Conflict and Co-operation in Mali

Author - Afifa Iqbal

Introduction

Source : BBC

Long considered the poster child of democracy in  Africa, Mali has witnessed a succession of  destabilising events ensuing from the failure of  state mechanisms and international communities. The inter-communal violence and challenges to  the  central authority from its northern region have  now reduced the country into a breeding ground of  radical Islamist terrorism. Along with the multiple  blows of military coups and rebellion, the powder  keg of the Sahel region has struggled hard for its  existence as a democratic nation. Due to the concentrated political crisis and high rates of abuses by armed Islamic groups ranging from rampant banditry to sexual assaults, human rights and security has worsened in Mali since 2021. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) is currently working in an adverse condition, striving to ensure stability in a volatile region.

Read more at : https://oijpcr.org/archive/Conflict-and-Co-operation-in-Mali/637fa0729e61032c9e5d5308

*Author is a Post Graduate Student from AIIS, Amity University, Noida.

Amity University Visits Operationalizing the “Indo-Pacific oceans initiative” (IPOI)

Name of Event: Operationalizing the “Indo-Pacific oceans initiative” (IPOI)

Date of the Event: November 23rd, 24th, 25th, 2022

Location of the Event: Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi

Attendees: Naval staff, Think tanks, Students, journalists.

Sponsoring Organization: National Maritime Foundation

Conference Summary

IPRD-2022 was conducted in physical format in New Delhi, through six professional sessions

that spreaded over a three-day period covering the 23rd, 24th and 25th of November 2022. The

Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) organized by National Maritime Foundation, is the

Indian Navy’s apex-level international dialogue at the strategic level that aims at generating

fresh ideas for regional cooperation based upon the shared interest. IPRD- 2022 focused on

specific themes of multilateral options in ‘holistic’ maritime security cooperation, building

maritime connectivity, capacity-building and capability enhancement, developing a regional

blue economy, and disaster risk-reduction and management. Speakers from across 17

participating nations emphasized on leveraging the physical and social scientific approach for

capacity building, encouraging intellectual discourse on maritime matters.

The first session of the IPRD was termed as the ‘Margdarshan’ session’ in which Admiral R Hari

Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff emphasized that the IPRD represented the Samvad or

‘Dialogue’ aspect of the 5 Ss– Samman, Samvad, Sahyog, Shanti, and Samridhi – enunciated by

the Hon’ble Prime Minister. On the first day of commencement the distinguished speakers were

Shri Bhupender Yadav, the Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and

Shri Ajay Bhatt, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence. Panelists from India also specifieed

India’s aspirations and strategies to cope with transnational challanges, ranging from climate

change to coping natural disasters, piracy of contraband materials, terrorism and cooperative

management of maritime resources.

During the three day event, insightful discussions were held on the issues of contemporaneous

relevance across the length and breadth of the Indo-pacific. Eminent speakers from within and

across the borders illuminated the three day seminar with the highest standards of intellectual

excellence, providing invaluable insights to policy makers, not just in India, but in the

constituent countries of the region and to all maritime powers that operate within it.

The final day of the session commenced with the keynote address from the hon’ble Raksha

Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The concluding day of the IPRD was enriched by the intellectual

presence of prolific International speakers who spoke on the Indo-Pacific perspectives from

Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives and France. The IPRD 2022 culminated with the closing

address by Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. The event witnessed a

remarkably active participation by the members and staff of the National Maritime Foundation

(NMF), members of the Indian Navy and veterans, active citizens, international and national

delegates, Students, journalists and various think tanks.

Jharkhand Samman Awarded to Dr Neha Sinha

AIIS family wishes their heartiest congratulations to Dr. Neha Sinha, Assistant Professor II for being awarded the Jharkhand Samman by Jharkhand Parivartan Sangh and also for being invited as a Guest of Honor on the 22nd Jharkhand Foundation Day Celebration held on 18th November 2022 at Shri Shivaji Mandir in Mumbai. Her presence has established a stronger relationship between Jharkhand and Maharashtra. 

Dr. Neha Sinha is a PhD from the School of International Studies (SIS), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. She has pursued her MPhil from Center for African Studies (CAS), SIS JNU. She did her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science from Delhi University (DU). She has worked as an Associate Fellow with the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), New Delhi. 

After working as a Research fellow with the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), New Delhi, Dr. Neha Sinha is currently a Faculty in the Amity Institute of International Studies (AIIS), Amity University. She is also working as the Editor-in-Chief with the ‘Diplomacy and Beyond Plus Journal’ of Foreign Policy and National Affairs (ISSN: 2581-8929), and is in the Editorial Committee of Africa Review Journal (published by Taylor and Francis). 

