Assad in power or remove him even at the cost of the lives of hundreds of thousands of ordinary Syrians and the displacement of half of the country’s total population?

• K. P. Fabian |
• October 14, 2016 |
• IDSA Comments

The Cold War period has been significant in international history as well as politics. The two power blocs were never at open war but much went on as part of propaganda against the other. Within this struggle between two ideological teams were also efforts, however ill-conceived, to reduce suspicions and build better relations with the hope for a more secure environment. ‘Open Skies’ is one of such initiatives that have in fact barely been comprehensively recorded until the release of this book.

• Shrabana Barua |
• October 2016 |
• Journal of Defence Studies

The article discusses the rise of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and focuses on its future. It explores the major milestones in the phenomenal rise of ISIS, which has surprised many geopolitical and military experts. It also briefly traces its journey as it gained ground in parts of Iraq, Syria and Libya, and the support it received from unexpected quarters of the world. The strong presence of ISIS in the digital medium has become a defining feature of the group.

• K. Nishant Nair |
• October 2016 |
• Journal of Defence Studies