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....
The Jatiya Nagorik Party (JNP)— born out of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) movement, that steered the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh— is seeking to break the decades-long dominance of the Awami League and BNP, and advocating for a Second Republic through constitutional reform and centrist, pluralist governance. As it navigates entrenched power structures and competing opposition forces, it faces both great promise and uncertain challenges in its quest to reshape the nation’s political future.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, balances economic ties with China while asserting its sovereignty amid tensions in the South China Sea. China's maritime claims and illegal fishing in Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the....
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.
Andreas Mountzouroulias. @andreasmoun, Editor in chief of directus.gr visited ICPS on 10 March 2023, Friday, and interacted with the researchers.
Marco Respinti, Director-in-Charge, Bitter Winter, visited International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS) on 14 December 2022 and interacted with the scholars of the Centre.
On the occasion of Kashmir Accession Day International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS)
organised Book Launch of The Two Kashmirs authored by Sheikh Khalid Jehangir
ICPS organised a talk by Umit Alperen, Director of the Centre for Asia-Pasific Studies at the Suleyman Demirel University, Turkey on 02 September 2022. He focussed on Turkey's foreign policy in general and also its relations with India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
    
Comments
Bangladesh’s Political Reset and the Road Ahead
Smruti S. Pattanaik
Bangladesh’s 13th Parliamentary Election restores credibility of the multiparty system and coincides with a decisive referendum on constitutional reforms. With a commanding majority, the BNP now faces high expectations at home and complex regional challenges, especially in managing India ties, economic pressures and youth aspirations.
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.