Dr. Neha Sinha has presented papers at various national and international academic conferences and has a considerable volume of publications. She has traveled widely to several countries for her academic pursuits.

Climate Change as Global Security Threat

Author : Shrila Pokhariyal

Source : OpinioJuris

Introduction

Climate change has made it more difficult for both humankind and wildlife to survive. Increased and more destructive droughts, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, melting ice caps, and increase in global temperatures are directly injuring animals, ruining their habitats, and having a disastrous impact on people's lives and societies. It's worth noting that there are interrelated effects of climate change on both traditional and global security. Climate change is not only a concern to human security since it puts human lives in peril, but it has also emerged as a major driver of migration and ongoing conflicts, both of which are serious security risks. Concerns about the implications of climate change have grown as fresh scientific evidence becomes available and global actors see its immediate consequences in environmental catastrophes.

 

The world is on course for 2022 to be between the fourth and eighth warmest year since records began in the middle of the 1850s, following a marginally colder 2021 on the surface of the Earth. The first quarter of 2022 has seen unprecedented warming in a variety of places, including record-breaking heatwaves in both poles, despite the fact that it is just the fifth warmest year in history. In March 2022, temperatures in parts of southern Asia, including much of China and India, reached record highs.

Read more at :https://oijpcr.org/archive/Climate-Change-as-Global-Security-Threat/6374dd6b9e61032c9e5d4fce
*Shrila Pokhariyal is a Post Graduate Student from AIIS, Amity University, Noida.

ONE YEAR OF TALIBAN: AFGHANISTAN BACK ON A HELTER-SKELTER TRACK

Author : Shahbaaz Manzoor

Source : Reaction

Even after America`s lock, stock, and barrel intervention for the past two decades in Afghanistan, it was never seen as an issue “all settled up”. But a lot had been achieved on the fronts like democracy, women's rights, girl education and infrastructure development. After Kabul`s fall to the Taliban on August 15th 2021, Afghanistan has entered a new phase of chaos and despotism. The impertinence of women rights, crackdown on media and a massive economic collapse has marked Taliban 2.0`s first year in office. The international community must continue to put pressure on the Taliban regime to correct its ways so that its credibility is reinstated in the war-marred Afghan community. If failed to do so, the world, especially the regional countries must stay equipped to deal with a wobbly and dangerous Afghanistan. This article attempts to evaluate the perils that can emerge from an unstable Afghanistan.

Background                                                        

In 2011, when President Obama declared that The United States would withdraw its forces from Afghanistan it was imminent that the war hit country would be overrun by the Taliban. They represent the predominant Pashtun tribe which comprises of more than 40% of the Afghan population, and has always enjoyed massive popularity in the country. Ever since its inception in early 1990`s, Taliban has been adhering to an unrecorded tribal code called the Pashtunwali-defining the lifestyle and ethos of the Pashtuns. It is in fact a pronouncement in this tribal code called “Dob-pasbani” which advocates the protecting of the Pashtun culture and standing by the side of Pashtun tribes (irrespective of all past enmities) if it is attacked by foreign forces or invaders. 

 

Women Rights- The Biggest Concern 

Women have borne the maximum brunt by the Taliban rule, though they have been continuously portraying that they are willing to provide equal educational opportunities to the women but is this actually happening on ground? After taking over Kabul, it was announced that education beyond 6th standard would be suspended for both boys and girls, citing that more time was needed to revise the curriculum. The schools reopened as announced but only for boys. The Minister for Education, Nurulla Munir said that only after creating a safe environment for the girls in educational institutions, they can return to the schools. Interior Minister of Afghanistan Sirajuddin Haqqani, in a recent interview to CNN, when asked when girls can get back to schools, said, that there are few shortcomings, and the government is working on a mechanism to overcome the same. All these seem to be mere excuses manifesting Taliban`s nonseriousness in providing education to girls.  

It is not only education but also the issue of job opportunities for women. Till now, Taliban hasn`t included any women in their cabinet or in their administrational set up. So, what is the future of women in Afghanistan, even when they receive education? On the streets of Kabul women activists have been protesting Taliban`s ill rule, calling it draconian. Mounting anger would eventually lead to more protests and the unwrapping of another human rights crisis in the country.   

Read more at : https://oijpcr.org/archive/ONE-YEAR-OF-TALIBAN:-AFGHANISTAN-BACK-ON-A-HELTER-SKELTER-TRACK/635d73c29e61032c9e5d4dc3

*Shahbaaz Manzoor is a Post Graduate Student from AIIS, Amity University, Noida.

