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Visit CSA's blog on Intra-state conflicts and effects

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Dr Lawrence S Prabhakar represented CSA at the Interactive Seminar on Investment in Australia organized by FICCI on 30 September, 2010 wherein he made a presentation on India-Australia Strategic Relations: Potentials and Challenges. Click here to view PowerPoint slides.

Read Lt Gen (Retd) V. R. Raghavan's article on Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Indian Express ( Delhi edition). click here:

CSA's book on Sri Lankan Conflict " From Winning the war to winning peace: Post War Rebuilding of the Society in Sri Lanka" has been reviewed by Ms Nirupama Subramanian in The Hindu on Tuesday 17 August 2010. To read click here

Lt Gen (Retd) Raghavan, President, CSA reviewed the book “Asymmetric Warfare in South Asia - The Causes and Consequences of the Kargil Conflict” Edited By Peter R. Lavoy; Cambridge University Press, New Delhi. To read the review click here:

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Recent Events

Public Lecture
Amb. James Larocco, Director, Near East South Asia Center,
National Defence Univerisity, Washington DC
12 January 2012

The 2010 uprising in Tunisia marked the advent of a new era of awakening that engulfed the Middle East and North Africa and transformed the geopolitics of the region. Dictators in Tunisia and Egypt have been overthrown, Libya is in a civil war, Bahrain’s leadership survived through political upheaval, Yemen is in the midst of regime change, while regimes in Morocco, Jordan and Syria remain uncertain.

In this context, CSA organised a public lecture on ‘Arab Spring and its Aftermath’ by Amb James Larocco, Director, Near East South Asia Center, National Defence University, Washington DC.

Amb Larocco made a few observations on the implications of the Arab Spring. He had way back in mid 1970s predicted an uprising in the Middle East Asia in fifteen years timeframe. The fundamental political chasm in this region is not between pro-Western and anti-Western forces, nor between Shia and Sunni or Arab and Jew, but rather that it is the enormous gulf that separates authoritarian regimes from the people over whom they rule.

It remains to be seen what the nature of the political systems that emerge following elections in Egypt, Libya and Yemen. However, one development that must be kept in mind is that elections will empower Islamist parties, as has already been seen in Tunisia, with the victory of the Islamist An-Nahda party. Though Arab Spring movements are oriented toward universal values and rooted in the demand for jobs, justice and dignity, these upheavals could provide opportunities for Islamic extremists to gain ground as seen in the case of Yemen. The Arab Spring has also triggered Israeli apprehensions that the relatively stable region of the past several of decades has shifted against them.

Overall, the Arab Spring may usher in an era of realignment which is just emerging. The immediate prospects are for continuing instabilities in these countries as they sort out their governance and economies and realign relations with their neighbors and other countries; rising influence for countries like Saudi Arabia, and Qatar which have the resources to back up their policies. Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council states have stepped into more prominent regional leadership roles. How events play out in Egypt will be important given its central role in Arab world. He also pointed out that the most overwhelming consequence of the continuing instabilities in this region could be the massive exodus of people from these countries to neighbouring countries and Southern Europe particularly Italy, Spain, Portugal etc creating more complications.

Coastal Security of Tamil Nadu

The Centre for Security Analysis (CSA) continues to work on various forms of security and propagates experts’ views on those issues. 26/11 has very much highlighted the need for a closer look at coastal security and has emphasized greater attention, coordination and cooperation from many agencies concerned with coastal security.

Mr A X Alexander, a former Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, has analyzed the problem of Coastal Security of Tamil Nadu and has offered a few suggestions to improving the same.

Click here to read his insightful article on Coastal Security of Tamil Nadu.

Seminar
Post Conflict Sri Lanka - Rebuilding of the Society
27-28 September, 2011

Internal conflicts have always resulted in tragic consequences affecting the nations in many ways. Sri Lanka emerging from the three decade long civil war is on the road to rebuilding and reconstructing the post war society.

Studies conducted on post conflict countries have generated ideas, strategies and examples of good practices. Interestingly these studies have also highlighted that the fundamental principle in all the post conflict activities is the context. Therefore, developmental strategies in Sri Lanka too should be considered and shaped keeping in view the local context which would include the political system, socio-economic practices and ethnic, linguistic and religious divergence. It is also important to recall that the causes of the conflict, conflict characteristics and consequences of the conflict tend to shape the path of recovery. Therefore, while drafting and designing policies and plans, it is essential to reverse and transform the adverse conditions that caused the conflict. It is also essential to reduce the risk of the conflict recurrence. Post conflict nation building process needs political will and commitment at all stages.

