Issue Briefs

The Geopolitical Logic of the Ongoing Afghanistan–Pakistan War
This Issue Brief examines how the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) evolved from a regional strategic asset into an autonomous insurgent threat, fuelling a cycle of blame and instability between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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.



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Pakistan, Eight Decades Later: The Unravelling of Pakistan’s Founding Dreams
Imran Khurshid
Decades after shedding British rule, the Pakistani people are still fighting for freedom—this time, from the very state institutions that claim to protect them.
Securing the Supply Chain: Critical Minerals and India’s Quest for Defence Self-Reliance
Mohammed Shoaib Raza
India’s defence self-reliance is threatened by severe vulnerabilities in critical mineral refining. Discover how strategic policy shifts, processing corridors, and mineral reserves can bridge the gap to true technological sovereignty.
SCO Bishkek Summit 2026 and India as a Valuable Stakeholder
Mohammed Badrul Alam
The 2026 Bishkek Summit highlights the SCO's Eurasian ambitions. India leverages the bloc for counterterrorism, connectivity, and cultural diplomacy while navigating complex regional challenges and balancing its Western strategic partnerships.