Russia’s intensified strikes on Odessa highlight its bid to neutralise Ukraine’s maritime lifeline and assert dominance in the Black Sea. Rooted in historical claims and NATO security fears, Moscow’s campaign threatens Ukraine’s economy, global food security, and regional stability, while exposing the limits of international institutions.
This Issue Brief analyses the structural limitations of the Gulf security framework in light of Israel’s unprecedented attack in Doha on 9 September, targeting Palestinian Hamas leadership. While the attack marked a dangerous escalation of Tel Aviv’s regional adventurism, it also exposed the enduring structural weaknesses of the Gulf’s security architecture which has been defined by entrenched dependency on the United States.
This issue brief explores whether Pakistan can evolve from a traditional “security contractor” into West Asia’s net security stabiliser. The September 17, 2025, Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement marks a pivotal moment, formalising decades of military cooperation between the two countries. Historically, Pakistan has trained Gulf forces, guarded monarchies, and provided military personnel, often in transactional arrangements....
Topic: “US under Trump 2.0: Issues, Challenges and Future Directions for India and the World”
When the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022, much of the West viewed global responses through a binary lens, as usual—us versus them—defining countries as either supporters of Ukraine or allies of Russia. Western nations, particularly the United States and its European allies, presented this struggle in moralistic terms: democracy vs autocracy, good versus evil, the free world versus an expansionist dictatorships.
India and Bangladesh share a deep-rooted historical, civilizational, and geographical connection. As neighbours in South Asia, their relationship has been characterized by cooperation and mutual respect but has also faced occasional challenges due to differing perceptions, internal politics, historical reasons, and relative power dynamics.
For years, this community has endured systematic targeting, with little to no substantial response from the state to protect its citizens or address the root causes of these attacks
While Donald Trump’s leadership style may appear erratic, it is underpinned by consistent geo-economic and geostrategic motivations
As India formalises its engagement with the Taliban, it is clear that New Delhi’s strategy is driven by long-term strategic objectives such as maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan, strengthening regional cooperation, and protecting India’s security and economic interests.
On 4 July 2024, International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS) launched the Book Jammu and Kashmir in India: The Saga of Development authored by Sheikh Khalid Jehangir at the
Sheikh Khaild Jehangir, Secretary General, ICPS, addressed Y20 consultation meet on climate change under India’s G20 presidency in Srinagar on Thursday, 11 May 2023 at University of Kashmir.
Mr. Mekki El Mograbi, Media Consultant and Head, International Relations, Sudan Centre for Thinktanks and Strategic Studies, Khartoum, Sudan, visited ICPS on 28 March 2023 and interacted with the scholars.
Dr Aleksei Zakharov, Research Fellow, Higher School of Economics (HSE), Moscow interacted with the researchers at ICPS on 17 March 2023. There was a free exchange of views on the evolving political and security situation in the Eurasian region including Afghanistan.
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India–US Trade Deal: More Than Commerce, It is a Strategic Signal
Imran Khurshid
India’s interim trade deal with the United States signals for India, more than commerce, a strategic foresight, diplomatic patience, and growing confidence on the global stage.
Shaksgam Valley: Pakistan's Complicity in China's Territorial Expansionism
Senge Sering
China’s control of Shaksgam Valley stems from Pakistan’s 1963 transfer of the territory under a temporary border agreement. India rejects the deal, calling it illegal, while China leverages Shaksgam for strategic infrastructure and military advantage. The dispute remains unresolved, complicating future of the areas illegally occupied by Pakistan and China and affects regional stability.
The Death of Dialogue: Criminalising Dissent in Pakistan
Nazir Ahmad Mir
The sentencing of activists Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years in prison signals a drastic shrinking of Pakistan’s democratic space. By equating human rights advocacy with anti-state terrorism, the state risks alienating sensible voices.
Xi Jinping’s High-Stakes Military Purge: Raises Questions Over China’s Taiwan Readiness
Imran Khurshid
China’s dramatic purge of its top generals is not merely an anti-corruption drive — it is a ruthless test of loyalty. The upheaval exposes deep insecurity at the heart of Xi Jinping’s control over the Party-army.