Strategic Perspectives

Indian Military Modernization and Its Implications on Strategic Stability in South Asia

2025-12-09T04:54:05+00:00

Indian military modernization and its implications have been a major debate in the South Asian security calculus. The strategic dynamics of South Asia reflect divergent priorities and goals for India and Pakistan. For India, military modernization aims towards regional hegemony, while for Pakistan, it is a source of strategic stability. In the given context, this study examines how the ongoing trends in India’s military modernization are exacerbating the security dilemma in South Asia and examines Pakistan’s responses to establish arms parity. The findings reveal that while Pakistan primarily relies on credible minimum deterrence, it recognises the need to modernize its conventional military capabilities. Whereas India theoretically adheres to a two-front war strategy, its main military build-up and capabilities are Pakistan-centric. Further, this research also examines the role of great powers i.e., the United States, Russia, France, and China, as major providers of military hardware for their respective strategic interests in the region. This study concludes Indian Military Modernization and the ensuing arms race pose a challenge to strategic stability in South Asia. India’s aim to fight a conventional war through its military modernization under a nuclear shadow has made South Asia the most dangerous nuclear flashpoint.

New Media as a Tool of Hybrid Warfare: Analyzing Pakistan’s Case

2025-12-09T04:54:05+00:00

The hybridity of warfare has been a long-standing phenomenon, yet the term has become more popular in recent years. Its revival has largely come in the context of misinformation and disinformation campaigns within and among states, targeted at and by varied actors in the world today. Manipulation of information has become a feature of our globalized world as communication media continuously proliferate – hence the rise of ‘New Media’. To explicate the intrinsic link of media with disinformation and hybrid conflict, this study centers on Pakistan’s case and answers the question, ‘how new media may impact Pakistan’s national security?’. It argues that the fundamental challenge lies in the possibility of new media being employed as a tool of hybrid warfare against Pakistan. The argument is qualitatively substantiated using existing academic literature and primary factual data collected from new media platforms (primarily X (formerly twitter) and You Tube between 2021-2023. The data-based-findings helped to establish how new media is already being employed for subversive purposes in and against Pakistan. The argument seeks theoretical support from Shaw and McComb’s agenda-setting theory that emphasized traditional media’s ability to influence, direct, and shape perception regarding what issues are ‘imminent’ and ‘important’ while relegating others down the agenda. Comparably, New Media’s agenda-setting potential allows faster spread of mis- and disinformation (without credibility checks) – thus posing a hybrid challenge. The study is significant in terms of clearly establishing this equation between New Media and hybrid warfare – that may be replicable to cases of other states and societies.

Arms Control Beyond New START: Challenges and Prospects in a Multipolar World

2025-12-09T04:54:05+00:00

The impending expiration of New START Treaty next year on 5 February 2026, the last remaining bilateral arms control treaty, marks a watershed moment in the evolving landscape of global non-proliferation regime. The gradual collapse of global arms control treaties over the years, a process expedited by Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), shifting global geopolitical landscape and rise of multipolarity, has brought home nuclear policymakers and experts the urgent need to revive and strengthen the faltering global arms control regime. Therefore, in the prevailing scenario of future arms control ambiguity, the steps required to forge a multilateral cooperation post New-START expiration is the main research question of the paper. Considering the ongoing geopolitical atmosphere where states are more involved in power maximization in an anarchic world than abiding by the rules of non-proliferation, the theoretical framework of offensive realism is being used to explain the phenomenon. The paper takes a brief stock of historical developments of arms control, analyzes the constraints and limitations in the New START Treaty, and its impact on strategic stability in the multilateral world. The paper proposes a future blueprint for a comprehensive new arms control framework while considering the likely future scenarios and concludes with practical policy pathways, like the need for verification regimes, incorporation and regulation of provisions for the ethical use of AI and strengthening of already established international institutions among others.

Rise of Populism in the Post-Truth Era: A Case Study of Modi’s Regime

2025-12-09T04:54:06+00:00

India, the world’s largest democracy, has witnessed a surge in Hindu majoritarian politics due to populist leaders like Narendra Modi’s exploitation of this domain to consolidate their power. Modi has relied on Hindutva ideologies, benefiting from the Bharatiya Jannata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (BJP-RSS) alliance, especially following the decline of the Congress. Three key events shaped the current political environment: the demolition of the Babri Mosque, the revival of Golwalkar’s teachings, and the rise of media-driven ‘post-truth’ politics. In the post-truth era, political discourse has shifted, allowing for easier manipulation of facts through propaganda, fake news, and populist rhetoric, as the public is more inclined towards emotions and beliefs rather than facts. Despite economic challenges and post-2019 failures in delivering performance, BJP has continued to thrive. The paper explores the rationale behind Modi’s rise and manipulation of the traditional political structure, solely depending on right-wing politics in the post-truth age. Despite growing complexities, failure to fulfil promises, and deepening divisions between the rich and the poor, as well as Hindus and Muslims, he has skillfully manipulated vulnerabilities to turn the tide in his favour. It also explores the factors behind Modi’s re-election, examining the role of right-wing politics, media influence, and populism in shaping modern Indian politics in the post-truth era.

Forging New Frontiers: India-GCC Engagement under the Act West Policy and Implications for Pakistan

2025-12-09T04:54:06+00:00

Since its independence, India has aimed to strengthen its ties with Gulf countries. The launch of its Act West policy has remained the cornerstone of New Delhi’s strategy to deal with Gulf countries. The policy’s objective was to strengthen bilateral ties through economic, political, and increased diplomatic outreach. India’s influence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has significantly grown under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main research question this study explores is: What are factors impacting Indian relationship with the Gulf States? Through a neoclassical realism perspective, this study analyses the interplay of systemic influences and domestic leadership factors in shaping India’s foreign policy towards GCC States. It employs a qualitative methodology along with secondary data analysis. This article concludes India’s deepening engagement with the Gulf countries does not inherently come at the expense of Pakistan, as each state holds its own strategic, economic, and cultural value. In today’s multipolar and interest-driven international system, relationships are increasingly non-exclusive and transactional.