Many programmes have been put into action by Sri Lankan Government in the different parts of the island nation. These programmes do certainly address the basic material needs of the conflict affected people. The post war rebuilding is not just about the economic development and improving the quality of life, other human needs like security and the recognition of the identity are of equal importance. The ultimate aim of the post conflict strategy is to re-establish the conditions for self-sustaining economic growth and human development. These include addressing group inequalities, ethnic diversity, peace and well being of the local populace and their institutions.

In this context, a seminar on Post Conflict Sri Lanka: Rebuilding of the Society was organised in collaboration with Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo on 27-28 September 2011.

To begin with, Lt Gen (Retd) V R Raghavan, President, CSA explained the seminar concept and set the tone and tenor for the one and half day event. Prof Tissa Vitharana, Senior Minister for Scientific Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka delivered the key note address. The paper presenters from India and Sri Lanka included experts in the field of social work, academia, administration and socio-political leadership. The three main themes of the seminar were managing the political challenges, socio-economic challenges and challenges of harmonising ethnic diversity. Eminent and experienced administrators chaired the sessions and richly contributed to the proceedings. The seminar was well attended and participation of diplomatic corp. officials, academia and experts enriched the proceedings.

Click here to see the Seminar programme.

Visit our Photo Gallery for more photos of the event.

Book Review

CSA's Publication "Internal Conflicts in Myanmar: Transnational Consequences" was reviewed by Dr Baladas Ghoshal and the same was published in The Book Review ( Aug- Sept Issue). Click here to read the review

The book "The Naxal Threat: Causes, State Responses and Consequences" was reviewed in The Hindu on 30 August. Click here to read the review.

Conference
Geopolitics of Climate Change: South and Southeast Asia
24-25 May, 2011

Climate change is a global problem with highly unequal geographical impacts cutting across political boundaries. Climate Change deliberations are no longer about the environment but more of economics and politics. The need for action to reduce climate change is very real, particularly as many emerging economies and under developed countries are most at risk and can potentially spur widespread global unrest. The dichotomy of reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions and the need for energy consumption to achieve Millennium Development Goals require a nuanced approach. Against this backdrop CSA organized a two day seminar on Geopolitical Implications of Climate Change: South and Southeast Asia in Singapore in collaboration with Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). A total of twelve experts with wide-ranging experiences (five from India, six from Singapore and one from Asian Development Bank, Manila) presented papers on different facets of the climate change, viz, Geo-political implications, and Impact on Energy Security, Migration, Hydro politics, Natural Disasters and Nuclear Energy and Climate Change. Ambassador K Kesavapany, Director, ISEAS and Lt Gen (Retd) V R Raghavan, President, CSA in their opening remarks recalled the ongoing global movement on climate change, the areas of divergence and convergence and the need for substantial steps by the international community.

The list of participants included representatives from think tanks and higher educational institutions in Singapore, members of diplomatic corps, government officials, representatives from Industry and regional organizations. The participants appreciated the timely initiative and took keen interest in the seminar proceedings leading to a lively and informed discussion.

Visit our Photo Gallery for more photos of the event.

Discussion Meeting
Internal Conflicts and Transnational Consequences
22-23 March, 2011

CSA organized a two day discussion meeting on 22 -23 March 2011 as part of Phase II of the project Internal Conflicts and Transnational Consequences. A group of experts were brought together to carry out a detailed study of the research papers of all the six conflicts and identify consequences and policy clusters.

These experts from varying background – journalists, retired bureaucrats, academics and scholars gave their candid views and analysis of the conflicts.

Mr. B. G. Verghese and Dr. Sanjoy Hazarika

Visit our Photo Gallery for more photos of the event.
Please click here for more details.

Seminar
Effects of Internal Conflicts on Defence Forces
15-16 March, 2011

Internal conflicts are the most pervasive form of armed conflict in the world today. These rage in many countries and have had killed many and caused large scale impact on the political, economic, social structures of the nation state. Though the primary duty of the Armed Forces is to protect the nation from external threats, with increasing number of non state actors fighting against the state within its own state boundaries have expanded the role of Armed Forces. Armed Forces are now increasingly being used in combating internal conflicts. As, in most of the cases, these conflicts prolong for long durations. Prolonged involvement of armed forces in internal conflicts has serious implications on training, leadership, operational preparedness and also development and internalizing concepts and ideas.

