A Premier Venue for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Discourse Established in 2012 by the Faculty of Contemporary Studies (FCS), National Defence University, the Journal of Contemporary Studies (JCS) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal. We provide a rigorous platform for interrogating the complexities of the modern global order through the lenses of security, governance, and human development.
Authors publishing with the Journal of Contemporary Studies (JCS) retain full copyright and publishing rights to their work without restriction. Articles are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
PAKISTAN’S POLITICAL HISTORY, 5TH+ GENERATION & ITS IMPACT ON NATIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECURITY OF PAKISTAN: A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS
The convergence of Pakistan’s political history and “5th+ Generation” of its citizens in context of socio-economic security of the country, the 5th generation born after 2000 and highlights how shift in demography influences Pakistan’s national security. Present study adopted theoretical perspectives based on; (a) Youth Bulge Theory, (b) Political Socialisation Theory; and (c) Critical Security Studies, to scrutinize structural, historical, and sociopolitical dynamics critically shaping the youth-state relations. Thus, the paper's emphasis is that the 5th+ generation holds possible potential to become a transformative combination for socioeconomic governance and development of the country. However, existing political legacies and fragile governance practices risk turning this asset into a security liability. Hence, a conceptual model is presented in this paper that correlate political evolution, demographic pressures and security outcomes offering a framework for reimaging national security policy through the mechanism/s of state–youth partnership/s in youth majority provinces of Pakistan.
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GLOBAL SOUTH PERSPECTIVES ON CYBER GOVERNANCE: PAKISTAN’S ADVOCACY FOR A LEGALLY BINDING ICT FRAMEWORK AT THE UN
This paper examines Pakistan’s position at the United Nations (UN) for the responsible use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). While ICTs have become a powerful driver of socio-economic development, their dual-use poses significant risks to national and international security. The governance of ICTs and broader questions of cybersecurity have been on the UN agenda since 1998. The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), held in two phases in Geneva (2003) and Tunis (2005), was the first global UN platform where states collectively debated the political, economic, and developmental implications of ICTs. The issue holds significance for all the member states; however, as with other security-related matters, states have diverse and often conflicting positions on the governance of ICTs. In this paper, Pakistan’s call for a legally binding international instrument on ICTs is examined as an expression of both its security concerns and broader approach to multilateral governance of ICTs. Pakistan’s stance has been articulated through its interventions at and position papers submitted to various UN forums, including the WSIS, the UN General Assembly, the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on ICTs, and the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on ICTs. However, there is a lack of scholarly analysis of Islamabad’s position on the governance of these crucial technologies. This study analyzes Pakistan’s advocacy under the theoretical framework that combines constructivism with a Global South perspective. This approach highlights how developing states shape their stance and advocacy regarding technology governance. The study is qualitative in nature and relies on secondary data sources for analysis.
TOWARD THE NEXT WORLD ORDER: THE US DECLINE AND ALTERNATIVE MODELS OF WORLD ORDER
Every nation and civilization has held a distinct view of just arrangements and the distribution of power in world politics. The post-1945 liberal international order, construed under U.S. leadership, is now in relative decline and increasingly contested by alternative models. This study examines the transition from U.S.-led unipolarity to an unbalanced multipolar world order characterized by competing civilizational and ideological visions. Grounded in a neoclassical realist framework, it analyzes the world order models articulated by China, Russia, and diverse Islamic political traditions. The findings reveal that contemporary global politics is shaped by fragmented legitimacy contestation, domestic constraints, and regional institutional experimentation rather than simple ideological confrontation. China advances a civilizational model institutionalized through the Belt and Road Initiative, while Russia articulates a revisionist multipolar vision, though domestic political constraints limit its constructive capacity. Islamic political traditions provide normative critiques of the liberal order but remain fragmented across state and non-state actors. The study concludes that the emerging world order will be negotiated among multiple competing poles, underscoring the urgent need for reconciliation across divergent visions.
