Suchergebnisse

The study reinforces the belief of geo-politicians that competition over and control of, vital resources –- be they oil, strategic materials for warfare, water and sea lanes or minerals – is the main cause of conflict between states and adds substance to that belief by attributing equal significance to the territorial control of freshwater resources as an issue of high-politics in international relations. To highlight theoretical and policy relevance it formulates a theoretical model befittingly explaining linkages between war and peace over vital water resources and explains when the rival riparian compromise on vital concerns and put political issues on the backburner. With this backdrop the Dissertation addresses the question: Is water a cause of conflict or catalyst for peace and establishes linkage between the Indus water resource and the Kashmir dispute. While highlighting role of Indus waters in political thinking, strategic planning and warfare between India and Pakistan the study projects its future implications for war and peace in the region and highlights emerging scenarios in the wake of growing water scarcity and environmental degradation. The study also suggests practicable policy recommendations for sustainable development and durable peace in the region.

The militia as an informal pro-government irregular force helps government forces through a range of asymmetric security threats. Since 9/11, the employment of militia forces has been on the rise. Although the informal Pro-Government Militias (PGMs) operate in juxtaposition with the regular land forces, they are loosely aligned with them. Given the nativity of its members to the battlefield, a militia is best suited to comprehend the operational and tactical situation and, making itself a viable option for state-led forces both from the perspective of low-cost force or its flexibility to deal with irregular threats. Most informal PGMs maintain a stronger ideological and political base, they do not often care about the limitation of their sponsoring state's sovereignty and the legitimacy of their actions. They may even develop linkages with the terrorist outfits for their immediate goals. This puts national security in grave danger. Given the risks, weaker states become vulnerable at the hands of their sponsored militants. Still, the state-led forces will remain inclined to exploit such paramilitary forces to let them shoulder the burden of national security against asymmetric threats.