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Exploring Prospects for India-Azerbaijan Ties Through Connectivity Projects
International Affairs Jan 22, 2024

Exploring Prospects for India-Azerbaijan Ties Through Connectivity Projects

Azerbaijan has become an attractive investment destination, connecting Europe, Central Asia, Russia, and the Indian subcontinent via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Indeed, over the years, India has explored various options to enhance connectivity with Russia and ...

Science Fiction as the Blueprint: Informing Policy in the Age of AI and Emerging Tech
Cyber and Technology | Artificial Intelligence Jan 17, 2024

Science Fiction as the Blueprint: Informing Policy in the Age of AI and Emerging Tech

This issue brief examines the complex interplay between science fiction and technology development in the age of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and brain-computer interfaces. As the line between science and fiction continues to blur, this brief argues for strategically using science ...

Decoding the Biden Administration’s Cyber Security Policy
International Affairs | US Foreign Policy | Cyber Security Jan 15, 2024

Decoding the Biden Administration’s Cyber Security Policy

The Biden administration is seeking to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy as part of its national security. This issue brief analyses the US’s cyber threat landscape and examines the Biden administration’s cybersecurity strategy. It explores the strategy’s ideological, geopolitical, technological, and diplomatic significance in a ...

The Status of Gorkhas in International Law
International Affairs | Defence and Security Jan 11, 2024

The Status of Gorkhas in International Law

This brief discusses the status of Gorkhas who have joined the Russian Army and the Wagner Group as civilians, combatants, and mercenaries. Would Gorkhas, who otherwise constitute part of the regular armed forces in the United Kingdom and India, enjoy the same status if they ...

Cybersecurity Threats in Online Gaming: Learnings for India
Internet Governance | Cyber and Technology Jan 10, 2024

Cybersecurity Threats in Online Gaming: Learnings for India

This brief examines the rapid growth of the global online gaming industry and the consequent increase in cyber threats. Issues such as microtransactions, money laundering, and predatory practices by developers can stymie the industry’s growth potential if not addressed. Many countries’ current gaming-focused regulatory frameworks ...

The Digital Silk Road in the Indo-Pacific: Mapping China’s Vision for Global Tech Expansion
International Affairs Jan 03, 2024

The Digital Silk Road in the Indo-Pacific: Mapping China’s Vision for Global Tech Expansion

The Digital Silk Road (DSR), part of the Belt and Road Initiative, symbolises China’s approach to expanding information exchanges and digital cooperation with emerging markets and developing economies. Under the DSR, several private corporations and state-owned enterprises supported by Chinese state banks are offering inexpensive ...

Understanding and Tackling Urban Floods in India
Urbanisation Dec 30, 2023

Understanding and Tackling Urban Floods in India

Given their frequent recurrence in Indian cities, the problem of urban flooding is gaining focus in policy discussions. Indeed, urban floods can cause massive loss of infrastructure, property, and lives, and have a substantial economic impact. To ensure they remain functional and secure, Indian cities ...

Crime and Punishment in the Metaverse: A Primer
Cyber Security | Cyber and Technology Dec 26, 2023

Crime and Punishment in the Metaverse: A Primer

Immersive technology is a key part of the emerging Web 3.0. A prominent aspect of this evolution of the World Wide Web is the Metaverse, which aims to build a fully immersive and self-sustaining virtual shared space for humans to use as they would the ...

The Economic Rationale for India to Maintain Ties with Sanctions-Afflicted Russia
International Affairs Dec 18, 2023

The Economic Rationale for India to Maintain Ties with Sanctions-Afflicted Russia

Russia is now the world’s most heavily sanctioned country, with unprecedented punitive action targeting its energy exports, central bank, and other sectors. Given Russia’s economic resilience amid such economic restrictions and India’s dependence on Russia for its defence and energy requirements, this issue brief highlights ...

The Taiwan Factor in the US’s Regional Posture
International Affairs Dec 18, 2023

The Taiwan Factor in the US’s Regional Posture

The US has long grappled with the Taiwan issue. So far, its policy of ‘strategic ambiguity’ has deterred the use of force by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). It is a moot question if this policy can be sustained to counter the PRC’s assertive ...