The Chinese Discourse on the ‘Rise of China’ The 'rise of China' discourse articulates the transformation of China's internal structure and growth of its comprehensive national strength. From a Chinese perspective, the 'rise of China' and 'peaceful development' are concurrent themes that express and blend with the twin trends of globalisation and multipolarisation. This article argues that by adhering to the processes of 'multilateralism' and promoting 'commercial diplomacy', China has consciously made efforts to improve its international image. Raviprasad Narayanan | July 2007 | Strategic Analysis
US Policy on Dual-Use Technology Transfers to China This paper explores the paradox of US policy on dual-use technology cooperation with China in the face of resistance from a strong section of the security establishment. The paper examines the factors contributing to the current level of dual-use technology business between the two countries. It finds that the US Cold War grand strategy of co-opting China by dividing the socialist bloc has resulted in embedded commercial interests that have been further bolstered by the strategic need for ties with China. Rajiv Nayan | July 2007 | Strategic Analysis
The Maritime Dimension of India’s Energy Security Energy security has become a major component of India's national security thinking and policy as its economy has begun to record high rates of growth. The criticality of ensuring access to foreign oil and gas resources will only increase with time as the gap between its demand and its domestic production widens. Furthermore, India's dependence on the seas is particularly overwhelming for its energy 'logistics' in terms of both its domestic supplies and overseas imports. Gurpreet S Khurana | July 2007 | Strategic Analysis
Outsourcing of Defence Logistics in the Indian Armed Forces There is today an increasing acceptance of the concept of defence outsourcing of non-core logistic functions. Outsourcing frees commanders to focus on their primary task and saves resources. The paper attempts a holistic treatment of the subject from conceptual concerns to related practical issues. A brief scan of defence outsourcing the world over leads us to examine benefits that accrue and the precautions that should be taken. The paper goes on to analyse types of functions that can be safely outsourced and suggests a methodology for the entire process. Mrinal Suman | July 2007 | Strategic Analysis
Regional Security Cooperation: A Challenge for South (and North-East) Asia Alyson J. K. Bailes | July 2007 | Strategic Analysis
The Politics of Gun Control and India’s Internal Security Sukanya Podder | July 2007 | Strategic Analysis
Manifesto for Kantian Utopianism When the Cold War ended in 1989, many hoped that the emerging new world order would usher in an era of peace. A large number of nations sought to decrease their defence spending hoping to reap the so-called ‘peace dividend’. Many thought and wistfully hoped that the new era would be more permeable for an enlargement of the Western model of liberal political order. Francis Fukuyama, even argued that in the battle for ideas, liberal democracy has come out victoriously and has set out to conquer the dark world of authoritarianism and communism. Namrata Goswami | July 2007 | Strategic Analysis
Change the Pattern of Aid to Afghanistan Nearly six years after the toppling of the Taliban regime and the completion of the Bonn Process, the situation in Afghanistan continues to remain fragile. A recent visit to provinces in Afghanistan and 'person on the street' narratives in Herat, Kabul, Balkh, Parvan, Baglan, Samangan, Kapisa, and Nangarhar portrays a general sense of resignation amongst the people as they watch their nation sliding backwards. Despite a massive international effort with a total pledge (Grants & Loans) of US $29,304.9 million, the goal of rebuilding a stable Afghanistan remains distant. Shanthie Mariet D'Souza | June 28, 2007 | IDSA Comments
Gaza on the Boil The factional fighting between the Islamist Hamas, represented by the recently dismissed Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in the Gaza Strip, and the 'moderate' Fatah, headed by the President of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Mahmoud Abbas, took a turn for the worse on June 14 when Hamas cadres ransacked the Preventive Security Service building, the headquarters of the PA in Gaza City. The renewed fighting between the two factions, which accounted for more than 100 deaths during the week gone by, has already claimed over 600 lives since January 2006. S. Samuel C. Rajiv | June 21, 2007 | IDSA Comments
Musharraf in a Mess of His Own Making: Autumn of the Patriarch? A commentator of Pakistani origin in the US, writing in The Wall Street Journal in September 2006, coined a new name for Pakistan, i.e., Musharrafistan. He fell short of saying ‘Musharraf is Pakistan and Pakistan is Musharraf’. At one level, Musharraf had until now established his reputation as the best bet for the US and the West, as a liberal dictator and better-than-the-rest leader within Pakistan, who pulled Pakistan successfully away from the brink. Ashok K. Behuria | June 19, 2007 | Policy Brief
