China’s Xinjiang Problem: The 2009 Riots and its Aftermath Despite focused efforts undertaken by China in the aftermath of the 2009 riots, it has not been able to and, perhaps may never be able to, answer the structural problems of the Uighur discontent in Xinjiang. Avinash Godbole , Akash S. Goud | April 20, 2012 | Issue Brief
The Red Princelings of China The spotlight focused on the Bo family and its affairs has shown just how lavish the life-styles are of the ruling elite and how extensive their financial holdings and investments are both in China and abroad. R. S. Kalha | April 20, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Deciphering Kayani-Speak: One Avalanche Leads to Another? If the tragedy of Gayari has induced some sense of introspection in the leadership of the Pakistan Army, it may be a fitting tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the avalanche. Ashok K. Behuria | April 20, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Russia-India-China Strategic Triangle: Signalling a Power Shift? In addition to their alternative vision on political issues, the RIC Foreign Ministers’ meet is gradually expanding trilateral cooperation in several sectors, including disaster relief, agriculture and public health. Swaran Singh | April 19, 2012 | IDSA Comments
China’s Territorial Claim on India’s Eastern Sector: Tibet as Core India needs to shore up its military capabilities in Arunchal Pradesh in order to strengthen its defence posture in the eastern sector, improve governance in the state to gain the full backing of the people and adopt a flexible stance to resolve the border dispute with China. Namrata Goswami | April 19, 2012 | Issue Brief
Cultural Heritage and the Armed Forces Imagine if there is a war between India and Pakistan and the National Museum at New Delhi was vandalized and precious historical artifacts and other historical objects were stolen; or close your eyes and visualize India without the Taj Mahal which may be destroyed in an air attack. The standing bodhisattvas, dating back to seventh century AD, and the arms and armours of the Mughal era are some of the fabulous cultural wealth stored in the National Museum that is priceless for the nation and the loss of which can be the loss of the entire golden history of that era. Rajiv Tewari | April 2012 | Journal of Defence Studies
The Complexity of Measuring National Power Arvind Subramanian’s recent book, Eclipse: Living in the Shadow of China’s Economic Dominance, has renewed interest in measuring the potential of emerging powers. Subramanian argues that projections of gross domestic product (GDP), trade and creditor status make China’s future dominance inevitable. Zorawar Daulet Singh | April 2012 | Journal of Defence Studies
Conflict and Cooperation in India-China Relations India-China relations, though occasionally showing signs of peace and cooperation, have often been afflicted by tension and mistrust. With the potential to make big contributions to regional peace and development, these two Asian powers have, by design or accident, themselves been the sources of regional tension and insecurity to some extent. Besides their internal dynamics, the interplay of interests and moves of their neigbours, and several external powers would have significant bearing on the equation and relations between them. J.K. Baral | April 2012 | Journal of Defence Studies
India’s Ordnance Factories: A Performance Analysis The ordnance factory organization has grown over the years and now consists of 39 factories with two more being set up. The organization, which dates back to the eighteenth century, has however not been able to rise up to the expectation of its prime customer. The paper argues that for the organization to be able function more efficiently, its management needs to be corporatised, as suggested by many, particularly the Kelkar Committee. Laxman Kumar Behera | April 2012 | Journal of Defence Studies
Troubled Waters, Anniversary Parade, PLA’s Power Projection: Is China a Concern for the World? This paper seeks to discuss three important issues concerning China today. The first part analyses the controversial South China Sea dispute that has gained prominence over time, especially after incidents like Bowditch or Impeccable. China’s military build-up in the South China Sea does not necessarily indicate that Beijing will use force to occupy more islands; rather, it seems that China seeks to enhance its military presence to manipulate its bargaining game for future negotiations. Nalanda Roy | April 2012 | Journal of Defence Studies