International Relations: What, Why and How?

I was invited to deliver an Orientation Lecture to the students of the M.A. International Relations (First Year), Christ University, Bangalore on June 11, 2015.

The talk introduced the students to the theoretical debates in the discipline. It provided a brief introduction to research methodology and important concepts in the field of International Relations. 

Share:

Read more

Inside the Pakistan Army: Moves on the Chessboard

On April 9, 2015, Pakistan’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) put out two short press releases. The two-line press releases gave the names of the officers promoted from the rank of Maj. General to Lt. General and details of key new postings. This was the second major reshuffle that has taken place in the higher echelons of the Pakistan Army after General Raheel Sharif took over as the 15th Chief of the Pakistan Army in November 2013. The article examines the recent appointments within the Pakistan Army and analyses the changes that have occurred under current Army Chief Raheel Sharif. Specifically, the possible changes have occurred within the Strategic Plans Division are assessed and predictions on the possible choices for the next Army Chief made.This article was published on the Generation Why website, South Asian Voices, Stimson Center, June 5, 2015. It was co-authored with Ms. Ramya P.S, Junior Research Fellow, NIAS

 
To read the complete article click here

Share:

Read more

Space and Arms Control

International Conference on “India’s Perspectives on Arms Control and Disarmament: Seeking Security through Cooperation”, May 18-20, 2015, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla

Arun Vishwanathan, Assistant Professor, International Strategic and Security Studies Programme, NIAS

Group Photo of Conference Speakers at IIAS, Shimla

The conference sought to assess the Indian approach to nuclear disarmament and global arms control issues and also to explore how India should move forward, if there is a need for a new approach or if the country needs to expend more effort.

The focus of the conference was on four important trends and developments during the last decade. First, global politics and the contemporary prospects for nuclear disarmament; secondly, prospects and consequences of further nuclear proliferation, especially the likelihood that the world may be entering a New Nuclear Age; thirdly, multilateralism and disarmament politics and fourthly, new issues in arms control, specifically cyber security and Outer Space.

Dr. Arun Vishwanathan, Assistant Professor, National Institute Advanced Studies spoke on prospects of Arms Control efforts in light of reliance on space based assets for offensive and defensive platforms and the fact that separation between such systems is artificial at best.

Share:

Read more

Nuclear Dynamics in Southern Asia

Nuclear Dynamics in Southern Asia: China, India and Pakistan
Prof S Chandrashekar & Dr Arun Vishwanathan (NIAS, Bangalore)

I and Prof. Chandrashekar delivered a lecture at the NIAS-IPCS Young Scholars Workshop at the NIAS, Bangalore on "Nuclear Dynamics in Southern Asia" on May 5, 2015. This presentation looked at the trilateral nuclear relationship between India, China and Pakistan. The lecture analysed the evolving Chinese nuclear and missile capabilities and its influence on Chinese nuclear strategy and thinking.

Share:

Read more

Nuclearisation of South Asia: Implications for India’s National Security

Nuclearisation of South Asia: Implications for India’s National Security, Jawaharlal Nehru University, March 27, 2015

I presented a paper on te Evolution of Missile Technologies in India along with Prof Rajaram Nagappa at the Center for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. This was part of an authors’ conference for an Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR) project titled “Nuclearisation of South Asia: Implications for India’s National Security” on March 27, 2015. 

Members of the ISSSP, NIAS presented two papers at the conference. LV Krishnan presented his paper on Evolution of Strategic Nuclear Technologies in India. Rajaram Nagappa and Arun Vishwanathan presented their paper on Evolution of Missile Technologies in India. The papers will be published as part of a forthcoming edited book. 

Share:

Read more

Reminisces of the 13th RCSS Summer Workshop

ISSSP Reflections No. 22, October 14, 2014

Author: Dr. Arun Vishwanathan

http://isssp.in/reminisces-of-the-13th-rcss-summer-workshop/

The Regional Center for Strategic Studies (RCSS), Colombo launched the Summer Workshop Series in a bid to bring together young Indian, Pakistani and Chinese scholars in 1993. The Workshop was held regularly on an annual basis till 2006 when it was discontinued due to funding issues. Recently, RCSS led by its Executive Director, Dr. Mallika Joseph was successful in garnering funds for organising the 13^th Summer Workshop (September 15-25, 2014) at Kalutara, Sri Lanka (~40kms from Colombo). The theme of the Workshop was “Nuclear Disarmament, Safety and Stability.” I was fortunate to be selected to participate in the Workshop which brought together thirty odd young scholars from India, Pakistan, China and the US for an intensive ten-day fully residential workshop.

The workshop is probably the only of its kind as it brings together young scholars from India, Pakistan and China for a decent length of time. The fact that the organisers house participants from different countries in a room on twin-sharing basis and provide opportunities for joint activities and presentations, leads to fostering of friendships and understanding of the others’ point of view. Given the intertwined histories and security challenges the region faces, one cannot but emphasise the importance of such endeavours and lament at the fact that occasions for such interactions – especially for young researchers – are too few and far between.

Share:

Read more