Tagore's Talisman for a Fractal World : Tolerance, Brotherhood and Sustained Co-operation

Author : Moksha Pillai 

Source : The Statesman

In a compelling set of essays written between 1910 and 1940, acclaimed Indian poet, playwright, educator and Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, envisioned a world order driven by the principles of tolerance, unity and co-operation. Identifying robust societies by their ability to accommodate rather than dwell in contradictory ideations; he firmly vouched for the adoption of consensus as the fulcrum of human progress over coercion.
With a growing nationalistic fervour, currently sweeping across countries opting to forfeit universalistic aspirations of an international liberal order and discriminate against ethno-religious minorities to protect their national interests and sovereignty; Tagore’s thoughts on peaceful cohabitation are relevant now more than ever. The emergence of multiple inter and intra-state power loci, owing to the paradigm shift in the economic and geopolitical centre of gravity; has only further fuelled the calls for re-enforcing the values of trust and co-operation amongst international players by ensuring increased capillarity, variable geometry and heightened inclusivity; rooted in normative assumptions of progress.
Tagore’s perspectives on the ‘Principle of Synthesis’ of the self and the community, sought to advocate for retaining individualistic fervour; while celebrating the plurality of cultures, ideological moorings, traditions and practices that lent a dynamic character to the socio- economic & political fabric of our civilisation. However, the ‘otherisation’ of nation-states as per Tagore, reined paramount when their ideals of individualistic expression, self-regulation and determination lacked congruency with the rest. This growing friction over perceived differences could impede the establishment of a community or ‘Samaj’; which thrives on inclusivity, representation and mutual respect.

Read more at : https://www.stearthinktank.com/post/tagore-talisman-fractal-world-tolerance-brotherhood-sustained-co-operation/
*Moksha Pillai is a Post Graduate Student from AIIS, Amity University, Noida.

Amity University visits American Centre to Discuss US-India Relations

On 17th November 2022, The US Embassy hosted a student interaction session at the American Centre with the US Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Carlos Del Toro. The students from AIIS had a fruitful discussion with the chief guest where Mr. Del Toro gave a clear understanding about US being India’s major defence partner as well as their naval partnership being crucial. The US wants to invest in India marks a major point of increasing in the bonding of the two nations for which they have emphasised upon the need for free sea links which will also uplift their economic status.

The discussion further went on the cultural transformation as well as the issues of cyber warfare and traditional-non traditional issues of security. Mr. Del Toro also expressed his opinion that they speculate a lack of cooperation between Russia and China and they believe that the US can strongly deter China from their current behaviour. 

In the end, AIIS raised a question pertaining to US’s confidence on the members of BRICS to which Mr. Del Toro simply replied that they have high confidence on India, Brazil and South Africa. However they find it skeptical to have the same for Russia and China.

Indo-Africa: The Rising Relation

Author : Dr. Neha Sinha

India and Africa share a close and historical relationship. Over the past few months, there has been a renewed energy and momentum in expanding India-Africa Relations. The initiatives taken by the Government of India, with respect to the African continent to strengthen their partnership is remarkable. Multiple VVIP visits have taken place, and many more are scheduled to deepen India’s relationship with Africa. The visits are seen as an attempt to make further inroads into the African continent, with constant bilateral agreements and engagements which have been executed or are in progress.

In fact, Africa’s significance in the foreign policy of India is visible from the increasing number of high-level visits from both the sides, which primarily concerns areas related to cooperation in various fields. Today, the bilateral trade between the two has increased from $34 billion in 2009 to $69 billion in 2019.Underpinning the growth of the India-Africa economic partnership – India is Africa’s 3rd largest trading partner and currently is the 5th largest investor in Africa. According to United Nations figures, “India-Africa trade has grown at an average annual rate of 17.2 percent since 2001”.)

Full Article at : https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indo-africa-the-rising-relation/2714045/

Dr. Neha Sinha is a senior Assistant Professor at Amity Institute of International Studies, Amity University, Noida. 

AIIS Newsletters: South Asia Gazette: August 2022

 

AIIS Newsletters: Public Diplomacy Monitor: August 2022

 

AIIS Newsletters: Parmanu: August 2022

 

AIIS Newsletters: Samudra Sambandh : August 2022

 

ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT PROPOSES PLAN FOR PEACE IN WAR: TIGRAY CONFLICT

Author : Amlan Mishra

Brief Historical Background:

Source : The Wall Street Journal

Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country and claims to be one of the oldest Christian countries in the world. The number of Christians equals the number of Muslims living there. Ethiopian nationalism has its foundations in cultural and political symbols from the northern highlands of the country. These highlands are dominated culturally by the Semitic-speaking Amhara and Tigrayan people.

The TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front) started in February 1975 as a small guerrilla band in the northern region of Ethiopia and ultimately grew to provide the core of the Ethiopian government. It was originally an ethnic-nationalist movement that aimed to secure the free will of Tigray within the Ethiopian polity. The TPLF, for its part, utilized class and ethnic-nationalist principles to assemble Tigrayans until it ejected the Mengistu government in 1991. If we go back to the root cause of the conflict, the dispute originates primarily between TPLF and the Ethiopian Government. The TPLF comprises 6% of the total population that has ruled the country for 27 years but faced defeat in the previous election held in 2018.

Full Article at : https://oijpcr.org/archive/ETHIOPIAN-GOVERNMENT-PROPOSES-PLAN-FOR-PEACE-IN-WAR:-TIGRAY-CONFLICT/632d7ba97963be7bd84487ce

*Amlan Mishra is a Post Graduate Student from AIIS, Amity University, Noida.

TECHNO-NATIONALISM: A KEY DRIVER BEHIND CHINA’S GEOSTRATEGIC AMBITIONS

Author: Dibakar De

Source : Chinadaily

Nationalism today interacts in complex ways with advanced information and communication systems, frequently resulting in unexpected outcomes. Such digital nationalism has become a central feature of political discourse and decision-making in China, at times powerfully shaping the state's policy efforts. The role of advanced information and communication technologies in such processes is of relevance here. How do interactions in complex sociotechnical systems give rise to nationalism?

For digital nationalism to flourish in any country, there are certain criteria that should essentially be met: 1) endorsing overall state-driven nationalistic sentiments 2) the existence of business endeavours which monetise nationalistic sentiments 3) netizens who exploit these sentiments by engaging their audience in provocative communication patterns 4) the development of AI technology that curates information and content, and promotes activities based upon the behaviour of netizens. As per observations thus far, the PRC has met all four of these criteria with tremendous force, and even the Chinese internet system has therefore become an intriguing object of study, covering aspects of technology-society relations and their potential manipulation or alteration to fit into the country’s national power ambitions.

Full article at : https://www.9dashline.com/article/techno-nationalism-a-key-driver-behind-chinas-geostrategic-ambitions

*Dibakar De is a doctoral candidate in AIIS, Amity University, Noida. 

Analysing China’s One Belt One Road Initiative in Africa - Dr. Neha Sinha

 

AIIS Newsletters: Parmanu: July 2022

 

AIIS Newsletters: Samudra Sambandh: August 2022

p> 

AIIS Newsletters: Public Diplomacy Monitor: July 2022

 

AIIS Newsletters: South Asia Gazette: July 2022

 

Placement Session 1: July Edition

 

Article Review: Sri Lanka Crisis and Ukraine Crisis

Prof.(Dr.) Nagalaxmi M Raman * 

Article 1:  Review :   

Why is Sri Lanka in turmoil? 

External shocks and official incompetence are to blame 

 

The article gives a background information and analysis of the events which led to economic crisis in Sri Lanka followed by political crisis there; where the then President Gotabaya Rajapakse fled the country on 13.7.22 and who is now in Singapore and has since resigned as well.    Ranil Wickremasinghe, until recently acting President has been elected as President by the members of Sri Lanka Parliament – for the remaining tenure of Presidential office up to Nov. 2024. 

 

Reference : 

Why is Sri Lanka in turmoil? | The Economist, July 19, 2022 

 

----------------------- 

 

Article 2:   Review/commentary 

 

Why a regiment of Belarusian dissidents is fighting for Ukraine? 

They see a common enemy in Vladimir Putin 

 

 

 It seems a regiment of Belarusian dissidents is fighting in support of Ukraine.  Belarus, a former Soviet Republic and now an independent country is neighbor of Ukraine and its President Alexander Lukashenko is a strong ally of President Putin.   A battalion of Belarussian dissidents has been into 4 months of fighting with only a few casualties.  The Battalion’s leader Ivan Marchuk is now dead following an operation by him to stop a Russian incursion near Lysychansk in Donbas.  Two men were in Russian captivity and three others missing in action. 

 

          Many dissidents from Belarus fled to Poland because of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko’s dictatorial policies and his hounding of political dissidents in the country.  President Lukashenko in power for over 28 years had rigged the 2020Presidential Elections and came to power.  He tortured the protestors against the 2020 rigging in Presidential Elections. 

 

          Now Belarus Army is guarding its borders and also borders with Russia – in support of Russia and its actions directed against Ukraine.  The dissidents in Belarus Army (present there) are fighting in support of Ukraine.  New equations keep evolving among Belarus, Ukraine and Russia – the three Slavic Sisters and strong allies during the Soviet Union times.  Now things are different! 

 

Reference: 

Why a regiment of Belarusian dissidents is fighting for Ukraine | The Economist, July 19, 2022 

* Prof. (Dr.) Nagalaxmi M Raman, Director & Head, AIIS