South Asian Security Dynamics Research Papers (original) (raw)

This article investigates the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which involves a whole package of multiple cooperative initiatives aimed to accelerate connectivity via land routes and boost Sino-Pakistani collaboration. While channelling Chinese power and interests, this corridor, being a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, may significantly affect the security landscape in conflict-prone South Asia, and the economic, political and social dynamics within Pakistan. Being
a fragile state with multiple domestic challenges and asymmetric position vis-à-vis China, Pakistan is a valuable source for regional power game and China’s aspiration analysis. The comprehensive evaluation of economic corridors’ multidimensional impact on volatile regions with poor socio-economic background, contested political power and high-security risk fills a much-needed gap in contemporary security studies. We contend that CPEC may bring stabilising and destabilising results; yet, if certain conditions are not met, over the long term, the latter are likely to outweigh the former due to the various aspects of internal, bilateral and regional character. To evaluate the corridor’s multifaceted implications, firstly, we conceptualise CPEC within the selected international relations paradigms, and secondly, we empirically refer to our assumptions.

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- International Relations, South Asian Studies, Security Studies, Southeast Asian Politics

The emergence of Indo-US strategic partnership is going to be the central pillar of US Asia policy in the 21st century. The partnership will have long-term security, economic and political implications for China in its peripheries of South Asia, Central and East Asia at large. The Indo-US partnership will also affect China’s relations with the US and Russia in different degrees. However, the most important caveat would be how this partnership will take shape in the coming decade. In other words what would be the limitations on the Indo-US strategic partnership? How US foreign policy goals and priorities can be reconciled with India’s own foreign policy goals and traditions and its aspirations to have a greater say in global affairs in the coming decades? More importantly, how far Indian interests would converge with US in hedging China?

Mount Meru and SE asian art

- by Dr. Uday Dokras
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- Art History, South-East Asia, South Asian Security Dynamics, Mount Meru

India’s role as a security provider has increasingly been discussed and debated over a period of time. This has received a fillip as a result of India’s growing capabilities, both economic and military. The 2015 edition of the Asian Strategic Review, is possibly the first book which analyses this facet in the Asian context. The book assesses India’s capabilities as well as existing limitations. It contextualises India’s role in relation to important regions, multinational fora and specific countries in Asia. The publication aims to provide greater clarity on the past, present and future contours of India’s role as a security provider, in light of evolving strategic contours and its security implications.

- by Vivek Chadha
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- Asian Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, Middle East Studies, South Asian Studies

This book chapter looks into India’s civil-military relations and its impact on India’s military effectiveness. It discusses the theory of civil-military relations and identifies that while Huntington’s ‘objective control’ best describes civil-military relations in India, it does not, contrary to Huntington’s claim, maximize military effectiveness. Borrowing from Risa Brook’s approach, the author analyses Indian military effectiveness by
examining its four crucial determinants—weapons procurement, defence planning, integration and human
resource development. He argues that the current structure of civil-military relations, more accurately described as an ‘absent dialogue’, has an adverse impact on its military effectiveness. While the Indian state has acknowledged some of these problems and has made some attempts at defence reforms, more forceful political intervention is required.

- by Luis Simon
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- Geopolitics, International Security, Russian Foreign Policy, Chinese foreign policy

Security issues in South Asia could be the key to world peace. Understanding the
particular dynamics of security creation and its provision in the region has therefore
become extremely important. That said, there are major hurdles to a proper comprehension
of the underlying complexities. Most of the home-grown security studies and analyses are
sponsored or directly provided by the security establishment, focusing mainly on the
tactical capacities of the military apparatus. The outside academic community, mainly the
Singapore-Australia-USA triangle, tend to concentrate on the global perspectives with
predominance given to the India-China aspect of the security configuration. For these
reasons, vital and insightful concepts are missing for the proper and realistic understanding
of the security policies and configuration of South Asia. The purpose of this essay will be
to introduce some of these analytical concepts and give a deeper understanding of the
issues at work, in short to provide a historic background to the conflict and security
configuration of South Asia.

The Indo-Pakistani rivalry is among the most hostile in the world today. This paper provides a new explanation for why we observe variation in hostility levels in this rivalry. This article studies the effects of different regimes—civilian, military, or mixed—and political stability in Pakistan on the decisions to enter into or de-escalate from crises with India. The findings demonstrate that Pakistan deescalates from crises if politically stable and enters wars if politically unstable. However, the effects of regime type, civilian, military, or mixed, are inconclusive. The paper shifts the focus from regime type to regime stability.

