Category Archives: Events
Book Discussion: Why India is not a Great Power (Yet)
National Institute of Advanced Studies
Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru-560012
International Strategic and Security Studies Programme
and
The Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru
Invite you to a
BOOK DISCUSSION
of
Why India is not a Great Power (Yet) authored by Bharat Karnad
The Book will be discussed by
- Bharat Karnad, Professor, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi
- Nitin Pai, Director, The Takshashila Institution
- S. Chandrashekar, J.R.D. Tata Visiting Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS)
Date: Friday, 9 October 2015
Time: 4:30 pm
Coffee/Tea will be served at 4:00 pm
Venue: Lecture Hall, NIAS, IISc Campus, Bangalore-12
About the Author: Bharat Karnad is Professor of National Security Studies, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi, India. One of the foremost Indian national security strategists, he has been a member of the National Security Advisory Board, the Nuclear Doctrine Drafting Group and Adviser, Defence Expenditure, (10th) Finance Commission, India.
All are cordially invited
Fourth K. Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture: Climate Change and Energy Security – Amb Shyam Saran
Ambassador Shyam Saran, Former Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change delivered the Fourth K. Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture on “Climate Change and Energy Security: The Twin Challenges Confronting India” at the JRD Tata Auditorium, at NIAS, Bangalore on August 11, 2015.
Complete Video of the K Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture
Discussion, Question and Answer Session
Defense R&D in the USA: How it is Conducted and Role of the Academia
The International Strategic and Security Studies Programme, National Institute of Advanced Studies invites you to a Talk by Prof Subrata Ghoshroy, Research Affiliate, Program in Science, Technology and Society, MIT, USA
Defense R&D in the USA:
How it is Conducted and Role of the Academia
by
Prof Subrata Ghoshroy
Research Affiliate, Program in Science, Technology and Society, MIT, USA
on
Wednesday, September 2, 2015 | 11.30 AM
at the
Conference Hall-2, NIAS, IISc Campus, Bangalore – 560012
Abstract
Copyright: US Army Website
In this talk the Prof Subrata Ghoshroy will describe how the U.S. Department of Defense carries out R&D starting from basic research and then progressing to applied research and finally systems development. Subrata will also cover how research is organized through defense agencies like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and service research organizations such as the Office of Naval Research (ONR) or the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and also the role of the Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC). Focus on the role of the universities in futuristic defense research will find mention as well as comment about research in aerospace systems, for example, among others. The speaker will also discuss the problems of technology assessment and technology transition from laboratory research to fieldable systems.
About the Speaker
Subrata Ghoshroy is a Research Associate in the Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. His current research interests are global security with particular reference to South Asia, nuclear weapons proliferation, and disarmament. Mr. Ghoshroy is also keenly interested in science and technology policy and has written extensively on military R&D policy. Previously he was a Senior Defense Analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and served in the U.S. Congress as a professional staff member and as a Science Fellow. Mr. Ghoshroy also spent a year as a Senior Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School at Harvard University. He was trained as an electrical engineer and spent two decades in defense research and development programs for high-power lasers. Mr. Ghoshroy’s publications in the last decade have focused on missile defense, nuclear weapons and space security policy. He is an Adjunct Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) in Bangalore. He holds two Master’s degrees, respectively, in Electrical Engineering and in Public Policy. Mr. Ghoshroy was born and raised in India and has lived in the U.S. for the last forty years.
Myanmar at the Crossroads: International Conference
The International Strategic and Security Studies (ISSSP), National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, organised an international conference entitled ‘Myanmar at the Crossroads: Current Realities, Challenges and Opportunities’ between July 20-22, 2015 at NIAS.
The conference discussed and deliberated the dynamics of political change and regime transition in Myanmar and what it meant for the world today and in particular for India.
Leading experts, academics, policymakers, journalists from India, Myanmar and the region participated in the three-day International Conference.
Group Photo of Speakers and Participants | Myanmar at the Crossroads | NIAS, July 20-22, 2015
Conference Concept Note
Conference Schedule
Conference Summary
About the Conference
It is critical to explore how these changes will evolve in the coming years and its impact on politics, economy and society of the country and Myanmar’s relations with other powers. The Conference also seeks to address the developments that are shaping the internal dynamics apart from mapping challenges and opportunities in Myanmar. It is in this context that understanding India’s approach towards Myanmar and developing a coherent posture becomes significant so as to achieve India’s larger strategic interests. A careful examination and analysis of this therefore, becomes the main focus of the conference.
For long, India has discussed and debated the ‘Look East’, now called ‘Act East’, policy, as well as better road and rail connectivity that would boost tourism and investments in the Northeast. While the policy discusses what it would include as its goals – development, connectivity to Southeast Asia, more economic growth, etc. – very few in Northeast India understand why it is important for them, or how it will contribute to the prosperity of the region. Hence, it is also essential to understand the Northeast perspective on Myanmar. Finally it becomes imperative to understand the political, economic and defence engagement of China with the Myanmar.
