Margalla Papers

CHINA'S MARITIME PIVOT: CPEC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA CONNECTION

2024-12-31T13:27:21+05:00

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a critical component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with far-reaching implications for regional and global geopolitics. This study investigates the strategic significance of CPEC in China's broader geopolitical strategy, particularly its South China Sea ambitions. The research question guiding this inquiry is: How does CPEC mitigate China's trade security vulnerabilities in the South China Sea region, and what are the implications for regional dynamics and global trade routes? By analysing the impact of CPEC on maritime security, energy trade, and regional power dynamics, this research reveals the corridor's pivotal role in enhancing China's energy security, countering US influence and Indian concerns, and solidifying China's position as a global economic powerhouse. The study also examines the challenges and opportunities arising from CPEC implementation, including its potential to reshape regional alliances and challenge existing global trade patterns. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of China's geopolitical ambitions and the significance of CPEC in advancing its strategic interests.

Bibliography Entry

Alla Ud Din, Shi Xiaolian and Uzma Siraj. 2024. "China's Maritime Pivot: CPEC and the South China Sea Connection." Margalla Papers 28 (2): 1-13.

ANALYSING CONVENTIONAL DETERRENCE IN A NUCLEARISED SOUTH ASIA

2024-12-31T13:57:40+05:00

This article advances the debate on the dynamics and effectiveness of conventional deterrence in a nuclearised South Asia. Conventional deterrence is primarily based on the precept of dissuasion, playing an integral part in states’ defence policies. It leverages conventional military capabilities and the adept use of military strategy to dissuade opponents from initiating major campaigns and escalations into full-blown war. The study validates the role of conventional deterrence by carefully examining two India-Pakistan sub-cases: the 1999 Limited Kargil War and the 2019 Balakot Aerial Confrontation. Through these two sub-cases, the research elucidates the complex relationship between numerical strength and intelligent military planning in denying opponents their military objectives and preventing the employment of nuclear weapons.

Bibliography Entry

Mehmood, Nasir and Syeda Zainab Asif. 2024. "Analysing Conventional Deterrence in a Nuclearized South Asia." Margalla Papers 28 (2): 14-32.

UNITED NATIONS PEACE OPERATIONS ON STATE-BUILDING AND GOVERNANCE IN POST-CONFLICT AFRICAN STATES: A CASE STUDY OF SOUTH SUDAN

2024-12-31T15:02:48+05:00

This study examines the role of United Nations (UN) peace missions in state-building and governance when recovering from conflicts, focusing on South Sudan grappling with post-independence challenges in 2011 due to ongoing violence and political turmoil that disrupted governance efforts. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is crucial in promoting peace and rebuilding the state structures. The study delves into the roles and shortcomings of UNMISS in fostering stability and curbing violence while bolstering governance structures. It also investigates the dynamics among the UN mission's local governance entities and international stakeholders by employing a qualitative methodology approach to shed light on achievements and hurdles, with suggestions to boost the efficiency of upcoming UN peacekeeping ventures in akin scenarios. The results emphasise the importance of collaboration between actors and domestic organisations to uphold lasting peace and governance in African nations emerging from conflict.

Bibliography Entry

Minko, Abraham Ename. 2024. "United Nations Peace Operations on State-Building and Governance in Post-Conflict African States: A Case Study of South Sudan." Margalla Papers 28 (2): 33-49.

CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ITS IMPACT ON REGIONALISM

2024-12-31T15:08:26+05:00

The world and international trade may learn much from China's remarkable economic rise in recent decades. The 21st century is increasingly called the ‘Asian Century’ due to China's substantial impact on regional trade organisations, including the EU, NAFTA, SAARC, and ASEAN. Through investments in infrastructure, economic integration, and technical cooperation, China's trading model, defined by bilateral and multilateral agreements, has changed the nature of regionalism. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have improved commerce and connectivity, which has promoted collaboration and economic progress. China's involvement in the region has aided development and sparked worries about intellectual property, trade imbalances, and geopolitical problems. This research looks at the economic advantages and geopolitical difficulties of China's trade policies and how regionalism will develop in the face of China's expanding power.

Bibliography Entry

Rashied, Haroon Ur and Aziz Ur Rahman. 2024. "China’s Economic Growth and Its Impact on Regionalism." Margalla Papers 28 (2): 50-62.

