Naval modernization is an extremely expensive, time-consuming, and a relatively rare phenomenon. Scholars have proposed various arguments to explain this process ranging from bureaucratic politics, to nationalism, and to the security dilemma. The Nexus of Naval Modernization in India and China demonstrates that from 1990 until 2020, the primary driver of naval modernization resulted from a strategic rivalry. Key to strategic rivalries is perceived threat perceptions that cause decision makers to prepare for worst-case scenarios when trying to decipher their enemy's behaviour. When a state believes it is threatened by a rival's naval power it is likely to pursue its own form of naval modernization for self-protection. Importantly, rivalries do not exist in a vacuum and are frequently linked. This project will reveal how the interconnected nature of rivalries can also cause naval modernization. Through a close examination of scholarly works, government documents, and in-depth focused interviews with experts based in India, China, Australia, and the U.S. Colley argues that while strategic rivalry is not the only driver of naval modernization, it is the most compelling explanation. Other arguments are frequently embedded within the strategic rivalry model and thus are best seen as only partial drivers. This study contributes to the rivalry research program as well as the policy and security studies literatures.

This book examines PRC “involved” seaports overseas, where involvement can take the form of PRC foreign direct investment (FDI), contracting, and/or terminal operations, in countries such as Cambodia, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Including country-oriented chapters the book sheds light on inter alia the realization (or not) of Chinese seaports, the effects of Chinese participation on port performance, trade, FDI, employment, and the environment, and the wider economic, political, and other ramifications of China’s role. Importantly, the case studies in the book clearly demonstrate that amongst these ports there are successes and failures, positive or negative effects are not preordained, and domestic and international political factors notably influence what occurs in these overseas ports. The book also illuminates the critical role of 3rd parties (including India) in shaping the dynamics of China’s participation in Southeast and South Asian ports and evaluate the potential for Chinese-involved ports to become naval bases. Presenting contributions from experts on Southeast and South Asia and utilising rich empirical data to reveal the factors that are driving China's participation overseas this book will appeal to students and scholars of Asian and Southeast Asian studies, international relations, particularly through the lens of economic relations.

This book examines the crime-terror nexus in South Asia, focusing in particular on the activities of non-state actors that operate out of Pakistan, and challenges the conventional wisdom that the Pakistan Taleban (TTP) and Al-Qaeda are Pakistan’s most serious security threats. Much research has focused on the policies of India and Pakistan towards Kashmir. But surprisingly little attention has been paid to several notable Pakistan-based non-state actors who are increasingly operating on their own, and who have the potential to greatly inhibit, if not derail, the peace process there. These groups blur the line between terrorism and organized crime with serious implications for policy in the region. India and Pakistan can engage in confidence-building measures, but if criminal actors such as Lashkar-i-Taiba (LeT) and D-Company cannot effectively be controlled, a lack of trust between both sides will remain. Although the role of regular military forces is not to be discounted, many of the non-state actors in Indian-Held Kashmir, such as LeT, are not confined by the same restraints as state forces, thus allowing them engage in more violent actions without fear of reprisal. In order for lawmakers, security personnel, and others to develop sound, comprehensive policies, these forces and their potential to undermine political initiatives must be fully appreciated. This book explores the dynamics of the relationship between Pakistan, D-Company, and LeT and how it affects strategic thought, decision-making, and security interests in the region and explains the triangular relationships between states, terrorist groups, and organized criminal syndicates in general, and in India and Pakistan in particular. This book will of much interest to students of South Asian politics, terrorism, organised crime, war and conflict studies, and Security Studies in general.

Through a close examination of scholarly works, government documents, and over 60 in-depth focusedinterviews with experts based in India, China, Australia and the U.S. the author argues that, while strategic rivalry is not the only driver of naval modernization, it is the most compelling explanation.