The key thematic questions that will weave together the multiple interactive sessions of the conference are:-
- How far will the changes in Myanmar go? Are the changes in Myanmar irreversible?
- Does the change in Myanmar signify a real transition or is this more of spin and propaganda by the military, designed to relax international pressure while maintaining their grip on power?
- Will the general elections slated for October/November this year affect ongoing reforms? What lies ahead in Myanmar?
- How is the Myanmar-China relationship evolving?
- Does India have leverage in Myanmar vis-a-vis rising profile of other powers?
- Will India’s approach towards Myanmar suffice in the post-2011 scenario? If not what can be the appropriate approach that India can have?
- Does the stability in Myanmar’s periphery in turn secure India’s own north-eastern region?
- What are the challenges and opportunities that exist in Myanmar for India and in particular for the Indian industry?
Photos from the Conference
Videos of Presentation and Discussions at the Conference
Full videos of all presentations and discussions that took place at the conference.
For accessing the ISSSP YouTube Channel click here
Fourth K. Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture
The Director and Faculty of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore have great pleasure in inviting you to the Fourth K. Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture to be delivered by Shri Shyam Saran, Former Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change.
K. SUBRAHMANYAM MEMORIAL LECTURE
will be delivered by
Shri Shyam Saran
Former Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change
on
Climate Change and Energy Security: The Twin Challenges Confronting India
the talk will be Chaired by
Prof. Baldev Raj
Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore
Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Time: 6.00 pm (Coffee/Tea: 5:30 pm)
Venue: J.R.D. Tata Auditorium, NIAS, IISc Campus, Bangalore 560 012
Abstract of Talk
Climate Change and Energy Security are two sides of the same coin. To deal with the threat of Climate Change, the world needs to undertake a strategic shift from current economic processes based on greenhouse gas(GHG) generating fossil fuels to those based instead on renewable sources of energy like solar energy and clean sources of energy such as nuclear energy. For an energy constrained country like India this strategic shift will be integral to its own ecologically sustainable development and also contribute to the global effort to tackle Climate Change. The challenge will lie in managing the transition, which imposes economic burden and in negotiating a global Climate regime which can enable and support India in this endeavour. Is India headed in the right direction on both these counts?”
About the Speaker
Shyam Saran is a former Foreign Secretary and has served as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change. He is former Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board and currently Chairman, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, Delhi. He is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, Delhi. Saran was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest national award, in January 2011 for his contributions to Civil Service. He writes and speaks regularly on foreign policy, climate change, energy security and national and international security related issues.
US Middle East Policy
The International Strategic and Security Studies Programme, National Institute of Advanced Studies invites you to a Lecture by Prof. Brian M. Katulis, Senior Fellow, National Security, Center for American Progress, Washington, DC.
U.S. Middle East Policy
Prof. Brian M. Katulis
Senior Fellow-National Security, Center for American Progress
on
Monday, July 27, 2015 | 3.30 PM
at the
Lecture Hall, NIAS, IISc Campus, Bangalore – 560012
Abstract
Copyright: Veterans Today
President Obama’s Middle East policy record in his first six years in office was mixed and lacked significant signature achievements – but the July 2015 Iran nuclear agreement represents a major accomplishment. Overall, Obama’s approach was cautious, as the United States reacted to fast-moving events. The overall U.S. strategy focused on degrading terrorist networks such as Al Qaeda in the Arabia Peninsula (AQAP) to prevent a major attack on the United States and avoiding making the strategic blunders that his predecessor made. Attempts to advance Israeli-Palestinian peace fell short twice and efforts to broker a peaceful settlement to Syria’s vicious civil war have not succeeded. America’s response to the ongoing political shifts of the Arab uprisings has been uneven.
About the Speaker
Brian M. Katulis is Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, Washington DC. He has been Research Analyst at the U.S Department of State and Graduate Fellow, Near East and South Asian Affaris at the National Security Council. He comments frequently on policy issues in The New York Times and The Washington Post and media outlets including PBS Newshour and National Public Radio. A Fulbright Scholar, Prof. Katulis holds an MPA from Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University. He speaks and reads Arabic fluently.
Myanmar at the Crossroads: Current Realities, Challenges and Opportunities
The International Strategic and Security Studies (ISSSP), National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore, is organising an international conference entitled ‘Myanmar at the Crossroads: Current Realities, Challenges and Opportunities’. The conference intends to discuss and deliberate on the dynamics of political change and regime transition in Myanmar and what it means for the world today and in particular for India.
