- Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
- +923455238922
Muhammad Ali Baig
National Defence University-NDU- Islamabad- Pakistan, Student FCS, Graduate Student
- Muhammad Ali Baig is working as a Research Fellow (BPS-18) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Pa... moreMuhammad Ali Baig is working as a Research Fellow (BPS-18) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Pakistan, and a distinguished graduate of National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, Pakistan. He possesses an M.Phil. in International Relations from NDU with Distinction and a Merit Certificate from the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He possesses an M.Sc. in International Relations from NDU with Distinction, and Master’s degrees in Political Science (University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan), English (Linguistics and Literature) (COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan), and History (University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan). He also writes for The Nation, Daily Times, Pakistan Observer, and Pakistan Today. He co-authored the book Realism and Exceptionalism in U.S. Foreign Policy: From Kissinger to Kerry (2020). He can be contacted at mmab11@gmail.com and alibaig@issi.org.pk ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9818-2532.edit
The article aspired to probe the versatility of narratives prevailing in the American academia regarding the formulation and articulation of the U.S. grand strategy based on the structure and nature of the international system. A set of... more
The article aspired to probe the versatility of narratives prevailing in the American academia regarding the formulation and articulation of the U.S. grand strategy based on the structure and nature of the international system. A set of scholars dominating policy making circles have long trumpeted the aspects of American Exceptionalism and the messianic role to project liberal values using both interventionism and non-interventionism. On the other hand, scholars belonging to the Realist tradition and its various schools of thought have negated such claims and called for the adoption of a Realist grand strategy. The article remained focused in exploring the prevalent nature of the international system and the outreach and overreach of American global power. It found the post-Cold War strategy of preponderance as the early traces of global overstretch and among the chief elements in the increasingly stagnant or perhaps declining American global power. The article also proposed a few guidelines in formulating a grand strategy capable of minimizing the grand strategic overstretch.
Research Interests:
Trump's ascent to power as the 45 th President of the United States of America in 2016 was received as a shock by the international community, most importantly its European allies. However, it was welcomed by populist and right-leaning... more
Trump's ascent to power as the 45 th President of the United States of America in 2016 was received as a shock by the international community, most importantly its European allies. However, it was welcomed by populist and right-leaning leaders such as the then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The latter was the first head of state to meet the President-Elect at the Trump Tower in New York City in November 2016. It was speculated that Trump would envisage a foreign policy pivoted upon Realist principles. Indeed, Trump administration's second National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster asserted that Trump would articulate "Principled Realism." However, "Trump's False Realism" in the articulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy caused damage to the established balance of power and the hardearned trust of allies besides jeopardizing his election win. This article attempts to analyse four major reasons that contributed to Trump's loss of the U.S. Presidential Election 2020, of which three are domestic and one is foreign.
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Since its controversial creation in April 1948, Israel has faced conventionally symmetric as well as asymmetric and irregular threats emanating from various sources. The Israel Defense Forces remarkably overwhelmed its Arab counterparts... more
Since its controversial creation in April 1948, Israel has faced conventionally symmetric as well as asymmetric and irregular threats emanating from various sources. The Israel Defense Forces remarkably overwhelmed its Arab counterparts in three conventional limited wars. However, fighting for their former homeland, the nationalism-driven Palestinians and violent actors other than state (AOTSs) created new challenges for Israel. Palestinians with close proximity to Israel employed improvised arsenal, especially rockets and shoulder launched weapons to inflict damage, death, and destruction on Israeli civilians and military. Israel responded with brutal military operations and offensive measures to prevent as well as avenge the loss of its military and civilians. The study is a concentrated effort in analysing Israel’s Trinity comprising of weapon systems such as Iron Dome, Iron Fist, and armed unmanned aerial vehicles in its endeavour to countering threats.
