The Russian S-400 Missile Deal with India: Implications for the Region
Technology has played an important role in shaping international politics. During the Cold War, both superpowers, that is, the Soviet Union and the United States were involved in the strategic rivalry and the arms race, with both trying to undermine the other’s defense capabilities.
Russia has built many surface-to-air batteries and has now developed highly advanced missile defense systems such as the S-400 missile defense system. During the 2018 summit in New Delhi, India signed a deal with Russia for 5 units of the Russian S-400 defense system which, the author believes, can negatively affect the strategic stability of South Asia.
How Regional Powers Are Strengthening Relations with the Taliban
With a looming civil war and he Taliban’s growing control in Afghanistan, the author examines the interactions between the Taliban and many powerful nation states.
The Taliban’s alliance will China and Russia, among others, would signal a threat to the US’s hegemony and India’s influence in the region.
Pakistan: The Gateway Between South Asia and the Central Asian Republics
Since Pakistan is located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia, any development in the two regions has direct implications for it. At the same time, Pakistan’s geographical location enables it to act as a bridge between the Central Asian Republics and the South Asian states. The author, Hajra Sajjad, notes that through trade agreements and cooperation in security-related areas, the regional connectivity between the two states can be increased. She further states that strengthening the ties between the two states will counter India’s increasing influence in the regions, providing the states of the regions with some relief.
Thriving US and Indian Relations: Implications for Pakistan & China
Since the Cold War, the US and India have signed a series of strategic agreements, strengthening their alliance. The US-India nexus stems from the threat of a rising China in the international arena. The author, Muhammad Abubaker, notes that the US has capitalized on the Indian regional aspirations and effectively used India to advance America’s strategic goals in Asia vis-à-vis China. He explains that this strategic cooperation between the two powers has impacted China, Pakistan, and the Asian region as a whole. It has aggravated Pakistan’s security dilemma and forced it out of the American bloc. The insecurity caused by this has compelled Pakistan to strengthen its relations with China and look for an ally in Russia.
What Is Pegasus Spyware and How Will It Change Cyberwarfare?
Pegasus spyware is a spying software developed by NSO Group, an Israeli surveillance company. Many governments and political leaders have been accused of using the software to observe their targets’ movements – the targets being prominent journalists and important political figures like the current prime ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, and Morocco.
Earlier versions used a simple text message to prompt the installation of the malware on the targeted device. The latest versions are able to automatically install it by simply calling the targeted phone.
The Rise of Russia and China: Is America in Decline?
After spending almost three decades as the world’s sole superpower, the United States of America has finally reached the point where its decline begins. The US economic, military, and political prowess is being rivaled by Russia and China. Abdul Majeed, a political researcher and former member of the Youth Parliament of Pakistan, notes that America’s share in the world economy has fallen from 40% in 1960 to 24% in 2019. Whereas, China’s share is increasing due to the massive infrastructure projects it has undertaken in Asia and Africa. Similar to its economic decline, the US has fallen behind Russia and China in technological development, and the 5G and space race. The author argues that the superpower is no longer the ideal democratic state. Not only has it been marked as a flawed democracy for the fifth consecutive year, but it has also lost its ability to militarily protect its allies, and as Russia and China develop, so do the threats to the US hegemony.
India’s Likely NSG Membership: The Bias Against Pakistan
India and Pakistan are entangled in a security dilemma which is leading to a costly and perilous arms race in the region. With the support of the global superpowers, India is set to be made a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) despite the serious threats and risks w.r.t. their nuclear technology. Pakistan, however, continues to be barred from gaining NSG membership, despite the relatively more secure set-up.
5th Generation Warfare in Pakistan: Internal and External Hands
The modes of warfare have now shifted from conventional to 5th generation warfare. Electronic and social mediums are now being widely used by external foes to malign Pakistan, and create an anti-military narrative amongst the country’s populace. Muhammad Hamza Tanvir critically analyzes the internal and external hybrid threats being faced by Pakistan today.
The Rationale and Significance for Soft Power in Pakistan
Has soft power become an esoteric term? The term alone calls for priority in the agenda of states in a world that hurriedly ushers a digital global community. Last month, Paradigm Shift conducted a poll, wherein 86% of the participants considered it crucial for Pakistan to develop its soft power. In view of that, the author underscores the importance of soft power not only for Pakistan but for every state.
Rising Covid Cases in India: A Nation on Its Knees
The second wave of COVID-19 is causing India’s health sector to come apart at the seams – resulting in more than 3000 deaths every day. Prime Minister Modi’s government is being heavily criticized (locally and internationally) for the carelessness in controlling the virus. The author suggests the adoption of more liberal policies, and the abandonment of the Hindutva ideology – which may help in undoing the many wrongs.
Farmers’ Protests in India: Modi’s Predicament
The introduction of three farm laws, and the revocation of Article 370 by the Indian government has left India with quite a few challenges. While gathering allies abroad, the Modi regime has neglected the state’s minorities and gone as far as to commit human rights violations. The author notes that the regime’s nationalist Western policies have only created resentment within the minority groups, and they will eventually cause India’s downfall.
Hybrid Warfare and its Implications for Pakistan’s National Security Strategy
Hybrid warfare is a unique blend of conventional and non-conventional methods of war. Pakistan has endured the constant threat of hybrid warfare since its inception – long before the term even came into existence. To maintain its defense, Pakistan has begun to familiarize itself with such propaganda.
US Policy of Containment Against China
Due to China’s increasing economic and military influence, the US feels threatened. The author notes that the United States has devised a containment policy against China to prevent it from dominating the US spheres of influence, and impeding the US interests. She further explains that the Abraham Accords, signed on 13th August 2020 between Israel, the UAE and the US, are a part of this containment policy.
China in the Indian Ocean: India’s Dilemma
The seas and oceans are the great highways and sea zones are considered to be the new war zones because of the increasing significance of Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). China’s increasing maritime interests in the Indian Ocean and the strategies opted by China to gain that command on the sea, especially in the Indian Ocean are creating a security paradox and competition in the Indian Ocean mainly because of the strategic connotation of important choke points.
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: A New Security Landscape in the Asia-Pacific
The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is an informal security alliance aimed at creating a rule-based order in the Asia Pacific region. The Japanese Prime Minister at the Confluence of the Two Seas gave the idea of Security Diamond that would ensure the interests of like-minded countries. The Quad states – Australia, India, Japan, and the United States – have a common threat perception in the region that led to the revival of Quad after ten years of long hiatus.
The US Withdrawal from Afghanistan: An Imperative Task
After two decades of war in Afghanistan, the time has finally come for the US to withdraw its forces. While the Doha Agreement paved the way for the US to extricate itself, its implementation will be based on the US interests defined by the Biden administration. Regardless of that, it is necessary for the US to withdraw its forces so that the war-torn state can learn to rely on itself.
Pakistan Air Force vs Indian Air Force: A Perpetual Security Dilemma
The military rivalry of the Pakistan Air Force vs Indian Air Force has generated an ever increasing security dilemma in South Asia. This dilemma has forced the two competitors to pursue 5th generation technology. The author notes that in this race for dominance, acquiring aerial stealth technology can shift the power structure in Pakistan’s favor.
