UCPN (Maoist)’s Two-Line Struggle: A Critical Analysis The objective of this article is to critically analyse the discourse within the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) or known as UCPN (Maoist) since its evolution and find out whether the Maoists have adapted themselves to the democratic process well by using democracy as a tool to achieve their own revolutionary political objectives. The article argues that the internal Maoist discourse reflects that there is no change in the UCPN (Maoist) strategy or political goals. They have only changed their tactics to suit the situation. Nihar R. Nayak | September 2012 | Strategic Analysis
CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT: DEVELOPMENT MATTERS In the book Conflict and Development, which is a product of extensive research, Eleanor O'Gorman explains how civilians become the main victims in conflict situations, as the combatant authorities lack the capacity to deal with them. State institutions such as the judiciary and the police also fail to govern or maintain law and order, thereby necessitating international intervention in terms of military as well as humanitarian efforts towards conflict resolution and peace building. Shristi Pukhrem | September 2012 | Strategic Analysis
Will the Indus Water Treaty Survive? The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is the most significant confidence-building measure between India and Pakistan. Despite the wars and hostilities, the IWT has functioned well since it was signed in 1960. However, one cannot ignore the challenges of future supplies of fresh water between the two countries. The article delves into a historical account of how the treaty came about, the salient features of the treaty and examines whether ‘water rationality’ will continue to govern the riparian relationship or whether ‘water sharing’ will open up a new front of contentious politics. Uttam Kumar Sinha , Arvind Gupta , Ashok K. Behuria | September 2012 | Strategic Analysis
Rafale MMRCA Deal: Last Minute Glitches? The Rafale deal is especially important as it is IAF’s best bet to stem and even reverse the recent and continuous fall in the combat aircraft squadrons fielded. Vivek Kapur | August 30, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Don’t Shoot the Messenger: The ‘Un-Social’ Strategy The raging controversy on social media regulation post the violence in Assam has left the government in a losing perception battle. It is time to engage with the new media and exploit its potential to communicate strategically and not shoot the messenger Shruti Pandalai | August 28, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Japan, South Korean War Memories and Territorial Disputes: A Dangerous Mix Despite the generational change, the war memories continue to adversely affect foreign policy and feelings of slight, disrespect, and disparagement could well assume a latent credence that ignites national outrage and dislocates the fragile power equilibrium in the region. Preeti Nalwa | August 27, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Japan-China stand-off over Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands The rise of nationalism in both Japan and China and the sovereignty issue over the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea is a highly explosive mix, perhaps even more so than the South China Sea island and territorial disputes. R. S. Kalha | August 27, 2012 | IDSA Comments
The Inadequacies of the UN Arms Register The shortcomings of the UN Register of Conventional Arms have led to the failure of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). For the Treaty to be robust and meaningful, the weapon systems which will matter in the future must be reflected in the very design of the instrument. Moreover, the Treaty should remain free from biases and prejudices of the past. Prashant Dikshit | August 24, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Iran factor in India’s Afghan Policy As India plans to stay engaged in Afghanistan beyond 2014, Iran has emerged as a critical component of India’s Afghan policy. Despite US pressures, India needs to adopt a pragmatic approach vis-à-vis Iran and engage it effectively to protect its vital security and geo-political interests in Afghanistan. Smruti S. Pattanaik | August 24, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Effect of the Financial Crisis on European Defence: The Case of France The ongoing global financial crisis has had an increasing strain on the defence budgets of different European countries. In the case of France, an intelligent and anticipatory/ preventive planning has mitigated the effects of the crisis but challenges remain, which have to be taken seriously and addressed effectively, if France wants to maintain its strategic autonomy. Adrien Frossard | August 24, 2012 | IDSA Comments