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The end of the Cold War reinforced the term globalisation, where states became more intertwined economically, tilted towards consolidation of their economic ties. However, great power politics kept in gaining buoyancy in the international... more
The end of the Cold War reinforced the term globalisation, where states became more intertwined economically, tilted towards consolidation of their economic ties. However, great power politics kept in gaining buoyancy in the international relations; resultantly, the United States initiated and later amplified its trade with China. Hitherto, the latter became the second largest trade partner of the former. During the last couple of years, such ties between the two witnessed a turbulent trajectory. However, America under Trump administration, accused China of raping the US economy, being an unfair trade partner, and spattered of becoming a currency manipulator. To minimize and equalize the trade deficit that reached almost 345.6 billion USD in 2019, the Trump administration initiated a unique trade war between the two great economies; consequently, such policy decisions remained one of the hottest issues in international politics. The Trump Doctrine hinged upon America First; and the imposition of strict tariffs on numerous Chinese products, surprised the international commentators and economists. The article intends to probe the strategic context of the US-China Trade War and the implications of such on a global level. It also explores continuity of the same under the Biden administration. It tentatively provided a way forward for both great powers as well.
Research Interests:
According to the conventional wisdom, trade is not a zero-sum game, but a positive sum game. Same is the case of US-China trade relationship. Both countries developed decade's long trade relations on the basis of mutual economic... more
According to the conventional wisdom, trade is not a zero-sum game, but a positive sum game. Same is the case of US-China trade relationship. Both countries developed decade's long trade relations on the basis of mutual economic interests. Both countries United States and China, in past have been each other's extensive partners, on economic trading and political cooperation. Continuous Chinese development and high growth rate, with the largest trade surplus challenged United States supremacy in the world. Therefore, United States made China liable for its unfair trade practices and initiated trade war. This study provides an assessment of US-China trade war and its regional and global implications including its economic implications for Pakistan. In this paper, American role in Chinese Economic development is also highlighted. This paper contends that full understanding of trade war requires close attention to the importance of power competition among two global powers.
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Soon after its independence from the British in August 1947, Pakistan's socio-political culture became entangled into a monopoly of the right-wing with feudal lords, especially in the Punjab province. The pseudo right-wing political... more
Soon after its independence from the British in August 1947, Pakistan's socio-political culture became entangled into a monopoly of the right-wing with feudal lords, especially in the Punjab province. The pseudo right-wing political parties exploited Pakistan's religious foundations and established a cultural hegemony. Historically, Punjab had remained the epicentre of political bargains since its inception; therefore, it retained strong alliances for stable government in the centre. Somehow, dissident voices and views from any other political ideology were deemed to be antistate or anti-religious. This paper analyses through Antonio Gramsci's Theory of Cultural Hegemony how the right wing manipulated the opinion of the masses to legitimize their rule, which ultimately led to the decline of socialism. This paper illustrates the underlying ultra-religious campaigns in the electoral manoeuvring of the right wing from 1977 to 1997, thereby gaining the consent of the people. This study also outlines the systematic othering and demonizing of the left wing in society by pseudo right-wing factions.
Research Interests: International Relations, Political Philosophy, Social Sciences, Political Theory, International Studies, and 11 morePolitical Science, Political Culture, Politics, International Political Economy, Pakistan, Communism, International Politics, Gramsci, Socialism, Gramsci and Cultural Hegemony, and Right-Wing Extremism
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and its various branches carry the prudent legacy of its ancient history. Since its creation in 1927, time and again, the PLA has acted as an effective arm of the vanguard party in establishing and... more
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and its various branches carry the prudent legacy of its ancient history. Since its creation in 1927, time and again, the PLA has acted as an effective arm of the vanguard party in establishing and securing the Heaven. Following the theoretical underpinnings of China's paramount leader Mao, today the PLA is a formidable force capable of conducting operations in every domain of war. However, under President Xi Jinping, the PLA has undergone considerable restructuring and modernization. This article aims to briefly understand and analyse such structural reconfigurations and modernization plans. It uses academic, journalistic, and Sino-American official sources in exploring the PLA's restructuring and modernization. It concludes that the PLA has undergone massive structural reconfiguration and modernization in terms of material and doctrine. It also highlights that the renewed deployments of the PLA under a renewed doctrinal awakening and a strategic thought could have a great impact on its future operations.