DECODING BOTS OF TERRORISM IN BALOCHISTAN

2024-12-31T15:19:05+05:00

Since the withdrawal of the US / North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, Balochistan has experienced a renewed wave of terrorism with improved organisational/operational capabilities and better-equipped Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF). The information environment of Balochistan has also undergone a rapid change in the last three years, with the Baloch population, especially the Baloch youth, becoming more accessible to the Baloch Nationalist Militant Organizations through a very efficient militant narrative creation dissemination system. This system of narrative creation based on the manipulation of facts and fabricated stories matched by a dynamic propaganda dissemination system is quickly replacing the facts with an alternative reality. It has also successfully replaced the national mainstream media and is becoming an alternative media choice for the Baloch population. The Baloch Nationalist Militant Organisations’ narrative has quickly gained popularity among domestic audiences and accrues credence from international media. An effective response mechanism is crucial to counter the far-reaching implications through a comprehensive and all-encompassing national effort.

Bibliography Entry

Iqbal, Jehanzeb. 2024. "Decoding Bots of Terrorism in Balochistan." Margalla Papers 28 (2): 63-77.

GAZA UNDER SIEGE: ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER DURING ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT, SUGGESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS

2024-12-31T15:25:24+05:00

The war in Gaza imposed by Zionist Israel has caused a substantial human loss. At the same time, this war had a disastrous environmental effect. Massive environmental destruction is reported. Vast fields, orchards, and green areas have been destroyed due to the Israeli invasion. The water management system has been devastated, forcing residents of Gaza to use contaminated water. Emissions from military hardware have added to environmental vows. Though human loss and suffering cannot be compensated, and after sympathising with Gaza civilians as a sacred duty, the next important obligation is to stop environmental destruction in the strip and to think about how to restore it. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other organisations are working, but there is room for further improvement. This paper aims to find short and long-term solutions to the restoration of Gaza’s environmental infrastructure, including water management, fields, orchards, and eco-friendly reconstruction of buildings. In addition, the article explores Pakistan’s role in this conflict as well as Israel’s Eco crimes and probes whether Israel is guilty of Ecocide (Environmental genocide).

Bibliography Entry

Khan, Waqas Ahmed and Kamil Shehzad Bakhsh. 2024. "Gaza under Siege: Environmental Disaster during Israel-Palestine Conflict, Suggestions and Solutions." Margalla Papers 28 (2): 78-94.

ASSESSING MILITARY NECESSITY OF AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS SYSTEMS (AWS) IN ARMED CONFLICTS: A CASE STUDY OF IRAN-ISRAEL

2024-12-31T15:31:58+05:00

Rapid technological advancement has revolutionised the concept of modern warfare. The deployment of AWS has become a new high for military forces around the globe to get a comparative advantage over an adversary in any combat mission. This research aims to explain the military necessity of the Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) in an armed conflict. This study adopted the qualitative explanatory approach, whereas the data was collected from structured interviews, official reports, and journals. On the other hand, the case study Iran-Israel Missile Exchange has been considered to support the thematic analysis. Moreover, the study utilised the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) theory, which explains the dual impacts of using AWS in combat missions. However, the study’s findings reveal that the deployment of the AWS ensures military necessity for the forces in an armed conflict based on the tactical and strategic advantages. The deployment of the AWS enhances the overall operational effectiveness and gives forces leverage over their foes.

Bibliography Entry

Shahid, Dua and Ansar Jamil. 2024. "Assessing Military Necessity of Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) in Armed Conflicts: A Case Study of Iran-Israel." Margalla Papers 28 (2): 95-118.

RECALIBRATING US POLICY IN SOUTH ASIA POST-AFGHANISTAN: STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN

2024-12-31T15:36:40+05:00

The United States of America has held a significant position in global politics as a superpower from the end of the Cold War to the present day. The geopolitics of South Asia has been of strategic importance to world powers due to their short and long-term security and economic interests. The United States (US) approach toward the region has been a cause of concern for states, particularly India and Pakistan. As US interests change, it alters its regional alliance strategies, impacting the bilateral relations of regional states. Despite being an important non-NATO ally of the US, Pakistan could not secure its vital interests during the Cold War and after 9/11, leading to a relationship marked by suspicion and mistrust. On the other hand, India, though not a Cold War ally and not a frontline state in the US campaign against terrorism, has enjoyed a special status with the US. The evolving dynamics of South Asia and China’s increasing role in the region have brought India and the US into closer cooperation, resulting in deep and widespread strategic engagement. This paper focuses on the implications of the US changing role in the region, the complexities following its withdrawal from Afghanistan, and its continued close ties with India. It also suggests that Pakistan should analyse its new security, political, and economic challenges and develop a comprehensive policy to address them appropriately.

Bibliography Entry

Gul, Shereen. 2024. "Recalibrating US Policy in South Asia Post-Afghanistan: Strategic Implications for Pakistan." Margalla Papers 28 (2): 119-131.