Editorial: Trump’s Global Tariff Weapon – India’s Odds, Options, Opportunities
The past decade has seen marked increase in weaponization of trade in form of targeted government interference with exports and imports and widespread resort to state funded subsidies, all applied unilaterally or invoked in name of goals that go beyond trade. It has been done so because entrenched concerns about national sovereignty have combined with heightened geopolitical rivalry. The evidence is stockpile of G20 import restrictions has grown more than tenfold since 2009 and continues to grow. The increased frequency and complexity of distortive subsidies is according to a collective report by the IMF, World Bank, WTO and OECD, bringing significant discord to the trading system. Read More
Rethinking Artificial Islands
While artificial islands have been proposed as strategic assets for enhancing maritime security, their feasibility, sustainability, and geopolitical consequences raise significant concerns. This research critically examines the potential downsides of constructing artificial islands for India's defense. It evaluates environmental risks, economic viability, legal complications, and strategic vulnerabilities, questioning whether such islands are a viable long-term solution for India's maritime security. Read More
Political Crisis in Bangladesh: It’s Impact on Minorities and Concern for India
The on-going violent anti-quota protest in Bangladesh has killed more than hundred people injured thousands so far. Even though the 30% reservation for the family members of those fought for the liberation of Bangladesh war was the reason behind it, but there is a strong possibility of foreign forces behind violent protest. This protest got support from the overseas Bangladeshi citizens from USA, Australia, Britain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Indian state of West Bengal. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has reduced the quota from 30 per cent to 5 per cent, but resentment has not abated. Violent agitation is going on in Bangladesh Even though India had advised the concerned departments not to react to it at the very beginning; West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that anyone coming to India from Bangladesh is welcomed in West Bengal due to security reasons. Geo-politically Bangladesh is important for India and Vice-versa. Read More
Trump Gaza Proposal has created an Insurmountable Predicament for US Geopolitical Primacy in the region
Trump proposal of relocating Gaza in Egypt, Jordan or some other countries has shocked the Arab partners of US into an inexorable geopolitical space. Palestinian has already declared that US is not an honest peace maker given its Israel policy and support. US iron-clad friendship during the Gaza war has pushed US in a very difficult position for future peace process. Stable Egypt and Jordan is an essential component of Israel peace and security. Talk of Saudi-Israel normalization in such a scenario diminishes Saudi leadership standing in Arab and Islamic world. The swift Saudi statement of response to Trump proposal is a necessary geopolitical and diplomatic imperative for its leadership in the region and its global aspirations. Read More
Enhance the Military Power of Quad for a Stable Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific region, a focal point of global geopolitics, has been significantly impacted by China's aggressive expansionism and military assertiveness, particularly since Xi Jinping's rise to power. This paper examines the historical context and strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the region's economic significance and the challenges posed by China's actions, including its territorial claims and coercive tactics against neighbouring countries. The key findings reveal China's belligerence and military expansion, has destabilized the region. The revival of the Quad—comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia—emerges as a response to Chinese actions, and aims to ensure a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific.' Despite the Quad's efforts, questions remain regarding its effectiveness in deterring China, given the lack of a formal military alliance and differing national priorities. The paper argues for a reevaluation of military strategies among Quad nations to counter China's ambitions, emphasizing the necessity of a unified military approach to maintain regional stability and deter aggression. Ultimately, the Quad's ability to adapt and strengthen its military capabilities will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by China's expansionist policies. This study highlights the importance of military power in countering China's ambitions and ensuring peace and prosperity in the region. Read More
The Immigrant Question – Implications of Illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya Immigration in India
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) of the United Nations defines ‘Irregular Migration’ as the ‘Movement of persons that takes place outside the laws, regulations, or international agreements governing the entry into or exit from the State of origin, transit or destination.’ (Key Migration Terms, Migration Glossary | IOM, UN Migration, n.d.) Read More
The Quad’s Space Collaboration: Advancing Satellite and Space Security Initiatives
IQuadrilateral Security dialogue i.e. QUAD comprises Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. In recent years, these nations have significantly enhanced their collaboration in space-related activities, recognizing the strategic importance of space in ensuring regional security and addressing global challenges. It has become a crucial grouping especially in the Indo-Pacific region. In September 2021, they also established ‘QUAD Space Working Group’ during the first in person QUAD Leaders’ Summit. Read More
Coastal, Maritime Security Beyond Preventing Another 26 /11
Poorly guarded and managed borders including coasts have serious implications for National Security. The serial blasts of March 1993 in Mumbai and multiple coordinated terrorist attacks of November 2008 in Mumbai happened because of poorly guarded maritime border. On both occasions, criminals and terrorists entered India through the sea (Das, 2014). Despite India’s coasts being vulnerable to sub-conventional threats and challenges, very little attention was paid for long time to secure them. While some steps were taken like initiation of Operations Swan to patrol the coasts off Mumbai in wake of March 1993 terrorist attacks, concerted measures to secure coasts had to unfortunately await the terrorist attack of 26th November 2008. It was only in last decade that coastal security emerged as an important element of national security. Read More
India-Egypt Relations: Paradigm Shift Since Independence to Present
India and Egypt have both endured relatively similar trials and tribulations and underwent various social metamorphosis with plethora of issues like colonialism, post-colonial socialism, nationalism so on and so forth. It became a catalyst for the leaders of both the countries to develop a fresh start after Second World War. This has culminated into Non-Aligned Movement, which intended to protect the interest of undeveloped nations in international politics. Read More
Book Review - On Wars
Benjamin Franklin once said, “There never was a good war or a bad peace.” But what determines whether war or peace is chosen? The author of the book “On Wars”, Michael Mann, Distinguished Research Professor of Sociology Emeritus at University of California, Los Angles concludes that it is a handful of political leaders—people with emotions and ideologies and constrained by inherited culture and institutions—who undertake such decisions, usually irrationally choosing war and seldom achieving their desired results. If wars are “the least rational of human projects,” why have there been so many of them all over the world, in every era? This is the question that the author poses in the book “On Wars.” Read More