Research Interests: Military History, Military Science, Strategy (Military Science), International Relations, Chinese Studies, and 11 moreStrategic Studies, Naval Warfare, Political Science, China, Military and Politics, China studies, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Chinese Military History, Submarines, Conventional Weapons, and Chinese Navy
Full Electric Vehicles (FEVs) are among one of the three kinds of hybrid electric vehicles. FEVs are such motorized vehicles which utilize onboard electric motor or a couple of motors driven solely by batteries which use the stored charge... more
Full Electric Vehicles (FEVs) are among one of the three kinds of hybrid electric vehicles. FEVs are such motorized vehicles which utilize onboard electric motor or a couple of motors driven solely by batteries which use the stored charge on them as a fuel. FEVs do not drink up any petro-chemical fuel and consequently, do not emit greenhouse gases – decreasing harmful emissions. The concept and use of FEVs dates back to the 1890s when Lohner-Porsche produced the first full electric vehicle known as P1. FEVs provide with such a framework to lower the greenhouse gases to contribute in lessening the climate change and global warming. The paper essentially contends and elucidates that how and why FEVs can replace conventional internal combustion vehicles in a developing country like Pakistan while contributing positively in reducing the burden on economy and environment and making daily life comfortable while preventing the planet earth from global warming and climate change.
Research Interests: Economics, International Relations, Social Sciences, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and 8 morePolitical Science, Sustainable Development, Energy and Environment, Climate Change Adaptation And Mitigation Strategies, Environmental Sustainability, Energy efficiency, Global Warming, and Hybrid and Pure Electric Cars
Attaining and maintaining operations security remains the primary objective of armed forces on modern battlefields. Due to their flexibility in employment, conventional weapons are the true weapons of war and warfare, and in turn,... more
Attaining and maintaining operations security remains the primary objective of armed forces on modern battlefields. Due to their flexibility in employment, conventional weapons are the true weapons of war and warfare, and in turn, significantly affect the operational environment based on their offensive as well as defensive capabilities. South Asia being a nuclear flashpoint is still characterized by conventional weapons. This paper intends to investigate the traditional weapon modernization undertaken by India and the likely impact of systems such as the Russian-built T-90S Main Battle Tank and S-400 Missile System, French-built Rafale Omni-role aircraft, and the Indian Navy aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya on the Armed Forces of Pakistan. The paper aspires to examine how and why these weapons and their acquisitions and deployments are likely to affect the operations security of both rival armed forces and recommend several conventional responses to enhance it, with special regard to Pakistan
Research Interests: Military History, Military Science, Strategy (Military Science), International Relations, South Asian Studies, and 12 moreInternational Security, War Studies, Strategic Studies, Political Science, Security Studies, Pakistan, India, Grand Strategy, Weapons, Electronic Warfare, Security and Peace Studies, and Strategy and Military Operations
The study involves a brief yet insightful discussion on the concept of globalization, covering different aspects of globalization. The focal point is to consider that globalization is not a new phenomenon. It further explains that... more
The study involves a brief yet insightful discussion on the concept of globalization, covering different aspects of globalization. The focal point is to consider that globalization is not a new phenomenon. It further explains that globalization has taken new dimensions along with the impact that it has on the economy and society of Pakistan. The impact of globalization on every economy differs depending on its social, political and economic dimensions. The paper emphasizes on the fact that although Pakistan achieved certain gains from globalization, but the adverse effects outweighs the positive effects in certain areas. It clearly mentions how globalization has resulted in a degradation of moral norms and values of Pakistani society and how has globalization affected economic growth in Pakistan with a major focus has on trade. It concludes with how these challenges can be overcome by holding governments in charge of effective policy making.
Research Interests:
This paper provided a new framework i.e., fifth-generation literature on suicide bombings. The latter have always been a central debate/value in warfare; however, they have taken a centre stage in asymmetric warfare. The lethality and... more
This paper provided a new framework i.e., fifth-generation literature on suicide bombings. The latter have always been a central debate/value in warfare; however, they have taken a centre stage in asymmetric warfare. The lethality and commitment to the cause makes a suicide attacker a real danger. The Iraqi episode of Al-Qaeda used suicide bombings as a military operation, and it transferred the expertise to Taliban to fight against the U.S-led Allied Forces in Afghanistan. From there the same tactics proliferated to Pakistani Taliban who used it as a military operation against the security and civil establishments of Islamabad. Apart from the Pashtunwali Code and the strict adherence to the Deobandi School of thought, the Pashtuns of Afghanistan and Pakistan readily accepted to recruit and train suicide attackers and employed suicide bombings as a military operation. This analytical and explanatory study generally banked on secondary data, normally gathered from the academic sources; however, primary data was also used, and an interview of an anonymous security official was conducted as well. This paper is a concentrated effort to probe and investigate the advent of suicide bombings in Afghanistan and Pakistan and to examine that how and why the Pashtuns used it as a military operation to achieve their desired objectives. The article found that the selection and indoctrination of a suicide bomber involves almost eight stages.
