The Peninsula Foundation

Blog

  • US-China Trade Wars on IPR and what it means for India

    US-China Trade Wars on IPR and what it means for India

    Each incumbent in the White House since the entry of PR China into the WTO in 2001 has agonized over the protections provided by the Communist state to intellectual property rights. As China’s capacities increased and as Chinese enterprises continued to operate in an unrestrained fashion, the US Government along with other European countries raised the pressure on Beijing to change its behaviour. They refused to accept at face value Chinese protestations that these actions were compliant with WTO provisions. US responses covered the entire range of domestic law actions, bilateral pacts and approaching the WTO. A study of these actions, with the benefit of hindsight, shows it was lacking in both scope and determination. US President Donald Trump’s efforts which sparked the trade war has been the most dramatic and effective till date. Both US and China agree that their IPR differences are fundamental in nature and will be addressed in its entirety in the second phase. In this regard, the cat and mouse legal games being witnessed in the case of Huawei and its 5G ambitions  deservec scrutiny. Simultaneously the Trump Administration has doubled down on the WTO and reduced its dispute settlement body into a pale shadow of its original self. India is also a target of US actions on the IPR front, albeit of a lesser degree compared to PR China. WTO case law is instructive and there are lessons to be learned even outside of the US-China trade dispupte framework. In terms of the impact of the US-China IPR differences on India, three broad dimensions can be identified. The first one pertains to the WTO regime and other regional trade arrangements. Second, India needs to brace for further action at the WIPO and on the larger question of what US withdrawal from multilateral bodies means for the rest of the international community. Thirdly, Indian Government and companies need to try and leverage the opportunities that maybe created by China’s reforms in the IPR  fieldincluding the Pilot Free Trade Zone at Shanghai.

    Download Full Research Paper

    This paper is also published in AALCO journal.

  • Local Protests: A New Status-Quo in Political Lifestyle?

    Local Protests: A New Status-Quo in Political Lifestyle?

    Hong Kong and Chile convulse, Lebanon possibly spiralling into a civil strife, and sanctions induced discontent paralysing Iran, a pattern of global protests is increasingly evident. The global political landscape is currently marked by frequent mass protests, and this wave is geographically much broader and unfolding in countries at different stages of development. Unlike earlier protest movements that aimed at radical political change and revolutionising the existing order, the modern demands abandon this narrative of overthrowing the system instead aiming for democratisation of the established institutions. In other words, the anti-government protests cropping up in various parts are not trying to dismantle the democratic structures but to redefine its scope and depth.

    New Wave of Protests – questioning inept governance

    In contrast to the previous waves of uprising like the Pink Tide in Latin America or the Arab Spring, that was spreading in a particular region with similar agenda, the recent protests are occurring in different zones and is marked by the uniqueness of initial triggers and demands put forth by the protestors. In Lebanon, the discontent was sparked by regressive taxes proposed (mainly Whatsapp tax) but turned into massive demonstrations, transcending sects and classes, calling for a technocratic government in the backdrop of sectarian political regime, widespread corruption and mishandling of the economy. The Yellow Vest movement in France originally against the fuel tax snowballed into nationwide protests to address the socio economic inequalities, stemming from high unemployment and stagnating economy. Protests in Chile against hiked transport fares escalated to countrywide riots revealing the dissatisfaction with the pro rich growth, heavily privatised welfare system and pro market regime. On observation, these isolated protests by themselves can be a defining feature of the current wave of protests, different from the previous waves that were characterised by common contestations.

    Despite being unrelated events with independent agendas, the countries undergoing mass protests share similar trends of inequality and economic downturns. Further scrutiny beyond the seemingly small initial triggers reveal an evident pattern of economic anger and insecurity in these nations. Experts have suggested that Hong Kong’s pro democracy movement is also fuelled by wide income inequality (highest among developed nations), especially in the last 45 years since its handover to the Chinese. The Latin American region, witnessing the most number of countries breaking into sustained protests, is the world’s most unequal zone. In addition to inequality, sustained unrest in states like Colombia, Catalonia to Iraq and Egypt, the protests are driven by slowing economic growth, mounting public debt and austerity measures. Even in populist and authoritarian regimes, citizens are demanding an end to corruption and restoration of democratic rule of law. For instance, long serving, extremely popular, leftist leader Evo Morales was forced to resign in Bolivia after protests erupted accusing him of undermining democracy to extent his rule. There are increasing clashes against repressive democracy in Russia, and revolts against autocrats in Slovenia and Czech Republic.

    Leaderless or smart mobilization?

