Issue Briefs

Fall of Bashar Al-Assad: What it Means for the Region and India
The fall of Bashar al-Assad's government marks a significant turning point in the Western Asia region. Assad was overthrown by a quick onslaught by opposition troops commanded by Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, following more about 13 years of civil war and international sanctions.
Emergence of Terrorism in Central Asia: Roots, Drivers, and Implications
Central Asia, which includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, has always been regarded as a stable and safe region, but the recent incidents of terrorism, linked to this region and perpetuated by ISIS-Khorasan (IS-KP), have caused significant concern both regionally and globally.
How will Trump Impact Europe in his New Term?
The election of Donald Trump as the President of the United States of America (US) for the second time poses manifold challenges to the continent of Europe, which is already going through a major war, sluggish economic recovery after the pandemic and a myriad of issues from migration, to rise of the Far-Right.


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Xi Jinpingâs High-Stakes Military Purge: Raises Questions Over Chinaâs Taiwan Readiness
Imran Khurshid
Chinaâs dramatic purge of its top generals is not merely an anti-corruption drive â it is a ruthless test of loyalty. The upheaval exposes deep insecurity at the heart of Xi Jinpingâs control over the Party-army.
Washingtonâs Embrace of Islamabad Fuels Repression on Minority Ethnic and Religious Groups
Senge Sering
US and Arab support has emboldened Pakistanâs military, worsening repression of Baloch, Pashtun and Hindu minorities. Rising disappearances, torture, media control and religious persecution signal a deepening human rights crisis across the region.
Ambiguity and Unrest: AJK and GB in a Perpetual Constitutional Limbo
Mohammad Usman Bhatti, Muneeb Yousuf
While 2025 saw widespread protests against governance and economic hardship in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)â including both âAzad Jammu and Kashmirâ(AJK), and Gilgit Baltistan (GB)â followed by a violent state response leaving at least 10 people dead....
From Bullets to Ballots: A New Development Roadmap for Indiaâs Maoists
P. V. Ramana
Following mass surrenders in 2025 and 2026, this proposal outlines a transition roadmap for former Maoists. It advocates for a community-led development agenda to replace armed struggle with democratic participation.