Research Interests: Military History, Military Science, Strategy (Military Science), Terrorism, International Terrorism, and 15 moreAfghanistan, Political Violence and Terrorism, Pakistan, Asymmetrical Warfare, Irregular Warfare, Taliban, Counter terrorism, War on Terror, Military, Iraq War, al-Qaeda, Terrorism, Suicide Bombing, Security, Terrorist, Strategy and Military Operations, and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
India is arming and modernizing its military with its land forces receiving equipment in an unprecedented manner while its navy is growingly becoming a blue water navy capable of projecting power way beyond its shores and is rapidly... more
India is arming and modernizing its military with its land forces receiving equipment in an unprecedented manner while its navy is growingly becoming a blue water navy capable of projecting power way beyond its shores and is rapidly arming its air force to become a strategic force capable of playing an independent role. The international environment is favourable for India, which is further adding impetus towards indigenization and modernization of Indian defence and military capabilities while providing an opportunity for the economy to flourish even more. The paper is an endeavour to analyze, assess, predict and prescribe the potential upshots and outcomes of indigenization, local and licensed manufacturing and joint ventures initiated by India in defence and military sectors – and the likelihood of such choices and actions in becoming a vital strategic and security concern for Pakistan.
Research Interests: Military History, Strategy (Military Science), Tactics (Military Science), Foreign Policy Analysis, War Studies, and 15 moreSecurity Studies, Pakistan, History of Military Technology, War, Warfare, India, Defence and Security, Indian Army, Defence and Strategic Studies, Security and Defence Studies, Grands Strategy, Defence Studies, Military Technology, Conventional Weapons, and Pakistan Army
Geopolitics plays a decisive role in the international politics. The importance of geopolitics can be seen in the Twentieth century that culminated in the First Word War. The Berlin-Baghdad Railway Project was the true manifestation of... more
Geopolitics plays a decisive role in the international politics. The importance of geopolitics can be seen in the Twentieth century that culminated in the First Word War. The Berlin-Baghdad Railway Project was the true manifestation of geopolitics, while the Balkan region played a significant role due to its geopolitical and geo-strategic importance. The Balkans being at the crossroads of great powers became a catalyst for animosity among them. Geopolitics has again taken a centre stage in the Twenty-first century due to China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its flagship project i.e., China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The paper intends to investigate, analyse, and predict the BRI’s flagship belt i.e., CPEC and its likely impacts on the existing rivalry between China and the United States under the prism of Neo-Realism.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Indian Ocean is the third largest water body and is growlingly becoming an arena of competition between China and India. The Indian Ocean Region holds significant importance for global maritime trade flow as more than half of global... more
The Indian Ocean is the third largest water body and is growlingly becoming an arena of competition between China and India. The Indian Ocean Region holds significant importance for global maritime trade flow as more than half of global oil passes through it. Consequently, both India and China heavily rely on it for their respective seaborne trade. The latter increases the importance of the body manifold. However, the growing Indian naval presence along with economic and political interests is endangering the peace and stability of the region. It has the potential in leaving its impression on the political dynamics of the region. The paper aimed to highlight Indian ambitions and its expanding geopolitical fascination with the Indian Ocean Region along with naval expansion. Pivoted upon its growing interests, the article highlighted the ramifications of this struggle for China and Pakistan. This study also provided a relevant way ahead for both states to keep their interests protected in the region.