PAKISTAN’S APPROACH TOWARDS THE PREVENTION OF ARMS RACE OF OUTER SPACE (PAROS): GAPS IN GLOBAL SPACE GOVERNANCE
Outer space, long regarded as a domain for peaceful exploration, has increasingly become entangled in geopolitical competition and emerging military doctrines. The growing integration of dual-use technologies, anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities, and space-based defense systems has undermined the civilian-military distinction, exposing critical shortcomings in the existing legal architecture, particularly the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST). These developments threaten strategic stability, especially in regions like South Asia, where power asymmetries and a lack of transparency exacerbate risks. This paper examines Pakistan’s legal and strategic position on the weaponization of space, highlights its consistent advocacy for binding norms, equitable access, and non-militarization through multilateral forums such as the UN and the PAROS initiative. It argues that current voluntary regimes are insufficient to manage the complexity of modern space threats and calls for a revised governance framework that includes verification mechanisms, addresses legal gaps, and reflects the concerns of emerging spacefaring nations. Moreover, the study contributes to a broader understanding of how middle powers can shape inclusive, rules-based space governance in an era of intensifying competition.
PAKISTAN- AFGHANISTAN RELATIONS: THE NEW REGIONAL POWER PLAY AND SECURITY CONCERNS
This study argues that the 2025 escalation in Pakistan– Afghanistan relations marks a structural turning point in the bilateral security paradigm rather than a continuation of cyclical border tensions. While the US withdrawal in 2021 provided a permissive strategic environment, it was the confluence of three factors, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) reorganisation from Afghan territory, increased militarisation of the border along the Durand Line, and competitive regional repositioning by China, Russia, India, and Iran, that made the relationship a regionalised security contest. The article has two primary assertions. To start with, the exacerbation of the relations in 2021-25 is a shift out of the proxy-buffer expectation to the open militarised deterrence that fundamentally alters the strategic choice of Pakistan towards Afghanistan. Secondly, the Saudi Arabia-Turkiye-Qatar trilateral mediation framework in October 2025 is a new pattern of managing conflicts in the region with Muslim majority states on the lead which heralds the redistribution of diplomatic powers by the western powers to South-Central Asian crises. With a collection of official statements, policy reports, datasets of conflicts, as well as regional diplomatic documents of 2021-2025 in view, this article argues that Afghanistan has shifted into a stage of both great power military interventions to a research laboratory of regionally controlled politics of security. The 2025 crisis is therefore a turning point that is redefining the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the framework of a multipolar regional order.
India’s Overtures in the Middle East: Hedging or Balancing Amid Partnerships
This paper examines India’s evolving foreign policy goals in the Middle East, focusing on its economic, political, and strategic dimensions. Historically shaped by the principles of non-alignment, India’s contemporary engagements reflect a pragmatic pursuit of strategic autonomy through issue-based partnerships with diverse actors, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Iran. While economics remains the key driver, India's outreach reflects broader strategic considerations. This paper argues that India is positioning itself as a middle power, leveraging strategic hedging to advance its global standing without becoming entrenched in the region's complex conflicts. By examining economic interdependence, humanitarian actions, and diplomatic maneuverability, the paper illustrates how India’s role in the Middle East not only furthers its national interests but also preserves its strategic autonomy. The paper examines what factors are expanding India’s engagement with the Middle East, how New Delhi manages competing regional actors while upholding strategic autonomy, and its role as a middle power.
Street-Level Climate Governance in Pakistan: A Critical Assessment of the Clean and Green Movement
Despite contributing approximately only 1.01% to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change. Several environmental initiatives most notably the Clean and Green Pakistan movement, align national efforts with Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). This study critically examines the design and implementation challenges of major initiatives including the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami, Recharge Pakistan, and the Clean Green Pakistan Index. Using a qualitative methodology grounded in the analysis of policy documents, government reports, media sources, and institutional data, the research explores how these programs aim to advance environmental sustainability and public awareness. The effectiveness of these programs is constrained by significant implementation barriers, such as inadequate resources, weak intergovernmental coordination, corruption, and limited institutional capacity. These challenges often create a disconnect between national policy ambitions and realities on-ground. Drawing on Michael Lipsky’s Street-Level Bureaucracy framework, the study argues that the success of environmental governance in Pakistan depends not only on sound policy design but also on requires stronger institutional support, enhanced transparency, and more inclusive community engagement to translate environmental commitments into long-term, sustainable outcomes.
