Our Region (Spotlight Brief 7/21)

The content in this article is an extract of Spotlight Brief 7/21.

Missile Developments in South Asia: A Perspective from Pakistan

The International Institute of Strategic Studies — May 21

Missile Developments in South Asia: A Perspective from India

The International Institute of Strategic Studies — June 21

This pair of papers present the ongoing missile development in South-West Asia from alternative viewpoints. The expansion of India and Pakistan’s missile systems reflect ongoing tension and possible conflict points between these two nations and, in India’s case, China. Both authors highlight the critical role in deterrence role the missile armouries provide and their political signalling capability. There are several common points: of note are the dual threat focus of India versus the single focus of Pakistan, the technological shift underway to solid-fuel and hypersonic missiles, the increased push for missile survivability, and the role of nuclear weapons. The dual views provide a thorough view of one of the Indo-Pacific’s potential hotspots, as well as interesting perspectives on deterrence and the role of long-range fires.

Related:

‘Troops from China, Pakistan, Two Other Countries End Exercise,’ Dawn, 16 Sep 21

‘The Real Winner of the Afghanistan War? It’s Not Who You Think,’ The New York Times, 25 Aug 21

‘India Focus on Enhancing Maritime Security as the UNSC President: Leadership Envisioning A Global Roadmap,’ Observer Research Foundation, 26 Aug 21

‘The EU-India Connectivity Partnership: Can Brussels Step Up Its Connectivity Game in the Indo-Pacific?’ Observer Research Foundation, 16 Sep 21

‘India in Central and Eastern Europe: From Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment,’ Observer Research Foundation, 13 Sep 21

‘India’s Security Choices During the COVID-19 Pandemic,’ Observer Research Foundation, 02 Sep 21

Unlikely Allies? Australia, Indonesia and the Strategic Cultures of Middle Powers

Asian Security — Nov 20

This article analyses the differing strategic cultures, policies, and perspectives of Australia and Indonesia. In doing so it seeks to evaluate the prospects for the military relationship between the two neighbours. Traditionally, Australia has been outward oriented and has relied on powerful alliances, whereas Indonesia has been more inward looking and preoccupied with domestic security. The authors argue there has been a recent convergence of strategic cultures between these regional middle powers, raising the possibility of enhanced military cooperation. While believing a formal mutual-defence pact is unlikely, they suggest other forms of cooperation. Specific recommendations include inviting Indonesia to regularly participate in Operation Talisman Sabre, enhancing weapons procurement programmes (especially given both states’ commitment to enhance their naval capabilities), and sharing of maritime surveillance data. The article concludes the ’immutable nature of sheer geography creates powerful incentives to cooperate.’

Related:

‘Diagnosing Indonesia’s Health Challenges,’ The Interpreter, 14 Sep 21

‘Indonesian Troops May Regularly Join Training on Australian Soil as Defence Ties Deepen,’ The Guardian, 09 Sep 21

‘Indonesia Unprepared as Great Powers Clash in Indo-Pacific,’ Foreign Policy, 26 Aug 21

‘Why Northern Australia Must Play a Part in Indonesia’s Grand Infrastructure Rollout,’ The Strategist, 24 Aug 21

‘Rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign in Indonesia: Progress to Date, Emerging Challenges, and Priority Actions in Coming Months,’ Observer Research Foundation, 19 Aug 21