From L to R: Lt Gen Sudhir Sharma,
Lt Gen B C Nanda, Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi

Against this backdrop, CSA organized a seminar to address the consequences of internal conflicts on Defence Forces. Nine experts from Indian Army, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Nepal Army having hands on experiences in tackling counter insurgency operations within India, Sri lanka and Nepal gave their views and opinions. The issues covered include doctrinal changes that have taken place as a consequence of internal conflicts and their impact on the role of the defence forces, force structures, organization and equipment of the forces, the psychological and social effects on the forces, civil military relations and the consequences on local governance and the population.

Visit our Photo Gallery for more photos of the event.

Discussion Meeting
Politico- socio-economic aspects of Tamil Nadu
23 February, 2011

CSA organised a discussion meeting with Deputy Chiefs of Missions from four Nordic Embassies, Mr Aslak Brun, Norway, Mr Danny Annan, Denmark, Ms Liisa Valjento, Finland and Mr Mattias Lentz, Sweden on the politico- socio-economic aspects of Tamil Nadu.

The meeting was chaired by Mr P Murari, Advisor to the President, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. A group of experts representing media, industry and academic fields participated in the discussion.

Roundtable Discussion
US Perspective on Security in the South Asian Region
7 February, 2011

CSA organized a roundtable discussion with Ambassador Teresita Schaffer on 7^th February 2011. Ms. Schaffer was the Ambassador to Sri Lanka and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs. She spoke on the US Perspective on the Security in the South Asian Region. She also spoke on the internal conflicts in Sri Lanka and Nepal. Mr. M R Sivaraman, former Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of India and former Executive Director, International Monetary Fund chaired the session and briefly gave an Indian Perspective on the South Asian Region. Dr. Geeta Madhavan, Founding Member, CSA welcomed the gathering.

Mr M R Sivaraman, Amb Teresita Schaffer and Dr Geeta Madhavan

Click here to read the summary of the proceedings.

International Seminar
Conflict in Sri Lanka : Internal and External Consequences
26-27 October, 2010

As part of the on going project Internal Conflicts and Trans national consequences, CSA in collaboration with Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo organized a two seminar on Conflict in Sri Lanka: Internal and External Consequences in Colombo on 26-27 October 2010. Lt Gen (Retd) V R Raghavan, President, CSA briefly elucidated the concept of the seminar. When internal conflicts are prolonged, the consequences play an important role. They change the dynamics of the conflict, drive and sustain the conflict. ‘Causes’ is history, ‘Consequences’ is reality. Hon Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, Government of Sri Lanka delivered the keynote address. He explained as to how Sri Lanka has addressed several of the consequences of the conflict. Seven speakers from varying background addressed various facets of the conflict. The sub themes covered were: - Economic Dimension of the Conflict, The Plight of Fishermen of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, Long Distance Effects of the Conflict and International Responses, Impact of the Conflict on India, Particularly Tamil Nadu, Pursuit of Sustainable Peace in Sri Lanka after the Military Defeat of the LTTE: Some Insights into the Post-war Scenarios, Effects of the Conflict within and Outside Sri Lanka, Trans Border Consequences of Internal Conflict.

The event was well covered by the print media in Colombo. To read the coverage in The Island dated 27 Oct 2010 , please click here. To read the coverage in Daily News dated 27 Oct 2010. please click here. Daliy News dated 28 Oct 2010, please click here.

National Seminar
Conflict in Jammu and Kashmir: Impact on the Society, Polity and Economy
21-22 September, 2010

The ongoing armed conflict in Jammu and Kashmir is mapped out as a multi-dimensional dispute involving a myriad of interconnected dynamics at work- interstate dispute between India and Pakistan, intrastate dispute between different provinces and the militants who are waging jihadi war to create an Islamic state. The protracted insurgency which began in late 1980s has claimed over forty thousand lives and affected the lives of average citizens. Against this backdrop, CSA organized a two day national seminar on Conflict in Jammu and Kashmir: Impact on the Society, Polity and Economy in collaboration with Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), University of Jammu on 21-22 September, 2010. Lt Gen (Retd) VR Raghavan welcomed the speakers and briefly elucidated the concept of the seminar. Thirteen speakers from varying background- academics, administration and media presented papers on the diverse aspects of the conflict in Kashmir. The sub themes covered were- Impact on economy, commerce and trade, impact of inter-regional relations on politics, inter-provincial and inter- religious relations, impact on gender, Gujjars and Bakerwals, external dimensions of the conflict and impact on governance.