- by Prashant Hosur and +1
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- Peace and Conflict Studies, Democratization, Conflict Resolution, Indo-Pakistani relations

Although the US and its Western allies had long relationship with Africa in various categories of aid and development, China’s recent entry into the Dark Continent caused huge displeasure to the traditional donors. The Asian giant’s economic investment in Africa was so huge that it engaged scholars to analyze the trend from various perspectives including politics, economics, commerce, governance, human rights as well as security. The move also became an awakening or a reawakening for the US and its think tank in that, with the magnitude of rich resources under its soil, Africa is to be redefined in a more appealing fashion very unlike the Dark Continent the West had misinterpreted it for calculated hidden interests. It is based on this background that this study problematises the nature of the competition between the two giants and the implications it may hold for Africa.

This presentation paper is about the capability of SE Asian countries Military and their role in HADR. It answers the question of "whether the SE Asian Military is loosing conventional fighting capacity while focusing too much on HADR... more

A review of 'The China-Pakistan Axis' by Andrew Small

- by Jeremy Garlick
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- Asian Studies, Strategy (Military Science), International Relations, Terrorism
- by Sanchita Bhattacharya, Ph.D.
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- Finance, Religion, Sociology, Cultural Studies

The impact of Kashmir conflict and volatility of the 740km Line of Control (LoC) dividing erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, on the lives of peoples inhabiting the frontline villages in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) remains an untold story. The Neelum valley runs parallel to the LoC and in many places the Neelum river itself forms LoC. It is highly vulnerable to firing and shelling on the LoC and was the worst affected region during the 1990s. The bordering areas in the valley faced the brunt of hostilities on the LoC in the 1990s and felt much relieved by the 2003 ceasefire. The study tries to examine the impact of escalation of conflict on LoC and post 2003 ceasefire on the people living on the zero line the Neelum valley.

A review of Bill Hayton's 2014 book

The Rules-Based Order (RBO) underpins the global maritime trading and security system. A subject of growing discussion and debate in strategic studies circles, it is seen by many as a prerequisite for seaborne trade and commerce, and a crucial factor in formulating national security policy. While many Asian powers have a shared understanding of the principles of maritime conduct, regional states have tended to situate the RBO within the framework of “balance of power”, with a focus on countering Chinese aggression in the littorals. This paper examines the Rules-Based Order in Asia from a ‘maritime operations’ lens, evaluating India’s options in the near and extended neighbourhood. It argues that notwithstanding growing discord with Beijing, New Delhi could devise a protocol of maritime engagement to reduce conflict and improve cooperation in the commons. In doing so, the two Asian powers could come to an understanding on the normative principles of interaction in the littorals. Even so, there are likely to be no easy options for New Delhi.

- by Abhijit Singh
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- Naval Warfare, Maritime Security, Naval Operations, Asian security

This analytical paper asks, does the One-China policy shape the People’s Republic of China’s foreign policy? This paper begins by briefly defining the One-China policy and situating it in the respective histories of China and its current incarnation as the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Then, after untangling the often muddled classifications of soft, sharp, and hard power, the question is interrogated in the context of each class of power (Nye, 2004; Nye, 2011; Nye, 2018; Raby, 2019; Walker & Ludwig, 2017). This analytical essay concludes that the PRC does employ predominantly sharp and hard power strategies that are heavily influenced by the One-China policy.

- by Grant W Turner
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- International Relations, China, China's foreign policy, Northeast Asian Security

The change in interna onal order from unipolar to mul polar has resulted in change of US priori es. South Asia faces new challenges amid these changes. US concerns over a range of issues like terrorism, Islamic militancy and nuclear prolifera on coupled with the rise of Russia and China have resulted in the US re-posturing towards the Asia Pacific. Economic incen ves in Asia also offer the US and European powers an urge to adopt Asia centric economic policy. In this newly evolving security paradigm, India is encouraged by the US to play a cri cal role in the containment of China. Pakistan is therefore becoming less important for Washington and would have to seek new rela onships with newly emerging powers namely Russia and China by offering lucra ve economic incen ves.

- by Shams Uz Zaman
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- Geography, Terrorism, South Asian Studies, Afghanistan

The region of South Asia has always been highly important in the global politics because of its sensitive geographical location. India and Pakistan are two major countries of this region, which came into being as a result of the division of Sub-Continent in the year of 1947. Both India and Pakistan have remained unable to have cordial relationship with each other due to various issues. The relationship between India and Pakistan has been marked by suspicion, hatred and distrust. Tense and hostile situation has been existing between India and Pakistan since 1947, which has resulted in three wars and various crises between them. In May 1998, both India and Pakistan had tested their nuclear devices and the region of South Asia became a nuclear flashpoint. Although India and Pakistan are two traditional rival states but both have also experienced such occasions when they became successful to hold peace talks and conclude various agreements to resolve different issues. But this situation has not been long lasting and suspensions in the peace process further enhanced suspicion and mistrust on both sides. The objective of this paper is to analyze various issues between India and Pakistan in historical perspective and highlight those efforts which have been made by the policy makers of both states to lessen the tension.

When the Dalai Lama passes on...