Research Interests:
Brexit is a watershed moment in the life of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland that significantly reflects its circumstantial national socio-political and psychological situation. The article argued that national... more
Brexit is a watershed moment in the life of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland that significantly reflects its circumstantial national socio-political and psychological situation. The article argued that national desperation and frustration greatly affect society, politics, and national psychology. These elements trigger and act as the fundamental driving force in shaking and shaping the course of action in the life of nations and states (most importantly former colonial powers). However, national desperation and frustration are not limited towards taking desperate measures but could also result in a radical shift in alliances and the overall orientation of the state. The article took a brief survey of Britain’s politico-strategic and psychological history and analysed the variables culminating in the form of Brexit. It considered the psychological, socio-political, economic, geopolitical, geostrategic, and military aspects, in analysing the Brexit. It concluded in the light of such variables. Moreover, it presented potential ramifications of such endeavours. The article offered a tentative road in overcoming British national desperation.
Research Interests: History, European History, Psychology, Geography, International Relations, and 15 morePolitical Philosophy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Sciences, Geopolitics, War Studies, Political Science, Colonialism, International Politics, European Union, British Empire, British Imperialism, Strategy, Geostrategy, Diplomacy and international relations, and Colonialism and Imperialism
The Indo-Pak relationship is unique due to peculiar nature. There have been a few neighbours in the world who share mutual history and still maintain fierce animosity and hostility. Contemporarily, the relationship between Republic of... more
The Indo-Pak relationship is unique due to peculiar nature. There have been a few neighbours in the world who share mutual history and still maintain fierce animosity and hostility. Contemporarily, the relationship between Republic of Korea (South) and Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North) presents somehow a similar picture. Nonetheless, besides number of peace initiatives taken by Pakistan and many attempts made by both sides, even supported and facilitated by the great powers; the Indo-Pak relations present a gloomy picture. However, the larger part of the quagmire rests on Indian shoulders, as it holds enormous landmass and relatively larger share of the world power. The objective of this brief is to understand why such a dilemma has clouded South Asia and how an unfortunate landscape between the two could be rectified. However, it would be unfruitful to explore the latter without taking into consideration the set of events that took place within the span of last four weeks.
Research Interests: Diplomatic History, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Indian studies, South Asian Studies, and 15 morePolitical Science, South Asia, Pakistan, Diplomacy, South Asian Politics, Indian Politics, India, Pakistan Studies, Indian foreign policy, Indology, Indian security studies, Diplomacy and international relations, Pakistan's Foreign Policy, Indo-Pak Studies, and Indo Pak History
Azerbaijan is a peace-loving country and a cooperative member of the United Nations Organization. Being a sovereign member of the international community, it has all the rights and privileges entitled to a state. However, the claims of... more
Azerbaijan is a peace-loving country and a cooperative member of the United Nations Organization. Being a sovereign member of the international community, it has all the rights and privileges entitled to a state. However, the claims of neighbouring Armenia driven by irredentism and revanchism over the contested region of Nagorno Karabakh have led to numerous conflicts between the two. Having the role of ensuring Azerbaijan's political integrity and sovereign status, the role of its armed forces is demanding yet challenging. This article is geared towards analysing the operational capabilities of Azerbaijani Armed Forces with a special focus on equipment, doctrine, and command and control platforms. It also assesses and prescribes the necessary and immediate needs to deter the threats and to thwart any military conflict. It theorises the potential of Azerbaijan-Pakistan defence relations. Finally, it aspires to take a structural approach in explaining the state behaviour and the relevance of security in contemporary times.
Research Interests:
The Twenty-First century is the century of technology. The era is a fortunate one, as it is reaping the rewards of human progression and development in all the fields of life, most importantly the cyber technology. Complimenting the... more
The Twenty-First century is the century of technology. The era is a fortunate one, as it is reaping the rewards of human progression and development in all the fields of life, most importantly the cyber technology. Complimenting the importance of computers in 1946, American nuclear scientist John von Neumann, argued that “I am thinking about something more important than bombs. I am thinking about computers.” Since, Neumann’s arguments made at the end of the second quarter of the Twentieth century, the computers are the dominating technology, which are steadily, yet constantly permeating in our daily lives. The most significant product of cyber technology is Artificial Intelligence (AI), that has already become an inseparable part of modern civilization. Before Neumann and his contemporary English scientist Max Newman, British cryptographer Alan Mathison Turing’s publication “On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungsproblem” (1936) and his doctoral dissertation titled as “Systems of Logic Based on Ordinals” (1938) at Princeton University (United States), laid down the formidable foundations of AI. He is also known as the “father of AI.” Later, Turing’s role in breaking the German Navy’s Enigma Code and inventing the ‘bombe’ machine to speedily breaking encrypted codes, earned him enduring recognition in the fields of AI, cognitive science, Artificial Life, and computer science.