Treaty on the Prohibition Of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): Stigmatisation, Normative Impact and Discursive Approach
This paper explores the underlying efforts of the international anti nuclear movement, specifically the Humanitarian Initiative led by Non-Nuclear Weapon States and supported by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), seeking to further the cause of nuclear disarmament. The movement was successful in finalizing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in 2017 at the UN General Assembly with a vote of 122 in favor. Remarkably, the treaty entered into force in 2021 comprehensively outlaws the development, testing, transferring, receiving, keeping, using or threatening the use of nuclear weapons. The advocates of the treaty urge that nuclear weapons are the most inhumane and indiscriminate weapons that inflict damage on a mass scale. Their potential use violates international humanitarian and human rights laws and may cause significant environmental damage. Based on these assumptions, they argue that nuclear weapons must be eliminated urgently. The paper underscores the discussions of ‘stigmatization’ and ‘devaluing’ of nuclear weapons, ‘normative impact’ of the treaty, and ‘discursive approach’ through reframing of the debates. The research uses qualitative methodology and utilizes content analysis of open source data for analysis.
Unpacking ‘Islamophobia’Media, Postcolonial Affect and the Racism of Low Expectations
This paper examines how Islamophobia is produced and circulated through contemporary media by analysing it as a racialising process rather than solely as a form of religious prejudice. It unpacks how media representations, political discourse, and cultural narratives operate through affective and discursive mechanisms to deny Muslims complexity and agency in both U.S. and global contexts, while reproducing and cementing hierarchies shaped by colonial legacies, imperial governance, and neoliberal globalisation. Drawing on postcolonial theory and affect theory, the paper employs qualitative discourse analysis of news coverage, popular media, and political speech to trace how a “racism of low expectations” functions within these representational frames. Through this methodological approach, the paper demonstrates how Islamophobia is sustained through selective empathy and structural forms of violence and argues for the need to rethink dominant media framings of Muslim identities.
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The Imperative of Intelligence Transformation in Contemporary Warfare
Warfare has been a consistently evolving phenomenon, and kept transforming according to the dictates of prevalent combat environments, shaped by the global political, economic, technological and strategic dynamics. Consequently, warfare has morphed from conventionally waged large scale conflicts to modern-day hybrid, asymmetric and mostly grey zone battles, where it is hard to differentiate between war and peace. Evaluation of combat modes dictates revolution in the response methodologies as well, and thus realignment of strategy, resources and orientation becomes inevitable. A state’s entire national security hierarchy, especially a vital stakeholder like the intelligence, would need to decisively adapt for the impending challenges, mainly transpiring in the unconventional modes. Notwithstanding consistent revolution in the military affairs, there has not been compatible reforms undertaken to transform intelligence beyond conventionally oriented structures and functional modalities. This paper contends that national security intelligence has to evolve in compatibility with the changing modes of modern warfare.
The ROLE OF DIGITAL MEDIA MARKETING IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
The rapid increase in social media engagement among young consumers, coupled with globalization and economic growth, has instigated notable shifts in shopping behaviors, manufacturing practices, and technological advancements. This systematic review aims to evaluate the extent literature concerning retailers' role promotes sustainable consumption among consumers. Given the absence of a comprehensive systematic review in scholarly literature, despite the increasing number of studies published in this field, there is a necessity for such research. This systematic review adheres to a rigorous five-step procedure to ensure high quality, replicability, transparency, and reliable results. The review has identified a total of 73 articles, selected based on their relevance to the review's purpose and objectives. Moreover, the review proposes a research agenda for future investigations and elucidates the practical implications of digital marketing and sustainable consumption.
