Writings in various journals
Understanding India-Pakistan Relations
http://www.biliabd.org/jia.php
Journal of International Affairs, Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs, Vol 14, June and December 2010
http://sas.sagepub.com/content/16/2/335.citation
Offensive in the Mountains
The decision on the Mountain Strike Corps (MSC) is not only about the capability and the implications. It is
also about the message that India is, by its raisings, sending to China. The message is one of deterrence and
resolve. It is not an aggressive one, but the second prong of India’s strategy
Understanding India-Pakistan Relations
http://www.biliabd.org/jia.php
Journal of International Affairs, Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs, Vol 14, June and December 2010
http://sas.sagepub.com/content/16/2/335.citation
July/December 2009 Review Article Security Sector Reform in South Asia South Asia at the CrossRoads Ali Ahmed Ali Ahmed is Research Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi, India. REVIEW ARTICLE SOUTH...
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Journal of Peace Studies, Vol. 17, Issue 2&3, April-September, 2010.
Strategic Culture and Indian Self-assurance
Ali Ahmed*
[*Ali Ahmed is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. He is pursuing a PhD
in International Politics at the School of International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.]
Abstract
The article examines the realist critique that India lacks a strategic culture. The realist critique is
neglectful of India’s record of strategic behavior predicated on simultaneous resolve and restraint. India’s
normative set carries the influence of its traditions and democratic political heritage. Its operational set
is sensitive to use of force in its national interest, while being alert to the limitations of force. This
reading of India’s strategic culture empowers India to proceed down the route of rapprochement with
Pakistan. Currently, the pace of resumption of the peace process is retarded by the weight of the
realist critique on policy makers, ever apprehensive of being found wanting on defence matters. This
need not be so. Armed with this self-belief, India should engage with Pakistan with greater rigour,
beginning with the expected meeting of the two foreign ministers over the winter.
Offensive in the Mountains
The decision on the Mountain Strike Corps (MSC) is not only about the capability and the implications. It is
also about the message that India is, by its raisings, sending to China. The message is one of deterrence and
resolve. It is not an aggressive one, but the second prong of India’s strategy
