Issue Briefs

Russia’s Odessa Drive: Geopolitical Imperatives and Competing Visions
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.
Structural Constraints and Strategic Inertia: Rethinking Gulf Security After Israel’s Doha Attack
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.
Beyond Symbolism: Can Pakistan Become West Asia’s Net Security Stabiliser?
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....


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Reinforcing India’s Energy Security: Imperatives for India’s Strategic Oil Buffer
Mohammed Badrul Alam
India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves remain limited, but expansion through new caverns and UAE partnerships is vital to shield its economy from supply shocks and global energy volatility.
AJK at the Boiling Point: Broken Promises Ignite Unrest
Idress Aftab
The so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is witnessing growing political unrest as long-standing grievances over governance, representation, and basic rights continue to intensify.
Strait of Hormuz, Iran Crisis and India: Why it matters?
Mohammed Badrul Alam
As conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies, the Strait of Hormuz – the world's most critical energy chokepoint – has emerged as the focal point of a growing geopolitical and economic crisis. This article examines how disruptions in the Persian Gulf threaten global oil and gas supplies, destabilize international shipping networks, and threatens a wider regional conflict extending to the Red Sea.