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1.The Challenge of Enlightenment, Conflict Transformation, and Peace in Pakistan 2. Sri Lanka’s Easter Sunday Massacre: Lessons for International Community 3. Realism: A Distinctively 20th Century European Tradition (Trends in European IR theory) 4. Islamic Perspectives on International Conflict Resolution: Theological Debates and the Israel-Palestinian Peace Process
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Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Military Decision-Making in Future Warfare
This paper explores AI's influence on military decision-making at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. At the tactical level, AI enhances speed and precision, providing real-time data analysis and decision support in high-risk, time-sensitive situations. At the strategic level, where decisions carry broader geopolitical consequences, human oversight remains dominant due to the complexity and potential for inadvertent escalation. Humans and machines collaborate at the operational level, with machines having more autonomy at the tactical level and humans dominating at the strategic level. The paper concludes that military planners must carefully evaluate the appropriate balance of AI autonomy and human control across these levels. It also cautions against the risks of an emerging AI arms race and the dangers posed by asymmetric AI development, where uneven technological capabilities among nations could lead to instability and unpredictable escalation.
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The Role and Impacts of Space Technology in the Transformation of Conflicts
The study examines how space technology has transformed conflicts and, more recently, what kind of gains space technologies have provided in conflicts. The study has been prepared within the framework of historical analysis, comparison, technological impact analysis, and an interdisciplinary approach. The study presents the evolution of conflict from the past to the present and how inventions and technological advances have diversified conflict tools, actors, and effects. The study also focuses on how space technologies have contributed to conflicts, the defence-based impacts of space technologies, and the support they provide to conflicts. Space-based technologies substantially enhance national defence and ensure security in both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial domains. These technologies facilitate advanced intelligence acquisition, contributing to strategic deterrence and bolstering defence frameworks. However, they simultaneously expose critical infrastructures to heightened vulnerabilities, as potential adversaries could target space assets. The militarization of space introduces a dual-edged dynamic, where the advantages of strengthened defence are tempered by emerging risks that necessitate comprehensive governance and mitigation strategies to maintain global security and prevent escalation.
Assessing Force Comparison and Technological Limitations of Russian Military in Russia-Ukraine War
Russia’s multi-front invasion of Ukraine failed to achieve a quick and decisive victory. With its numerical and technological advantage, Russian armed forces were in an advantageous position against the Ukrainian counterparts. However, the high death toll and heavy equipment losses uncovered the technological deficiencies of Russian military forces. The article briefed the initial phase of the Russia-Ukraine war and how the territorial gains and losses occurred until April 2023. The article also discusses the technological limitations of Russian forces through the lens of Revolution in Military Affairs. A comparative evaluation of Russian and Ukrainian pre-war strength, as well as their combat losses, has also been provided. Analysis of Russian military limitations in the initial phase of the war is important as the majority of contemporary military forces still employ traditional military hardware and strategies. In sum, this study highlights the pivotal role of technology in warfare, offering insights for military strategists and the research community.
Russia, Ukraine, Technological Limitations, Military Hardware, Modern Technology, Revolution in Military Affairs
India’s Naval Modernization In The Indian Ocean Region And Its Implications For Pakistan: Analyzing The Commissioning of The New Naval Base, Ins Jatayu
Naval modernization in the Indian Ocean Region is a prerequisite in the contemporary era. Indian naval modernization is an important development in the IOR, driven by the geopolitical shift. Amidst China’s increasing involvement in the Indian Ocean, India has heightened its attention to strengthening its naval capacities in the region. India’s growing maritime influence raises concerns for Pakistan, a security-maximizing state that prioritizes its security amidst India’s growing influence. India’s advantageous geography and formidable naval strength allow it to dominate the region, significantly impacting relations with neighbouring states. This article explores the repercussions of Indian naval modernization on Pakistan, particularly in light of the establishment of the recent naval base in the Arabian Sea, the INS Jatayu. Furthermore, the analysis will extend to include the implications for Pakistan, examining the changing Indo-Maldives relations alongside the commissioning of the naval base.
