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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Sacred Ties, Contested Borders: India and Nepal Between Civilisation and Geopolitics
Afroz Khan
As Nepal’s historic 2026 “Gen Z” revolution elevates political outsider Balen Shah to Prime Minister, Kathmandu and New Delhi navigate territorial friction to forge a modern, development-driven bilateral partnership.
Islamabad’s Grip and Local Aspirations: The GB Election and the Constitutional Void
Mohammad Usman Bhatti
Gilgit-Baltistan’s 2026 elections exposed federal overreach, economic exploitation, and constitutional ambiguity. Despite PPP’s lead, unresolved grievances over rights, resources, and representation fuel persistent unrest and demands for autonomy
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.