Preface Acknowledgement List of Table Introduction SECTION I: POLITICAL DYNAMICS OF NORTH EAST INDIA 1. Looking at Contemporary Governance in North East India * Abhijit Choudhury 2. Pangs of Proximity: India's North East and Her Eastern Neighbours * Ishani Naskar 3. North East India Planning in the Winds of Change * Toki Blah SECTION II: NORTH EAST INDIA'S ECONOMY: DEVELOPMENT BOTTLENECKS 4. Challenges of Natural Disasters * Shyamananda Bhattacharjee 5. Development of Infrastructure in Mizoram: Problems and Prospects * James L.T. Thanga 6. The Dynamics of Economic Change and Good Governance: Issues of Development * T.C. Nunga 7. Regional Structure: Income and Growth in India's North East * Rakhee Bhattacharya SECTION III: NORTH EAST INDIA'S ECONOMY: REVIVAL STRATEGY 8. Rethinking Development Paradigms: Issues and Perspectives * Vanlalchhawna 9. Towards a Professional Identity: Soccer as a Career Option in Contemporary Manipur * Kausik Bandyapadhaya 10. An Exploration into the Possibility of Economic Development through India's Look East Policy: A Mizo Perspective * L.H. Rawsea SECTION IV: CONFLICTS IN NORTH EAST INDIA: HINDERING DEVELOPMENT 11. Conflict and Insurgency: Historical Perspective; Threat to Security and Development * Lt. Gen. J.R. Mukherjee 12. Challenging the Nation-State: Secessionism and Insurgency * Sajal Nag SECTION V: ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS AND MEDIA IN NORTH EAST INDIA'S DEVELOPMENT 13. Religion and Colonial Politics: Assam Myanmar and Buddhism * Swapna Bhattacharya (Chakarborti) 14. Mizoram and the Role of the Presbyterian Denomination * Margaret L. Pachuau 15. Challenges before the Media * Subir Bhaumik 16. Educational Indicators of Human Development: An Analysis * Lalhmasai Chuaungo 17. Female Work Participation Rate in Mizoram: An Analysis from Development Perspectives * Lalhriatpuii Contributors Index Northeast India, once perceived as a 'paradise', has now become a 'problem' in perpetuity due to its badly managed economy and an absolute lack of political vision. Side by side, words like 'alienation', 'exploitation' and 'insecurity' are being 'used' across the region to instigate the dangerous problem of insurgency. This has kept the region continuously in a state of flux devoid of political or economic stability so crucial for any meaningful development, negating the effects of whatever little economic development has taken place in the region. Centre's continuous development initiatives under the Special Category Status releases huge amount of development funds without creating necessary credit absorption capacity in the economy and consequently has remained unsuccessful in delivering the results woefully dismal have been the half hearted attempts made by the different State Governments in the region from time to time in the name of development. Most of these efforts were directed only towards extracting more assistance and more grants from the Centre. The book revisits these failed initiatives and re-examine the crucial areas while searching for an alternative. The volume focuses on an integrated approach towards inter-related issues in the entire region with 'development' as the pivotal and overarching factor. The collection of seventeen articles are, categorized into five broad sub-sections, extending from political dynamism to economic intricacies, social conflicts and the role of institutions which gives us an opportunity to come across the thoughts of scholars to trace the roots of and connections between, the problems that plague this region and eventually to forge a common strategy to address the issue of backwardness of this region.

The book traces India's links with countries of South East Asia, and examines why stability in that region is important for India. After an analysis of the modern concept of security, threats to each country of South East Asia and to the region are considered. The interest of foreign powers in the region and India's engagement, both bilaterally with individual countries and with the regional groupings, are covered in detail. A suggested comprehensive Action Plan has been included, which India can adopt for the period till 2035, to strengthen the 'Look East' Policy. About The Author: - Commissioned into 4 Gorkha Rifles, Lt Gen Y M Bammi, retired after putting in 37 years of service. He served in field areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. He participated in counter insurgency operations and in the 1962, 1965 and 1971 operations. He obtained Masters in Defence Studies from Madras University. He served as an Instructor with Royal Bhutan Army and at the College of Combat, Mhow. He served as Defense Adviser to Indian High Commissions in Malaysia and Singapore for more than three years. He served in the Military Operations branch at the Army Headquarters. He commanded a mountain division. On promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General, he commanded a Strike Corps. Later he served as Director General Assam Rifles and other military designations for two years or so and retired from service from that assignment. He has authored a book titled The Impregnable Conquered: Kargil 1999. Lieutenant General Bammi was awarded the Ministry of External Affairs Fellowship at the United Service Institution of India, to carry out research on "Enhancing Security Understanding Between India and ASEAN Countries". Contents: - Preface Introduction Concept of Security in 21st Century The Region The South China Sea ASEAN and Other Regional Groupings Countries with Interest in the Area Security Threats to the Region India and the Region-Past and Future Propos