Africa, Latin America, Caribbean & UN

No posts of Books and Monograph.

Has Nigeria Defeated Boko Haram? An Appraisal of the Counter-Terrorism Approach under the Buhari Administration

One of the campaign promises of President Muhammadu Buhari was that he would eliminate Boko Haram six months after assumption of office. By December 2015, the Buhari-led government gave itself a pass mark for countering the terrorists. The government declared that the group had been ‘technically defeated’. This declaration has led to debates in the public space as to the veracity of this claim. This article aims to critically appraise the on-going attempt to eliminate the Boko Haram threat under the Buhari administration.

Globalization of the Jihadist Threat: Case Study of Trinidad and Tobago

Despite a well-integrated Muslim population, and an environment where there is no tangible discrimination or lack of opportunity, the Jihadist ideology has succeeded in taking root in Trinidad. Links with organized crime have helped fuel the movement and strong links have been forged with ISIS and Al-Qaeda with the result that at least 89 Trinidadians are now in Syria. It is also argued that some Trinidadian Muslims have succumbed to the messages broadcast by ISIS and that the lure of fighting for an Islamic Caliphate has found resonance.

India’s Stance and Renewed Commitment to UN Peacekeeping

The United Nations (UN) adopted UN Peacekeeping, during its initial years, to restore international peace and security. As the world body celebrated 70 years of its existence in 2015, UN Peacekeeping continues to play an important role in maintaining peace and security, by protecting civilians and preventing human rights violations arising from violence and conflict. India has emerged as one of the frontrunners in the shared responsibility of ushering in peace and stability in the world, under the umbrella of the UN.

Framing South Africa’s Soft Power through Non-State Sources

South Africa arguably stands well above its regional counterparts in terms of soft power resources. This is not entirely unconnected with the uncalculated attempts by non-state actors to extend the reach of the country’s soft power status across the world. This article probes the contributions of the informal drivers of South Africa’s soft power. These ‘soft powered’ institutions and individuals (with no definite state affiliation) are critical contributors to South Africa’s soft power diplomacy.

The Brexit-Belt and Road Axis: India for Neighbourhood First

China's Belt & Road Initiative (B&RI), also known as One-Belt-One-Road (OBOR), depends for its success on a tacit alliance with Britain and the financial acumen of the City of London. The London-Beijing axis has likely gathered momentum with Britain's decision to quit the European Union (EU) in June 2016 and Prime Minister Theresa May's triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in March 2017, to begin the divorce process.

Too Early to Celebrate! The Decline of Somali Piracy off the East Coast of Africa

The pirates of Somalia constitute one one of the greatest threats to maritime security in modern time.Their operations started amidst the political instability, economic crisis and state collapse that characterised the fall of the Siad Barre regime in Somalia in 1991.

Waiting for Godot*: India and United Nations Security Council Reform

This article analyses the history of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform with a particular focus on India’s aspiration and attempts to become a permanent member on the Council. The primary objectives of this historical examination are to appreciate how hard reforming the UNSC is and to understand how challenging it will be for India to acquire a permanent seat on the Council. Probing the General Assembly debates on UNSC reform, the article exposes the fundamental hurdles to change, the duplicity of the permanent five (P-5) and lack of unity among the stakeholders.

The Peacemakers: India and the Quest for One World by Manu Bhagavan

There have been several accounts of India's engagement with the United Nations but this book focuses particularly on the idea of One World, something greater than the UN. The need for a potent peace constituency amidst the increasing number of conflict zones with transnational and global impacts bolsters the rationale for an efficient global governing body, One World reified. The book has six chapters with a short prologue and epilogue. Manu Bhagavan presents a fine historical account of India's efforts for One World.

Advantage: How American Innovation Can Overcome the Asian Challenge by Adam Segal

Advantage: How American Innovation Can Overcome the Asian Challenge follows a long line of books that tap into America's preoccupation with retaining its pole position as the repository of cutting edge technology, and the resultant dominance this offers it across the political, economic and military spectrum. These books are a subset within the wider pre-occupation of responding to the rise of the Asian powers, and a shift of the geopolitical centre of gravity from the Euro-Atlantic to the Asian landmass.

IBSA at 10: South–South development assistance and the challenge to build international legitimacy in a changing global order

This commentary engages with the IBSA model of South–South development assistance. It focuses on the IBSA Trust Fund to demonstrate the growing political relevance of the partnership in development assistance initiatives. This is followed by an analysis of Brazil's increasing participation in South–South development assistance in many developing countries around the world.

MONUSCO’s Early Withdrawal and the Future of UN Peacekeeping in Africa

The UN should shift towards more traditional and narrowly focused peacekeeping missions and maintain a clearer and more distinct role as a neutral mediator in conflicts.

Rajeesh Kumar
January 02, 2024
IDSA Comments

Tanzania: A Key Partner for India in the Western Indian Ocean Region

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to India from 8 to 10 October 2023 has injected fresh impetus into India–Tanzania bilateral ties.

ECCAS Mediation in Gabon and Role of External Powers

Russian influence in the Central African Republic (CAR) raises questions on the Economic Community of Central African States’ mediation efforts in Gabon, led by the President of CAR.

Avit A. Chami
September 29, 2023
IDSA Comments

The China–Africa Peace and Security Forum: Practical Outcomes or Same Old Rhetoric?

China’s security engagement in Africa has grown to encompass aspects relating to police and law enforcement cooperation, conflict mediation, and professional military education.

Abhishek Mishra
September 06, 2023
IDSA Comments

BRICS: 15th Summit and Beyond

The 15th BRICS Summit showcased the organisation’s resilience, adaptability and collective vision, and positioned the group as a potent global player.

Rajeesh Kumar
August 28, 2023
Issue Brief

Nigeria and ECOWAS: Priorities and Challenges

Nigeria's leadership of ECOWAS presents a pivotal opportunity to navigate the challenges related to coups and terrorism in the West African region.

Mohanasakthivel J
August 23, 2023
Issue Brief

Coup in Niger: Implications and Impact

The coup in Niger has deep regional and international implications and may lead to increase in major power contestations in the region.

Ruchita Beri
August 22, 2023
IDSA Comments