Research Interests:
The hostile environment in South Asia is a serious concern for the international players. This volatile situation is further fuelled by escalating arms race and aggressive force postures. The Indian Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) has... more
The hostile environment in South Asia is a serious concern for the international players. This volatile situation is further fuelled by escalating arms race and aggressive force postures. The Indian Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) has supplemented negatively to the South Asian strategic stability by trying to find a way in fighting a conventional limited war just below the nuclear umbrella. It was reactionary in nature to overcome the shortcomings exhibited during Operation Parakram of 2001-02, executed under the premise of Sundarji Doctrine. The Cold Start is an adapted version of German Blitzkrieg which makes it a dangerous instrument. Apart from many limitations, the doctrine remains relevant to the region, primarily due to the attestation of its presence by the then Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat in January 2017. This paper is an effort to probe the different aspects of Cold Start, its prerequisites in provisions of three sets; being a bluff based on deception, myth rooted in misperception, and a reality flanked by escalation; and how and why CSD is a strategic concern for Pakistan.
Research Interests: Military History, Military Science, Doctrine (Military Science), Strategy (Military Science), Artillery, and 15 moreInternational Relations, Political Science, Politics, Pakistan, International Politics, Military and Politics, India, Strategy, Indian Army, Sea Power, Air Power, Armoured Warfare, Conventional Weapons, Pakistan Army, and Cold Start Doctrine
Alliances remain at the heart of history, since they serve states in achieving geopolitical needs and securing grand strategic necessities. Apart from strategic considerations, the article aspires to highlight the psychological motivation... more
Alliances remain at the heart of history, since they serve states in achieving geopolitical needs and securing grand strategic necessities. Apart from strategic considerations, the article aspires to highlight the psychological motivation for conceiving and forming alliances. It argues alliances to be the basic instrument in ensuring survival and elaborates the psychological efficacy and utility in employing the same device in gaining and sustaining the status of a functional great power. This article addresses the most significant development in modern times, i.e. rising China and its pursuit to become a pro-active great power, whilst greatly drawing from its strategic history in such endeavours. It explores the 'China Threat', and argues that China is likely to enter into alliances based on its geopolitical necessities by engaging its armed forces regionally, most likely in its near abroad. The article interprets China's Belt and Road Initiative as a soft alliance and predicts the precursors of a military alliance.
Research Interests: Military History, Strategy (Military Science), International Relations, Southeast Asian Studies, Geopolitics, and 15 morePolitical Science, Strategic Alliances, Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific Region, Realism (Political Science), China, Chinese foreign policy, Military and Politics, Structural realism, Russia, WORLD ORDER, United States, The Rise of China, Emerging powers of Global South: Rising BRICS Countries, and Great Power Politics
The downfall of Adolf Hitler was a significant development in the history of the world. His armies conquered almost all of Europe in a dramatic span of time by the employment of Blitzkrieg tactics. Before the outbreak of the Second World... more
The downfall of Adolf Hitler was a significant development in the history of the world. His armies conquered almost all of Europe in a dramatic span of time by the employment of Blitzkrieg tactics. Before the outbreak of the Second World War, Hitler assisted General Franco in the Spanish Civil War. Later, while still fighting on the Western front, Hitler ordered the Afrika Korps to assist Italians in Northern Africa and in the Balkans region and finally launched Operation Barbarossa by invading the Soviet Union. The Anti-Comintern Pact, Pact of Steel and Tripartite Pact brought the Third Reich, the Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Italy onto one page. This paper attempts to probe the multiple fronts and the efficacy of Hitler’s allies including Japan, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Croatia and to try and find the causes behind the downfall of one of the strongest men the world has ever seen from a theoretical perspective. This research did not intend to glorify Hitler or Nazism, but focuses on how the maximization of power and the states’ actions with hegemonic aspirations triggered a balancing coalition and ultimately resulted in punishment from the system itself.