- by Itty Abraham
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- Tibet, Contemporary China, Indian foreign policy, South Asian Security Dynamics

This paper is about cyber security laws and policies in South Asia.

The change in international order from uni-polar to multi-
polar has resulted in change of US priorities. South Asia
faces new challenges amid these changes. US concerns
over a range of issues like terrorism, Islamic militancy and
nuclear proliferation coupled with the rise of Russia and
China have resulted in the US re-posturing towards the
Asia Pacific. Economic incentives in Asia also offer the US
and European powers an urge to adopt Asia centric
economic policy. In this newly evolving security paradigm,
India is encouraged by the US to play a critical role in the
containment of China. Pakistan is therefore becoming less
important for Washington and would have to seek new
relationships with newly emerging powers namely Russia
and China by offering lucrative economic incentives.

- by Shams Uz Zaman
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- Strategy (Military Science), Terrorism, South Asian Studies, Afghanistan

In light of the US requirement to operate in coalitions and given the impressive
movement in Indo-US relations, this essay examines the prospects of operational partnerships
between the Indian and US armies. It situates the possible futures of Indo-US army-to-army
relations generally, and of potential coalition operations specifically, within the context of
India’s strategic culture and its national security strategy as well as the role of the armed forces
and the army in particular in the execution of this national security strategy. This essay recognizes
that both armies are evolving and considers the evolutionary trajectories of both forces.

- by C. Christine Fair
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- Indian studies, South Asian Studies, South Asia, Indian Politics

Indo-Israeli relations have gained tremendous momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the PM’s deliberate and cohesive efforts deserve credit, other significant contributing factors must not be overlooked. Moving away from the dominant Modi-centric approach, this article explores significant contributing factors in the new phase in India-Israel relations under Modi. It concludes that more than a single factor, it is a combination of conditions and factors that actively and collectively brought about the change.

India once again canceled the peace dialogue with Pakistan by labeling her a deep state. Government of India has cleared its official stand on Friday that it is going to cancel the peace dialogue with Pakistan which was scheduled to be held on the sideline of UN General Assembly in New York next week. The peace dialogue was initiated between Indian External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj and her counterpart Shah Mahmood Qurashi. Indian authorities said on Friday that it has cancelled the talk with Pakistan due to two deeply disturbing act of Pakistan and Its intelligence agency ISI in the recent past, which clearly exposed the " evil agenda " of a deep state. In an incident recently, terrorists abducted and gunned down three police men from their residence in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir state. Secondly Islamabad had recently issued postage stamps in memory of Burhan Wani, a Hizbul Mujahideen commander who was shot dead by Indian security forces in July 2016, which resulted to huge protests and unrest in valley. History has been witness to the fact that India has tried multiple times to initiate peace dialogue with Pakistan, but Pakistan's military led establishment never showed any respect for civilian led government of India. Every attempt of peace has been followed with a terrorist act by Pakistan on Indian establishment. The meeting of UFA which was held in July 2015 was followed by a deadly attack in Gurdaspour district of Punjab state. The Heart of Asia Conference which was held in Islamabad in December 2015 which was again followed by an attack on Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in January 2016. The bus diplomacy which was officially known as Sada-e-sarhad was followed by a low intensity war in Kargil in 1999. Agra summit of peace talk was followed by attack on Indian parliament in 2001. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack happened when the foreign secretary of Pakistan was in Delhi on a visit for visa liberalization initiative. There were many other incidents which clearly indicate that Pakistani army and intelligence agencies run the policies of their elected governments. Although there were elected governments in the past too but almost all the governments had acted on the advices of military generals. What more proof does one needs when Nawaz Sharif the Ex-Prime Minister confirmed in a public gathering that non-state actors were involved in 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Shashi Tahroor a renowned Indian Politician and scholar once said that the core issue between India and Pakistan is not the Kashmir issue but the nature of the Pakistan as a state. According to him in India, state has an army but in Pakistan army has a state, which simply means that whole the country is indirectly run by Pakistani army. He further said that in India, one joins the army to defend the country but in Pakistan one joins the army to run the country. Even the Pakistani academicians and writers like Ayesha Siddiqa and Mohammad Nawaz khan wrote many times against the involvement of Pakistan army in sphere of life. As per the reports published by many International Organizations, Pakistan is the only country in the world whose army holds the largest share of its GDP in the name of FAUJI FOUNDATION. 'Reimagining Pakistan', a new beginning was initiated by the newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan IMRAN KHAN in the recent past, but it is a fact that in Pakistani politic nobody can cross the red line made by Pakistani army and intelligence agencies, whether it would be Zardari, Sharif or cricketer turned

- by Shamim Alam
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- South Asian Security Dynamics

Drawing on his experience of attending the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Evan Laksmana examines the competing visions presented at the summit of how tensions in the Indo-Pacific region should be resolved. To his dismay, these visions suggest... more