    Interestingly, a majority of the modern protests are leaderless, led by students and youth. In Hong Kong, the protests are gaining momentum through the active involvement of the students while in Chile the unrest for systematic change was ignited after school students launched a campaign to end the 4 percent subway fare increase. Niall Ferguson noted that this demographic trend of the young leading the demonstrations is a repeat of the 1960s, which like the present had an excess of educated youth over the number of available jobs. Another similarity amongst the protests is the urban-centric mass unrest. According to migration theorists, uncontrolled urbanisation resulting in rural to urban movements is a major cause for the ongoing demonstrations. Pushed into informal settlements in cities, often ignored by authorities and without basic social coverage, the urban area becomes a ground for discontent. For instance, in Haiti the protests began due to gasoline and food scarcity. Therefore, the socio-economic marginalisation of the urban poor is a significant yet overlooked factor that drives people to the streets. This is also compounded by a lack of faith in the government. More than the poor state policies adopted and prevalent corruption, in some protesting nations, there is deep distrust among the citizens. Hong Kongers believe that their government does not have legitimate powers over Beijing, and in countries like Lebanon, Chile or Ecuador, reversal of the initial triggers did not stop the dissenters from demanding a new government.

    The youth bulge and the shrinking economic opportunities only partly explains the global protests. The reach and accessibility of social media and free messaging apps have exploded in the past decade. In addition to acting as a medium to organise and sustain mass protests, these channels are also used to express political frustrations. Unlike before when media had a monopoly over mass reach, individuals and groups have the capacity to mobilise and garner support over specific issues. While the protests seem unconnected, it is possible to see a copycat element in the way protests are carried out. The coverage of news and faster reach makes it possible for protestors to adopt methods of action that were successful elsewhere. It is also harder for states to contain and repress dissenting voices. Thus, the spread of communicative technology and social platforms offer a conducive environment for protests. 

    Social Media enables activism

    The ability of electronic media to break down physical barriers and bring more events to global audiences might be increasing the visibility of protests, which would have otherwise remained local. Data from GEDLT Project, which has been tracking protests around the world from the past 40 years, reveals that the frequency of protests has not significantly increased. However, the intensity and the length of protests have improved. Despite a spike in these political activities wherein citizens are actively mobilising to pursue their demands, there has been a decline in the success rate of protests. A recent study highlights the staggering decline in success rate of protests from 70 percent in 1990s to 30 percent in 2010. Some highlight the “smart” methods adopted by regimes to prevent and suppress clashes like reinforcing loyalty of the elite, infiltrating and dividing the opposition, etc. For instance, in Lebanon, the initially united protests has created anti protest groups that supports the Hezbollah. Governments are also adopting a strategy of blaming foreigners and outsiders to reinforce support from the public. For instance, China is building a narrative of US backed forces disrupting Hong Kong to get an advantage in the ongoing trade war, which has strengthened after US signed a Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy law. Iran’s authorities are also blaming outsiders, especially the US, for the violence that ensued after state raising gasoline prices by 50 percent.

    Overall, there is an influx in political activism. Global unrests are now spreading and have significant implications for countries everywhere. With electronic media and its potential for mobilisation, it is now easier to bring issues to national discourse. However, while the willingness and ability of mass political activism to recur and cause disruptions have increased manyfold, its success rates have decreased. It may be said that the political frustrations and the current protests will not bring a major transformation in the political structures but rather it is a new status quo in the nature of political lifestyles.  

    Renuka Paul is a Research Analyst with TPF. She holds a masters in Public Policy.

    Image: Aerial night shot of Beirut Downtown, Lebanon during protest against Government, Lebanese revolution – Phot by Ramzi – Licensed from www.stock.adobe.com

  • PDC 4 : Keezhadi archaeological findings project new light on Indian History

    PDC 4 : Keezhadi archaeological findings project new light on Indian History

    Carbon dating of unearthed artefacts found at Keezhadi point to the Sangam Age being 300 years earlier than previously believed, challenging current understanding of history. Structural remains found in the Vaigai plains show the handy skills of the people and high standards of living in the Sangam era. Also spurring the language debate, engravings of Tamil-Brahmi existing at an earlier age point to older origins of the Tamil language. These evidences point to the importance of expanding archaeological research in order to understand the history of Peninsular India. Join us as we dig deeper into history!

    Dr S Vasanthi, Former director of the archaeological department, Government of Tamil Nadu led the discussion on common artefacts and items found in Keezhadi excavation. The recent discovery in keezhadi is similar to the other excavation that was undertaken in different parts of Tamil Nadu. The discussion commenced by highlighting the significance of scientific approach in studying history and civilization. Research methodology employed in studying any civilization has to be sound and unbiased as possible. The artefacts and items explain the life style and civilization but the governance structure, political situation is largely obtained from the literature and manuscripts. An enlightening session about other archaeological excavation in India at different time periods revealing similar cultural aspects of civilization encouraged participants to advance their understanding of the subject.