Research Interests: Military History, Military Science, Strategy (Military Science), International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, and 15 moreWar Studies, Strategic Studies, Political Science, Strategic Alliances, World War II, Second World War (History), The Third Reich, Nazi Germany, Strategy, Germany, Realism, Adolf Hitler, Operational Art, Strategy and Military Operations, and Conventional Weapons
Various terrorist outfits or Actors Other Than States (AOTSs) are not only functionally similar in their motivation/objectives but are also driven by strategy which includes the means, ends or tactical and operational manoeuvring. This... more
Various terrorist outfits or Actors Other Than States (AOTSs) are not only functionally similar in their motivation/objectives but are also driven by strategy which includes the means, ends or tactical and operational manoeuvring. This makes terrorism an extension of military strategy. The article views terrorism through a prism of military tactics and strategy in the historical backdrop of various forms of warfare. Drawing upon comparative analysis of the striking similarities in leading strategies and tactics between military forces of nation states, it argues that AOTSs make a conscious and significant use of military strategy in the pursuit of terrorist objectives.
Research Interests: Military History, Strategy (Military Science), International Relations, Terrorism, International Terrorism, and 15 moreInternational Security, Strategic Studies, Political Violence and Terrorism, Cyber Terrorism, Asymmetrical Warfare, Military and Politics, Taliban, Counter terrorism, War on Terror, Warfare, Strategy, Clausewitz, al-Qaeda, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
This article explores how conventional military doctrines shape U.S.-China military engagement in the West Pacific under varying degrees of cooperation, competition and potential conflicts. Although military doctrines possess a certain... more
This article explores how conventional military doctrines shape U.S.-China military engagement in the West Pacific under varying degrees of cooperation, competition and potential conflicts. Although military doctrines possess a certain level of influence on the ways and means of engaging each other in military terms, such engagement is not confined to using deadly force with a clear aim to destroy the other party. Instead, these doctrines can act as an instrument to forestall conflicts by maintaining credible deterrence. As rational actors that follow clear rules of military engagement, both the United States and China are fully aware of the defensive, offensive and deterrent value of their respective military doctrines, as well as the consequences of a potential conflict; and they have tried to expand cooperation on a number of non-traditional security issues. However, given their forward deployment-oriented military doctrines and the rising role of non-state actors, the United States and China are very likely to be engaged in an unintended escalation of conflicts if each holds a rigid view toward the other’s military doctrine and fails to maintain stable military ties based on timely communication and constructive interaction.
Research Interests: Doctrine (Military Science), China, Contemporary China, Us-China Relations, Defence, and 10 moreDefence and Security, South China Sea, United States, Defense and National Security, Defence and Strategic Studies, Defense and Strategic Studies, Military Operational Art, Strategy and Military Operations, Conventional Warfare, and Conventional Weapons
Foreign policy pivoted upon realist principles has have remained a vital instrument to pursue, achieve, secure and sustain the policy objectives of a state. America being the liberal hegemonic state maintained ‘liberal hegemony’ since the... more
Foreign policy pivoted upon realist principles has have remained a vital instrument to pursue, achieve, secure and sustain the policy objectives of a state. America being the liberal hegemonic state maintained ‘liberal hegemony’ since the end of the Second World War. Realists intended to adopt a realist foreign policy; however, ideologies like ‘American Exceptionalism’ dominated over the former. President Donald Trump opted for protectionism with the objective of strengthening U.S. indigenous economy – a realist approach. Nevertheless, Trump’s foreign dealings in relation to America’s allies are causing damage to the established balance of power and the hard-earned trust of allies. This article intends to discover Trump’s policies against the dictates of realism and how U.S. President can restore American hegemony under the premises of realism while employing deterrence, containment
and offshore balancing as alternatives.
