Japan: Dynamics of Military Alliance in Disaster Management The March 2011 triple disaster in Japan obligated a response from the US, its long-time ally. The US disaster assistance to Japan went beyond the customary nature of the countries’ relationship, and was conspicuous for the scale of military involvement that was embedded in the US-Japan alliance. The success of the US asistance programme Operation Tomodachi is attributed to interoperability between the defence forces of the two allies. Preeti Nalwa | January 2012 | Journal of Defence Studies
Disaster Management in South-east Asia South-east Asia is the epicentre of frequent disasters of varying intensity. The damage to life and property caused by these disasters is comparable to that caused by war. Disasters disrupt the national economy and social development. Besides, the world has shrunk and news about the hardship suffered by the people is rapidly disseminated. As such, the management of disasters has become a key concern of governments confronted with an increasingly aware civil society and a shorter reaction time. Udai Bhanu Singh | January 2012 | Journal of Defence Studies
Chinese PM in Nepal: A short visit but a long trail? Wen Jiabao’s visit came about at a time when China is concerned about the ongoing political instability in Nepal and is looking for new political partners after the fall of the monarchy. Nihar R. Nayak | January 18, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Sikkim Earthquake: Perils of Poor Preparedness An earthquake of the magnitude 6.9 on the Richter scale occurred in Sikkim and the neighbouring states of West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar on September 18, 2011. The tremors were felt in five other Indian states, besides affecting neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China. Although few lives were lost (111 in all) despite the high magnitude of the quake, primarily because its epicentre was in the remote and thinly-populated area of Mangan, significant lessons were learnt in its aftermath. Nina Khanna , Jayender Verma , B.K. Khanna | January 2012 | Journal of Defence Studies
Contours of a Possible Indian Riposte to Chinese Aggressiveness After assessing the weaknesses and gaps in Chinese capabilities and highlighting the positions of advantage that India enjoys, this essay proposes a strategy for a strong riposte against any Chinese adventurism. Lalit Kumar | January 17, 2012 | Policy Brief
China ups the ante in Arunachal Pradesh China’s refusal of visa to an IAF officer from Arunachal Pradesh, while aimed at scoring a political point, creates obstacles towards the very confidence-building that China hopes to see in the eastern sector. Namrata Goswami | January 17, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Visit of Pakistan Army Chief to China India will need to factor the growing PLA presence in and around Pakistan and be prepared to engage an increasingly confident Pakistan propped by Chinese support and driven by Chinese interests in the region. Mandip Singh | January 17, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Possible Political Scenarios in Pakistan If the army is not in favour of a coup, attempts could be made to defuse the tension through a compromise between the army and the government, with some leadership change acting as a face-saver. Arvind Gupta | January 16, 2012 | IDSA Comments
Foreign Minister Krishna’s Visit to Israel: Adding Political Content to a Robust Partnership S.M. Krishna’s visit to Israel has added the crucial political content to one of India’s most significant bilateral relationships of the post-Cold War era. S. Samuel C. Rajiv | January 16, 2012 | Issue Brief
Challenges Before Japan in 2012 This Issue Brief assesses the pitfalls and opportunities as well as the likely course of action that the Japanese political leadership is going to define in the coming months. Rajaram Panda | January 16, 2012 | Issue Brief
