India’s Neighbourhood: Challenges in the Next Two Decades Publisher: Pentagon Security International The chapters in the book take a prospective look at India's neighbourhood, as it may evolve by 2030. They underline the challenges that confront Indian policymakers, the opportunities that are likely to emerge, and the manner in which they should frame foreign and security policies for India, to maximise the gains and minimise the losses. ISBN 978-81-8274-687-9, Price: ₹ 995/- E-copy available Ashok K. Behuria , Rumel Dahiya | | Book
Peace and Stability in Afghanistan: The Role of Neighbours The security deficit can be filled to a large extent by Afghanistan’s neighbours if they can be persuaded to accept the responsibility, including by contributing troops to a UN-mandated peacekeeping force. Gurmeet Kanwal | December 13, 2012 | IDSA Comments
In Pursuit of a Shield: US, Missile Defence and the Iran Threat The US pursuit of missile defence in order to counter and/or hedge against Iran's ballistic missile capabilities coupled with concerns generated by its nuclear programme has had significant strategic consequences. Iran on its part has pursued these capabilities as part of its asymmetric strategy to overcome its strategic vulnerabilities flowing from US encirclement, short-comings in force levels vis-a-vis neighbours and resource constraints in building effective conventional forces. S. Samuel C. Rajiv | 2012 | Monograph
Armed Forces Special Powers Act: The Debate The debate over the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), has been raging within affected states, armed forces, central and state police organisations, human rights groups, legal fraternity and the central leadership. There have been different views and opinions voiced based on strongly held beliefs. This monograph attempts to present some of these diverse views, with the aim of capturing the ongoing debate. Vivek Chadha | 2012 | Monograph
Murky Waters: Politics in the South China Sea What makes the South China Sea compelling is its global strategic significance both in terms of trade and energy, which has given rise to the strategic presence of a dangerous number of actors cast in multiple roles. Melissa M. Cyrill | December 11, 2012 | Backgrounder
Egypt in Crisis: Learning the Hard Lessons of Democracy Egypt is realizing that democracy is not an easily procured fruit, especially in a nation where political movements have been suppressed for decades and peoples’ sentiments can be easily swayed either way. Rajeev Agarwal | December 08, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Trespassers will be Prosecuted: China’s latest Billboard in the South China Sea The issuance of these ordinances will not only add to the growing tensions in the disputed areas, specifically the South China Sea, but also add to the growing suspicions about Chinese intent. Sarabjeet Singh Parmar | December 08, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Sectarian Violence in Karachi: Is Pakistan Closer to the Precipice? Unity of purpose and synergy between state institutions required to deal with sectarian violence is largely missing and, as a result, the Pakistani state is responding to the growing Taliban threat in Karachi in a knee-jerk manner. P. K. Upadhyay | December 07, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Eruptions in Goma – Troublesome mandate The events of the last ten days have once again focussed international attention on the DRC and lent support to voices clamouring for a review of the existing mandate of MONUSCO and the larger process by which these mandates are concretized. Akash S. Goud | December 05, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Can Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Law Address the Boko Haram Threat? The Act does not seem to factor in the possibility of brutal crackdowns leading to an atmosphere of further militarisation and hostility. Sneha Bhura | December 2012 | Africa Trends