CISS Insight Journal

Contemporary Challenges to Nuclear Deterrence in South Asia

2024-04-17T05:28:33+00:00

Pakistan’s nuclear weapons capability has played a crucial role in deterring India from waging war. Deterrence maintains a fragile stability because India is rapidly modernizing its military and is being propped up by the United States as the “net security provider” in the Asia Pacific region. These strategic developments are becoming a source of insecurity beyond South Asia. With added confidence, India has engaged in irresponsible behavior, such as surgical strikes and brinkmanship during crises. India has been signaling the resumption of nuclear testing, shedding ambiguity in its No First Use doctrine, and adopting a pre-emptive nuclear strike posture. The growing asymmetry in conventional and strategic domains is increasing instability in nuclear deterrence. These factors would increase Islamabad’s security dilemma. This study elaborates on the challenges Indian postures pose to stable deterrence in South Asia and measures the West, especially the United States, can take to avoid disturbing the region’s balance.

China and the Middle East

2024-04-17T05:30:40+00:00

The Saudi-Iran normalization agreement, brokered by Beijing in March 2023, underscores China’s growing involvement in the political and security landscape of the Middle East. This engagement encompasses a comprehensive array of economic, technological, and geopolitical factors, considering the geostrategic significance of the Middle East. This paper maps the Chinese influence in the Middle East, its implications for global geopolitics, and its effects on regional development. It also assesses the impact of evolving China-Middle East relations on the American military, economic, and political footprint in the Middle East.

Emerging Technologies and the Threat to South Asian Security

2024-04-17T05:32:21+00:00

The unprecedented advancements in new technologies – artificial intelligence, cyber, autonomous, and advanced conventional weaponry – are set to substantively transform the character of warfare and redefine South Asia’s security landscape. Competition for technological dominance will increase the risks of pursuing regional stability. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive cooperation, including arms control measures, such as increased transparency, to prevent accidental or unintended escalation. This paper analyses the interplay between emerging technologies and security dynamics in South Asia through deterrence theory. Due to their intangible nature, inherent imbalances, and unpredictability, emerging technologies can introduce new and less predictable aspects to deterrence. This, in turn, would pose challenges to established conventional deterrence frameworks and alter regional security calculations. India is investing significantly in advanced conventional weaponry and deterrence capabilities, which will compel Pakistan to take necessary measures to maintain balance in South Asia. India’s recent military modernization, featuring advancements in conventional weaponry, missile capabilities, and defense technologies, can reshape the regional power equilibrium. This study analyzes these transformations and offers insights for policy-makers and strategists navigating the challenges of current security paradigms in South Asia.

Climate Diplomacy

2024-04-17T05:34:12+00:00

Climate change is a global phenomenon and poses a formidable challenge for developed and developing countries. Climate-related disasters can contribute to economic and political instability. Climate change is affecting South Asia in myriad ways and is a common challenge that Pakistan and India can mutually meet to ensure their sustainable development. Joint efforts in renewable energy, water resource management, agriculture and food security, disaster risk reduction, and air pollution are possible. This paper examines the potential for climate diplomacy in South Asia and assesses the feasibility of Pakistan-India cooperation on climate change. It underscores the significance of establishing a bilateral climate framework, engaging in joint disaster relief operations, collaborating on green energy initiatives, exploring climate finance options, and facilitating joint research and training programs. By leveraging shared vulnerabilities, past cooperation experiences, and regional and global commitments, they can, among other things, collaborate on the diplomatic front to combat climate change and enhance climate resilience in the South Asian region.

Weaponization of the Final Frontier

2024-04-17T06:43:05+00:00

While space weapons are not a new phenomenon, recent technological developments have significantly increased the destructive potential of space warfare. Space has been militarized for a while but has yet to be weaponized. The United States is poised to weaponize outer space and has created a Space Force – a move that threatens other countries such as China and Russia and is likely to trigger an arms race in outer space. Countries like India are also joining the race, posing a direct threat to Pakistan. This escalation will jeopardize global security and risk the weaponization of space, a global common. Existing space regulations need to be revised to address the new weapons being developed by major powers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to negotiate comprehensive international laws and treaties to prevent an arms race in outer space. The paper aims to assess these developments and the threat posed by space weapons and explore possible solutions through international law to mitigate this threat.

Challenges of Strategic Stability Amongst Littoral Powers of the Indian Ocean Region

2024-04-17T06:44:57+00:00

The Indian Ocean Region holds strategic significance due to its historical and economic importance. However, it faces strategic instability due to increasing great power contestation and disputes between its littoral Nuclear Weapon States, Pakistan and India. Modernization of nuclear and conventional forces, risk-taking military doctrines, and unregulated military applications of emerging technologies are among the sources of this instability. This paper reinterprets the concept of strategic stability and discusses the challenges of maintaining it in the IOR. It highlights the role of India’s growing power ambition, the widening gap in nuclear and conventional power asymmetries between Pakistan and India, and the US-led policy to build India as a counterweight to China. It warns that these factors may turn India into a source of insecurity. India’s nuclear enterprise, which fuels its global power ambition, is outgrowing its security needs against China and Pakistan. It suggests that the US may need to counteract India’s growing capabilities and behavior to maintain the post-Second World War rules-based order. Additionally, it warns that if India can play arch-rivals and claim strategic autonomy today, it may work against American interests once its dependence reduces.