Indian Ocean, India’s Naval Modernization, Naval Base, Pakistan’s Security Concerns, Indo-Maldives Relations
Charting the Course: Pakistan’s Naval Modernisation for a Secure Maritime Future
Despite the financial and fiscal turmoil, the continuum of Pakistan’s naval program is a precursor of the shift in its maritime strategic priorities. The shift from an offensive sea-denial strategy towards maintaining a sustained presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) indicates renewed strategic priorities of protecting its vested maritime interests. The induction of Chinese-made frigates, submarines, and unmanned aerial platforms indicates Pakistan’s anticipation of the changing security environment in IOR and numerical inferiority visa Vis India. Drawing examples from recent maritime conflicts in the Black Sea and naval force buildup in IOR, the paper proceeds to chart the course of modernization, especially in the context of unmanned Sea Vehicles and fostering public-private partnerships to meet the forthcoming challenges. Therefore, the study argues that the efforts to overhaul its existing naval fleet will chart the course for Pakistan’s naval interests and quest for a secure maritime future.
Examining the Intersection of Climate Change and Post-Coloniality at COP27: A Discourse Analysis
This paper examines the discourse surrounding climate change at COP27 through the lens of Postcolonial Critical Discourse Analysis (PCDA), which combines insights from Postcolonial Theory and Critical Discourse Analysis. Using the frameworks of Fairclough, Dryzek, and Van Dijk, the study analyses speeches from the UNFCCC Secretariat, the European Union, and the Umbrella Group to explore representations of the Global South, recognizes historical responsibility, and equity in climate negotiations. The findings reveal that while the UNFCCC Secretariat emphasizes inclusivity and transparency, the EU and the United States often reinforce colonial hierarchies by framing themselves as global leaders and neglecting the agency of marginalized communities. This study underscores the necessity of decolonizing climate negotiations to achieve equitable and effective global climate action. It calls for recognizing historical injustices, valuing indigenous knowledge, and promoting the Global South's active role in addressing the climate crisis.
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Use of Social Media for Amplification of Extremist Narratives in Pakistan- A Case Study of TLP
This paper addresses the significance of social media platforms, specifically Youtube and X, in promoting and amplifying extremist narratives in Pakistan. A case study of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) is undertaken to understand how social media platforms can be employed to propagate and amplify extremist narratives. The paper presents a brief historical study of the origins and evolution of TLP. Analytics of four official YouTube accounts associated with TLP are studied to gauge the audience reach of TLP’s content. Moreover, archival data of multiple trends on X (formerly twitter) promoted by TLP is also examined. The timelines of these trends are also studied to find a correlation between these trends and on ground events related to TLP. This study finds out that as of Oct 2024 the cumulative subscriber count of the four YouTube channels run by TLP is 1.37 million, while video views count is 172.43 million. This indicates that the actual extent of TLP’s audience reach must be much higher if TLP’s fan pages are also incorporated. A temporal analysis of archival twitter trends data related to TLP reveals that TLP’s online activity closely coincides with key events involving the group at the time. The paper also examines the role of engagement algorithms and weak content moderation policies of social media platforms in amplification of extremist content online.
1. Nuclear Arms Control in South Asia Politics, Postures, & Practices 2. Kashmir: The Unfinished Agenda of Partition 3. Rethinking International Political Economy 4. Geopolitics and Democracy: The Western Liberal Order from Foundation to Fracture
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PRESERVING THE ENDANGERED: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF DOCUMENTATION OF POTOHARI/PAHARI, A LANGUAGE OF WESTERN PUNJAB AND KASHMIR
The Potohar region has always been a center of social and economic activities, especially during the British era. It was considered a garrison region due to its high representation in the British Indian Army. The region's language, called Potohari, is mainly spoken in the tehsils of Rawalpindi District and some parts of Azad Kashmir. Potohari is a unique dialect of the Punjabi language, but unfortunately, due to neglect at the national level, it may be included among the endangered dialects of Punjabi. Initially, critics were adamant about not recognizing Potohari as a distinct dialect with its own folklore, and little was done to document the rich literature of the Potohar region. After the partition of India, Rawalpindi became an economic hub, attracting people from all over Pakistan for work and other engagements. Consequently, the dialect spoken in the main cities gradually became an amalgamation of different languages and dialects of Punjabi. Locals in their efforts to communicate with outsiders started using a more orthodox Punjabi dialect for the ease of listeners. This shift greatly affected Potohari, which is now primarily spoken in villages and outlying areas. With the rise in urban migration, this vulnerable dialect faces extinction and is in dire need of preservation. A mixed method approach with both descriptive and analytical methods is used to provide a clear understanding of the current status of the endangered language.