and offshore balancing as alternatives.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Cyberspace is among the four global commons of the human race including, high seas, outer-space and Antarctica. The weaponization of the cyber domain is relatively a new phenomenon in war and warfare. Due to the pivotal need of... more
Cyberspace is among the four global commons of the human race including, high seas, outer-space and Antarctica. The weaponization of the cyber domain is relatively a new phenomenon in war and warfare. Due to the pivotal need of connectivity and reliance on computers, computer components and internet to transmit, disseminate and communicate data – the cyberspace is used by almost every military force. This dependence on computers and internet has resulted in the vulnerability of certain weapon systems, fire control mechanisms and
command and control platforms to cyber-attacks in the form of hacking, malware, spyware and disruptive and destructive viruses. North Korea is among those countries in the world that possesses a considerable capability to launch, disrupt, paralyze and render temporary or permanent loss of such platforms which assist in command and control of military forces. This article is a concentrated effort to analyse the cyber and electronic warfare strategy of North Korea and their possible use against United States Forces Korea (USFK) and United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
command and control platforms to cyber-attacks in the form of hacking, malware, spyware and disruptive and destructive viruses. North Korea is among those countries in the world that possesses a considerable capability to launch, disrupt, paralyze and render temporary or permanent loss of such platforms which assist in command and control of military forces. This article is a concentrated effort to analyse the cyber and electronic warfare strategy of North Korea and their possible use against United States Forces Korea (USFK) and United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
Research Interests:
Exceptionalism has been the principal narrative of the United States‘ foreign policy decision-making. It is the set of beliefs and principles that envisages the country‘s uniqueness and superiority over the rest. It has two strands: one... more
Exceptionalism has been the principal narrative of the
United States‘ foreign policy decision-making. It is the set
of beliefs and principles that envisages the country‘s
uniqueness and superiority over the rest. It has two strands:
one being its status as an exemplar state; and the other
being God‘s chosen people – the latter being the dominant
one. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) threatened
life, liberty, pursuit of happiness and freedom – far away
from the shores of the US. However, with ‗doing God‘s
work‘ underpinning its foreign policy dictates – the US
mobilised its military forces and spearheaded the campaign
to help its Middle Eastern allies in getting rid of ISIS. The
article aims to understand the basic tenets of US
exceptionalism and the intervening variables which led the
country to fight against the ISIS.
United States‘ foreign policy decision-making. It is the set
of beliefs and principles that envisages the country‘s
uniqueness and superiority over the rest. It has two strands:
one being its status as an exemplar state; and the other
being God‘s chosen people – the latter being the dominant
one. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) threatened
life, liberty, pursuit of happiness and freedom – far away
from the shores of the US. However, with ‗doing God‘s
work‘ underpinning its foreign policy dictates – the US
mobilised its military forces and spearheaded the campaign
to help its Middle Eastern allies in getting rid of ISIS. The
article aims to understand the basic tenets of US
exceptionalism and the intervening variables which led the
country to fight against the ISIS.
Research Interests:
The legacy of Blitzkrieg as deployed by the Wehrmacht during World War II cannot be denied due to its lethality, speed and surprise which completely out-manoeuvred the enemy. While employing its basic tenets, the Indian Army announced a... more
The legacy of Blitzkrieg as deployed by the Wehrmacht during World War II cannot be denied due to its lethality, speed and surprise which completely out-manoeuvred the enemy. While employing its basic tenets, the Indian Army announced a doctrine known as the Cold Start Doctrine (CSD) in 2004. Germany used Blitzkrieg as an operational level doctrine, but India wants to bring into play the same tactics on a strategic level. The effectiveness of this German battle plan makes it critical for Pakistan to analyse the repercussions of CSD in case of an armed conflict with India. This article is an effort to look for ways in which the Pakistan Armed Forces (PAF) can deter, repel and respond to an attack by employing conventional forces, while remaining strictly below the nuclear threshold.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The responsibility of leadership forced the U.S. to direct its means to the ends of a ‘common and shared mission’, of laissez-faire economy, freedom and self-determination across the globe, which paved the way for the American pragmatism... more
The responsibility of leadership forced the U.S. to direct its means to the ends of a ‘common and shared mission’, of laissez-faire economy, freedom and self-determination across the globe, which paved the way for the American pragmatism to go global as well. High-sounding values without power, i.e. hard power, is like a skeleton without flesh. Adherence to the value-system is the requirement of the exceptional character of the American political culture Whilst, the values of international politics required the pursuance of power in the form of alliances, counteralliances, and balance of power for the enhancement of its capabilities.With the help of Kenneth Waltz, Structural-Realism, the research has argued that both structures i.e. Exceptionalism at the National level and Realism at the International level has constrained the American foreign policy behaviour. The book has analysed the eras of different presidents from 1969 till 2014 that how the structures have punished certain presidents and how it rewarded others, on the basis of their dealings with Exceptionalism at home and Realism abroad.