Myanmar at the Crossroads:
Current Realities, Challenges and Opportunities
on
July 20-22, 2015
at the
JRD Tata Auditorium, NIAS, IISc Campus, Bangalore – 560012
NOTE: Participation is by invitation only
For details contact: Dr. M Mayilvaganan at mumayil@yahoo.com &
CC to Kaveri Ashok at kaveriashok@outlook.com
Conference Concept Note
Conference Schedule
About the Conference
It is critical to explore how these changes will evolve in the coming years and its impact on politics, economy and society of the country and Myanmar’s relations with other powers. The Conference also seeks to address the developments that are shaping the internal dynamics apart
from mapping challenges and opportunities in Myanmar. It is in this context that understanding India’s approach towards Myanmar and developing a coherent posture becomes significant so as to achieve India’s larger strategic interests. A careful examination and analysis of this therefore, becomes the main focus of the conference.
For long, India has discussed and debated the ‘Look East’, now called ‘Act East’, policy, as well as better road and rail connectivity that would boost tourism and investments in the Northeast. While the policy discusses what it would include as its goals – development, connectivity to Southeast Asia, more economic growth, etc. – very few in Northeast India understand why it is important for them, or how it will contribute to the prosperity of the region. Hence, it is also essential to understand the Northeast perspective on Myanmar. Finally it becomes imperative to understand the political, economic and defence engagement of China with the Myanmar.
The key thematic questions that will weave together the multiple interactive sessions of the conference are:-
- How far will the changes in Myanmar go? Are the changes in Myanmar irreversible?
- Does the change in Myanmar signify a real transition or is this more of spin and propaganda by the military, designed to relax international pressure while maintaining their grip on power?
- Will the general elections slated for October/November this year affect ongoing reforms? What lies ahead in Myanmar?
- How is the Myanmar-China relationship evolving?
- Does India have leverage in Myanmar vis-a-vis rising profile of other powers?
- Will India’s approach towards Myanmar suffice in the post-2011 scenario? If not what can be the appropriate approach that India can have?
- Does the stability in Myanmar’s periphery in turn secure India’s own north-eastern region?
- What are the challenges and opportunities that exist in Myanmar for India and in particular for the Indian industry?
The conference will make an attempt to identify recommendations for policy makers to strengthen the relations between the two countries.
Discussion on Ukraine and Future of Indo-Russian Relations
Discussion on Ukraine and Future of Indo-Russian Relations
Conference Hall, June 5, 2015
Ambassador PS Raghavan, India’s Ambassador to Russia visited National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore on June 5, 2015. He interacted with the faculty members and students of the International Strategic and Security Studies Programme, NIAS. A brief discussion was also held on the situation in Ukraine and the current Indo-Russian relations.
-
- Ambassador Raghavan discussing with the NIAS faculty and students
-
- Ambassador Raghavan
NIAS IPCS Young Scholars ‘Global Nuclear Politics and Strategy’ Workshop
NIAS IPCS Young Scholars Workshop on “Global Nuclear Politics and Strategy”
May 3-7, 2015, NIAS JRD Tata Auditorium, Bangalore
The Annual Residential Young Scholars’ Workshop (YSW), a flagship programme of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, provides a unique opportunity to students and young professionals to gain meaningful insight into the field of nuclear studies.
This year’s edition – Global Nuclear Politics and Strategy 2015 – the workshop was jointly organised by the IPCS and the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bangalore.
Group Photo of Speakers and Participants at NIAS-IPCS Young Scholars Workshop (May 4-7, 2015)
An unprecedented number of applications for GNPS 2015, making the competition keen and our task difficult, and the participant selection came in recognition of their academic and professional achievements. In addition to scholars from academic institutions and think-tanks across India, this year witnessed, for the first time, participation from young officers hailing from, among others, the Indian Army, Air Force, Border Security Force, DRDO and the Ministry of External Affairs.
The complete Workshop Schedule and Conference Booklet can be downloaded by clicking the links.
The presentations made by the speakers at the Workshop can be accessed below.
 Varun Sahni – Contemporary Global Nuclear Politics |
 Varun Sahni – International Arms Control, Non Prolif, Export Control Regimes |
 LV Krishnan – Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycle |
 LV Krishnan – Nuclear Safety |
 Vijay Shankar – Evolution of Nuclear Strategy and Doctrine |
 S Chandrashekar – Evolution of Global Nuclear Capabilities |
 Vijay Shankar – Nuclear Weapons in China National Strategy |
 Manpreet Sethi – Nuclear Weapons and India’s National Sec Strategy |
 S Chandrashekar – Cuban Missile Crisis |
 Rajaram Nagappa – Introduction to Missiles |
 A R Sundararajan – India’s Nuclear Regulatory Framework |
 Baldev Raj – Nuclear Energy after Major Accidents |