The Future of Geography

2024-04-17T06:46:37+00:00

“The Future of Geography: How Power and Politics in Space Will Change Our World,” by Tim Marshall, offers an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical aspects of space exploration. The book’s main argument is that space has become an essential part of the geopolitical landscape of Earth, offering substantial potential for exploration and resource utilization while simultaneously bringing complexities and the risk of conflict. The future of space exploration and utilization will significantly impact humanity, necessitating careful consideration of political, military, and ethical issues.

The book’s ten chapters are divided into three sections, each addressing the historical, contemporary, and future consequences of space on human societies and global politics. It studies the increasing roles of major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia in space. It introduces the concept of astropolitics, examining the impact of the space domain on international relations and its role in shaping future global dynamics.

Atlas of AI

2024-04-17T06:48:38+00:00

In the contemporary digitalized world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has predominantly evolved, revolutionizing socio-economic, political, government, and military functioning. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the impacts of AI on humans and the environment. During her research journey, Crawford, an Australian tech researcher at the Microsoft Research Lab (MSR), New York, observed various phenomena relevant to the technomism of AI and its implications on society.

The book consists of seven interconnected chapters. Its central theme is that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) neglects the phenomena of re-virtualization and the technomism of AI, which has affected the environment and society. Various images and geographical maps have been used by the author to explain the epistemic foundation of AI technology.

Maritime Cybersecurity

2024-04-17T06:50:41+00:00

“Maritime Cybersecurity: A Guide for Leaders and Managers,” authored by Gary Kessler and Steven Shepard, dissects crucial cybersecurity aspects over nine chapters, aiming to fortify the maritime domain against evolving threats. Gary is a cybersecurity expert with over forty years of experience specializing in maritime cybersecurity and digital forensics. Steven, the founder of Shepard Communications Group, is a tech industry veteran, author, and educator with thirty-five years of experience and a PhD from the DaVinci Institute.

The first chapter offers an in-depth overview of the Maritime Transportation System (MTS), emphasizing its complexity and interdependence across various segments. It underscores the critical need for a holistic cyber defense approach and highlights the diverse stakeholders, significant economic impact, and comprehensive regulatory landscape within the MTS.

US Presidents and Cold War Nuclear Diplomacy, Aiden Warren & Joseph M Siracusa

2024-04-17T06:52:40+00:00

“US Presidents and Cold War Nuclear Diplomacy” offers a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between American presidents and the complex world of nuclear diplomacy during the Cold War era. Written by Aiden Warren and Joseph M Siracusa, scholars in the field of international relations, the book takes readers on a captivating journey through the critical moments that defined US nuclear policy from the aftermath of the Second World War to the end of the Cold War.

The book’s central theme revolves around the critical role played by different US presidents during the Cold War era. The authors meticulously explore American foreign policies concerning the Soviet Union, emphasizing the complex dynamics of nuclear diplomacy, nuclear armament, and power balancing patterns that characterized this tumultuous period. The book focuses mainly on the nuclear arms race, ideological conflict, and non-proliferation efforts between the US and the USSR.

Saffron Republic

2024-04-17T06:54:43+00:00

“Saffron Republic: Hindu Nationalism and State Power in India,” edited by Thomas Blom Hansen and Srirupa Roy, explores the phenomenon and evolution of the “New Hindutva” practiced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after assuming power in India in 2014.

The book traces the evolution of Hindu nationalism from a movement characterized by mass mobilization in the 1980s and 1990s to a well-rounded political ideology, focusing on transforming India’s cultural and religious identity and foreign and economic policies. As Hindu nationalism becomes prevalently ubiquitous in statecraft and governance, this collection of essays examines how Hindutva has become deeply rooted in the socio-political foundations of India, to the extent that the once stark dichotomy between secular Indian democracy and Hindu nationalism has disappeared. This volume describes contemporary Hindutva as democratic authoritarianism or authoritarian populism.

Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World, Fareed Zakaria

2024-04-17T06:57:44+00:00

“Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World” authored by Fareed Zakaria, an American journalist, political commentator, and an international relations scholar, offers a roadmap for navigating the complex challenges that have emerged in the wake of the global pandemic, predominantly Covid-19. The author brings his intellect and global perspective to the key issues reshaping our world. While examining governance, economics, and culture, this book utilizes a broad lens called “applied history.”

With each chapter focusing on a critical aspect of the post-pandemic environment, the book is structured around ten chapters and ten lessons. Through the skillful integration of historical background, geopolitical analysis, and interviews with leading experts, the book provides a thorough analysis of the dynamic forces that will determine the world’s future course. This book is an enticing read, based on the understanding of world affairs, and simplifies complex ideas into readable and captivating narratives.

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, Rashid Khalidi

2024-04-17T06:59:18+00:00

“The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine” by Rashid Khalidi, a renowned Palestinian historian, marks his eighth work on the Middle East and represents his most introspective endeavor. Individuals from various fields of study and the general public will find this information beneficial. Readers with a penchant for delving into historical narratives will find this book captivating, as it offers a unique perspective on the lived experiences of those involved in the resistance movement. This book holds great significance today as it draws striking comparisons to events that have unfolded since 7 October 2023.

Khalidi extensively employs 459 footnotes to document all the issues he references meticulously. His book strongly focuses on personal experiences, intertwining intimate family anecdotes, contemplating his diverse extended family, and encompassing various regions. The Khalidi family has been deeply involved in observing and analyzing Palestine’s complex history. The personal stories support the findings derived from his academic research and firsthand experience of historical events.