SOFT POWER TO ADDRESS YOUTH EXTREMISM IN PAKISTAN
This article delves into the potential of utilizing Soft Power as a tool to address extremism within the youth population of Pakistan. It explores how leveraging Soft Power can help diminish the allure of ideologies by influencing attitudes, values, and behaviors through cultural, educational, and informational initiatives. The study show cases how effective soft power can be in encouraging inclusivity, tolerance, and civic participation among Pakistanis. Furthermore, it discusses the roles that various stakeholders—such as allies, civil society groups, and governmental bodies—can play in utilizing power to tackle the underlying factors contributing to extremism. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of implementing a power strategy in nurturing peace, stability, and resilience among Pakistani youth.
MEDIA’S ROLE IN CLIMATE LITERACY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PAKISTAN
This study examines the critical role of media in promoting climate literacy in Pakistan, employing the agenda-setting theory. The study argues that despite the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events in Pakistan over the years, a significant lack of climate coverage exists within its media landscape. Through a qualitative and analytical methodology, this research explores how expanded climate journalism can effectively generate awareness and engage the public in dialogues and actions on climate change. Findings reveal the influential role of media in agenda-setting on climate issues. The study concludes by advocating for a more substantial commitment to climate journalism, highlighting the importance of supporting capacity-building efforts for journalists and fostering collaboration between media organizations, civil society, and policymakers. By addressing the identified challenges and harnessing the power of media, Pakistan can better address the climate crisis and advance towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
THE ‘MINORITY COMPLEX’ OF THE MAJORITIES AND THEIR IDENTITY CLAIMS: A CASE STUDY OF INDIA-PAKISTAN PHENOMENON
There is an inherent socio-political and religio-cultural need for communities to claim their identity, even though there are ambiguities in its definition. However these groups seem to have hegemonized their claims above the rest. New socio-cultural camps have unprecedentedly engaged in a process of ‘othering,’ resulting in politically untenable agendas, socially futile situations, conflict, contestation and even engaging violent extremism. Even though there is validity in claiming a certain ‘identity’ for a specific group, socially or religiously, exclusive claims lead to unfavorable demands and are detrimental to the survival of the “other.” The ‘minorities’ too are made up of a socio-political or a religio-cultural ‘other’ like the majority. Yet desire parity, honour and space for themselves, and their identities are set resolutely to nothing less than the status and claims of a ‘majority.’ Hence, what both claim arguably is a socio-political or a religio-cultural affirmation of a subliminal ‘tribal identity’ to reconfigure their own ‘individual identity’ as ‘a truth claim’ now juxtaposed unknowingly with multiple layers of identities. This social complexity has challenged the traditional forms of social and political stability, desperately leading to irreparable social decay. The focus of this deliberation is the ‘India-Pakistan phenomenon case study.’ This article raises new questions for the reader - imagination to search for answers alongside opinion makers and influencers in both nations to move from the incumbent stalemate and redesign a possible shared future.