Roundtable Discussion
Post conflict situation in Sri Lanka and Indo - European Relations
17 September, 2010

CSA organized a roundtable meeting with Amb Jon Westborg, Special Envoy, South Asia, Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Amb Jon Westborg was Ambassador to Sri Lanka (1996-2003) and India (2003-2007). The issues discussed during the meeting were- current political situation in Sri Lanka, Role of Norway in International Affairs and India - Europe relations. He opened the discussion explaining Norway’s role in International politics. He also discussed the role of Norway as facilitator in the Sri Lankan civil war between 1997- 2005. He gave his candid views on issues - rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced and war affected people, ex LTTE combatants and child soldiers, role of the NGOs & International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), 18^th Amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution, economy and the role of the Diaspora in the rebuilding efforts in war ravaged regions.

National Workshop
The Naxal Threat: Causes, State Responses and Consequences
27 August 2010

Naxalite Movement which began in a small hamlet in West Bengal in 1967 has spread like wildfire to 223 districts of India. The Government of India has expressed serious concern over the spread of Naxalism to a wider geographical area and increase of structural violence. The Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh described it as “the single largest threat” to the internal security of the country. It is a complex socio-economic problem. The stakeholders are too many. In the course of addressing the Naxal problem, the state is required to keep in view, the effects on human rights, environment issues, the livelihood, life and liberty of the tribal and marginalized sections of the society and development and security. Against this backdrop, CSA organized a one day workshop on The Naxal Threat: Causes, State responses and Consequences in Chennai on 27 August 2010. Lt Gen (Retd) V R Raghavan, President, CSA welcomed the speakers and gave out the concept of the workshop. Speakers who had carried out extensive field work in naxal affected areas addressed different facets of the problem –Centre and State responses to the left wing extremism, impact on the tribal communities in Orissa Chattisgarh and Dandakaranya and the challenges to the Para military forces.

To read the coverage in The Hindu, click here.
To read the coverage in The New Indian Express, click here.

National Workshop
Conflicts in the Northeast: Internal and External Effects
26-27 July, 2010

CSA in collaboration with Centre for Northeast Studies and Policy Research and Delhi Policy Group organized a two day work shop on Conflicts in the North- East: Internal and External Effects on 26-27 July 2010 at New Delhi.

Lt Gen (Retd) V R Raghavan, President, CSA gave the opening remarks and explained the research project. Dr Sanjoy Hazarika, Director, Centre for Northeast Studies, briefly touched upon the subject under study and introduced the speakers. Mr Niketu Iralu, a prominent social activist from Nagaland gave the inaugural address. Academicians, expert administrators, journalists presented their papers covering the ramifications of the conflicts on the society, polity, economy and security of the Northeastern region. The proceedings were enriched by the participation of Mr. G.K Pillai, Home Secretary, Government of India.

International Seminar
Internal Conflict in Nepal and Trans- border Consequences
4th- 5th June, 2010

CSA in collaboration with Malaviya Centre for Peace Research and the Centre for the Study of Nepal, Banares Hindu University organized a two day Seminar on Internal Conflict in Nepal and Transnational Consequences on 4 - 5 June 2010 at Varansai. Prof Anjoo Sharan Upadhyay, Coordinator, Centre for the Study of Nepal welcomed the participants. Lt Gen (Retd) VR Raghavan, President CSA, gave the opening remarks.

Researchers from Nepal and India presented papers on the different dimensions of the conflict in Nepal. These included the impact with in Nepal, on the Southern part of Nepal, impact on Indian States of UP and Bihar, impact on the environment, Security implications for India and International impact. The impact within Nepal included the effect on the Nepal Army and the civil- military relations.

International Seminar
Internal Conflict in Myanmar and Trans-national Consequences
26th-27th May 2010

As a part of the CSA project a two day Seminar on Internal Conflict in Myanmar and trans-border consequences was organized in Singapore on 26^th and 27^th May 2010 in collaboration with Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS) Singapore. Amb K Kesavapany, Director, ISEAS welcomed the participants and Lt Gen (Retd) VR Raghavan, President CSA explained about the research project.

Nine researchers addressed different facets of the conflict in Myanmar and made their presentation at the Seminar. The various issues covered were- Tatmadaw and Internal conflict in the Context of Political Transition, The Transnationalization of Contentious Politics: Security Concerns, Donors Agendas, Diasporic Networks, Effects of Conflict on Bangladesh, India, Thailand and China : Effects on the Regional Cooperation and Investment in Myanmar, Effects on Northeastern India, Effects on Thailand, Regional Integration and Intra-state Conflict: Investment for peace, International responses to internal conflict, Conflict Resolution: An Evaluation of opportunities and challenges for Dialogue and Reconciliation.

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For details of more events click here