The Likely Composition of the Central Military Commission of the 18th Party Congress of China There are major changes in the CMC, with eight out of 12 members likely to bow out of office. The cascading effect on the change of guard in the General Departments and the operational units will keep the PLA unsettled for some time Mandip Singh October 31, 2012 Issue Brief
Is Turkey’s Foreign Policy of “Zero Problems with Neighbours” Coming Apart? A Critical Appraisal Turkey is realising that a soft power-based foreign policy was successful and gave returns with minimum risks only when the region was stable. With the Middle East going through a political transformation, Turkey will have to invent new strategies to remain relevant and continue its rise a regional power. Agarwal, Rajeev October 31, 2012 IDSA Comments
The Two Myths of 1962 In the ongoing debate on the 1962 War, two issues have not been adequately addressed: the myth that the Indian Army had not provided viable military options, and the reasons for the non-use of the combat potential of the Indian Air Force. Ramesh Phadke October 31, 2012 IDSA Comments
UNASUR and Security in South America The UNASUR is a regional organisation formed by 12 South American states that are united by shared history, religion, common culture and language. This Backgrounder details the various security challenges faced by South America and UNASUR’s role in addressing them. Babjee Pothuraju October 30, 2012 Backgrounder
Begum Khaleda Zia`s Visit to India Indian leaders may have to convincingly convey to Begum Zia and her BNP party delegation their commitment towards the economic development of Bangladesh, continuation of Indian aid, and intent to address the balance of trade issue irrespective of the party in power there. Gautam Sen October 29, 2012 IDSA Comments
Who Started the Fighting—- The Sequel When Nehru wrote to Zhou that China either accept the McMahon Line alignment along the highest watershed or go by the strict coordinates as per the original McMahon map, the Chinese, realising the folly committed by their Premier, demurred. R. S. Kalha October 28, 2012 IDSA Comments
Arab Spring: Aspirations Met Or Dreams Unfulfilled? As we move into the second winter of the Arab Spring, this Issue Brief attempts to take stock of the progress of the Arab Spring and examine whether the aspirations of people have been met or have they been handed a raw deal. Agarwal, Rajeev October 26, 2012 Issue Brief
Defence Production Policy 2011: Need for Reinvigoration A thorough and honest review of the progress made so far is essential for arresting the drift in the Defence Production Policy and for course correction. Amit Cowshish October 25, 2012 IDSA Comments
Asif Zardari: Consummate Cunning or Spineless and Unscrupulous It is precisely Zardari’s ability to do the unthinkable that has consistently confounded both his detractors and admirers and given him the aura of great cunning and cleverness. Sushant Sareen October 25, 2012 IDSA Comments
On East Asian Regional Integration from the Perspective of Economic Security In view of putative conflict for leadership in the region between China and Japan, and barriers in various initiatives for deepening and stabilizing regional financial markets, the economic-security discourse in East Asia is still facing an uncertain prospect and should be continually monitored. Chin-Ming Lin October 23, 2012 IDSA Comments