DECONSTRUCTING DOMINANCE: US – CHINA NARRATIVE CLASH IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC
Both United States of America and China have their unique strategic narratives in the Asia Pacific guided by their respective political history. This distinction hampers regional cooperation in the region and compels the world powers to opt for the zero-sum game. The US aims to fill the power vacuum in the region by adopting anti-China policies through alliances build-up, while China seeks to counter American presence through trade and connectivity. One of the major US partners in the Asia Pacific is Australia, which is taken as a case study because it openly advocates for profound political and strategic engagement with the US and has lately garnered world attention through the controversial AUKUS deal. The US perspective receives China’s actions in the South China Sea as assertive and its economic and military policies as efforts to reshape regional norms and institutions to serve its strategic interests. By challenging the established order that has fostered stability, China is portrayed as a revisionist power threatening the foundations of the current international system. In response, China’s strategic narrative is aimed to project its capacity to shape the international order, economically uplift and link regions through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) using soft power and maintaining its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. This duality of narratives underscores the escalating geopolitical tensions and a struggle for dominance and influence in shaping the future of the Asia-Pacific region.
NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES DURING HYBRID WARFARE: THE EVOLVING ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE
Post-Cold War global strategic dynamics have evolved, with conventional warfare generally perceived as the least preferable option. Consequently, growing reliance on non-traditional instruments of combat is necessitating a reappraisal of the customary understanding of national security. With the evolution of warfare and the emergence of concepts like hybrid wars, the challenges of the national security apparatus have become more complicated. Among the national security hierarchy, intelligence has always assumed greater focus for being the first line of defense. However, intelligence organizations are predominantly structured to address traditional national security threats. Would it be possible for a conventionally trained intelligence hierarchy to deal with the hybrid warfare challenges without being restructured? Can intelligence setups address non-traditional security threats while presumably lacking functional adaptability in the physical and cognitive domains? This paper will seek an understanding of national security during hybrid warfare and evaluate the role of intelligence in addressing evolving challenges
Hybrid Warfare, National Security, Non-Traditional Threats, Intelligence
INDIA'S CYBER LANDSCAPE: AN ASSESMENT OF INDIAN EFFORTS SINCE INDEPENDENCE
The rise of China has seemingly brought it on a collision course with the preeminent power, The United States of America. This has convinced various states most notably India, Pakistan, Iran, and the Gulf countries to re-orient their foreign policies. China’s investments through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), QUAD’s resurgence, Israel’s foray into the Arab countries, and persistent American support to enhance India’s stature at par with China, have pushed the Indian Ocean Region to be at the epicenter of all global rivalries. The presence of extra regional forces in Western Indian Ocean Region has ensured some semblance of stability in the region but it is the complex, interdependent relationship between strategically co-located states of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and Pakistan under the shadow of China-USA competition that is the objective of this study.
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1. Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar, MOFA Press Release, January 18, 2024, Islamabad. 2. List of Practical Cooperation Deliverables of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (369 concrete outcomes), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, October 18, 2023. 3. Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), International Court of Justice, Summary of the Order of January 26, 2024, The Hague, Netherlands. 4. The UAE Consensus Negotiations Outcome, COP28, December 2023, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
1. Pakistan’s Pathway to the Bomb: Ambitions, Politics, and Rivalries 2. The Security Imperative: Pakistan’s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy 3. The AI Wave in Defence Innovation: Assessing Military Artificial Intelligence Strategies, Capabilities and Trajectories 4. Original Sin: Power, Technology, and War in Outer Space
REVISITING THE NUCLEAR DEBATE IN SOUTH ASIAN SECURITY
Grand strategy and nuclear deterrence have been the most distinct strategies of the last century. The principal objective of a grand strategy for a major state is to achieve some grand strategic objectives, and for other states, it is to preserve their security in an anarchic world. However, contrary to the central assumption of the nuclear deterrence theory, evidence shows that in certain situations, mere possession of nuclear weapons does not automatically translate into deterrence. The central argument of this article is based on the idea that deterrence strategy is neither a static concept nor should be taken as such. Nuclear deterrence. It is a dynamic concept in nature and its utilization depends on the ingenuity of the Nuclear Weapon State (NWS). While citing a history of incidents, especially the Pulwama crisis in 2019 between India and Pakistan, this article explores how nuclear deterrence worked when the fear of a nuclear war was hanging in the region and how these states were able to use the nuclear deterrence strategy to their benefit. It also discusses whether there was a need for either side to operationalize nuclear deterrence through some physical and tangible steps.