    PDC Past Event :   07 Dec 2019

    pdc-4-1

  • ‘Pawar Play’ in Maharashtra

    ‘Pawar Play’ in Maharashtra

    Henry Luis Mencken (1880-1956), well known American journalist and essayist, once wrote “As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.” As we sit back and watch as the Impeachment drama plays out in the United States, one cannot help but marvel at Mr. Mencken prescience. The election of Donald Trump does seem to suggest that the American public has indeed found its inner soul, but as to whether it has really perfected democracy in the process remains questionable.

                Especially, more so, if it was to compare itself to what passes for democracy here. In short order they would then realize the vast distance they have yet to cover to reach true perfection. As a matter of fact, they would do well to follow the ongoing “Pawar Play” in Maharashtra, which incidentally is only the latest manifestation of what perfection in a democracy looks like, and has all the ingredients of a true Bollywood potboiler in the making. That is the only way in which realization would dawn on them that Mencken’s deductions were slightly awry. Invariably in perfect democracies it is not the political leaders who are morons, but the people who voted them to power. That is the fundamental reality we have been confronting ever since Independence, regardless of the political ideologies of the people and parties we vote into power.

                Whatever the host of legal eagles fighting the case in our Supreme Court may say to justify their arguments, and regardless of the conclusions the Hon’ble Court may arrive at, the simple truth of the matter is that for all sides concerned, Maharashtra is too important to lose. To start with the inability to form the government in Maharashtra would not just be a simple loss of face, but utter humiliation for the BJP, and more importantly, for its mentors from Nagpur, located in the heart of the State. If they cannot control their own fiefdom, what control will they exercise tomorrow over the rest of the country, more so given that elections are due in states like Bihar and Jharkhand in the coming months?

                Similarly for the Shiv Sena after having openly cast aside the cloak of morality and gambled everything, including the kitchen sink, in its blatant attempt to go one up and grab the Chief Ministership for Balasaheb’s scion, a loss would spell utter disaster and lead to questions of survivability of the dynasty. For the NCP, and especially the Pawars, being on the winning side is the only hope for redemption for past transgressions. As events have played out, it is now obvious that Pawar the younger was carried away by the brashness of youth and the fact that leadership of the Party would remain just a mirage due to circumstances of birth as long as Pawar the elder had any say in the matter. Finally, for the Congress that continues to be on the ventilator this was an unexpected bonus, a fleeting opportunity to start again.

         While each of these stakeholders has its own particular motivations for their actions, however, the most important aspect  incentive for all in this battle royal for the stewardship of the State is the simple fact that not only is Maharashtra a large state, governing which is undoubtedly prestigious, but also an extremely rich one. It doesn’t exactly require a leap of faith to suggest that whosoever controls the money controls the votes. After all, is that not the very reason that controversy dogs the issue of electoral bonds that were introduced not too long back?

                Leave aside mundane issues of malfeasance, personal greed, overarching ambition and rank opportunism, what is indeed truly astounding to see is the utter lack of constitutional propriety and ethical conduct on the part of those charged with its very protection. For them to let petty loyalties and servility take precedence over self- respect and principled conduct is not just a reflection on how unworthy they are to hold such positions of eminence, but also a shameful blot on our social mores that encourages such people to claw their way up despite lacking an iota of integrity or moral fibre. One cannot but feel embarrassment for the President, a former advocate, who unquestioningly accepts the recommendations of a Prime Minister without the requisite cabinet approval, justified by the use of a most inappropriate rule to cover the lapse. That such a rule can be invoked at the dead of night to swear- in a government at dawn, in the futile hope that it would provide stability, after weeks of confusion, is indeed laughable, if it were not so tragic.

                The Supreme Court’s directions to the newly sworn-in Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to prove his majority on the floor of the House within two days, set the cat among the pigeons as it left only limited scope for horse trading. It forced him to resign prior to the House being called into session as by that time it was abundantly clear that Mr. Ajit Pawar was in no position to provide the necessary support of the NCP legislators required to gain a majority, as he had promised. It is only now becoming increasingly clear that the ‘Ajit Pawar move’ was in all likelihood, a move conceived by his uncle and leader of the NCP, Mr. Sharad Pawar, to kill two birds with one stone; firstly lure the BJP into withdrawing President’s Rule in the State, which it may otherwise not have done in a hurry, and to force the Congress to reduce its demands in exchange for joining the anti BJP Coalition, Maharashtra Vikas Agadi, under the leadership of Mr. Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister.

                Events in Maharashtra only accentuate the utter lack of morality on display on the part of all concerned. If we were to look at the winners and losers that have emerged after this power play, clearly the BJP finds itself stranded by the wayside and has much to introspect, but it is not the only loser, The Shiv Sena may have won itself a reprieve and fulfilled Thackeray’s ambition of being Chief Minister, it has come at a cost, as it appears to have caused grevious damage to its ideological foundations. There is always the possibility that Uddhav may have realized that with the Ayodhya Temple issue having been resolved to a large extent, hard Hindutva is unlikely to be a crowd puller in the coming days and an ideological shift was necessary if the Shiv Sena is to flourish. The Congress continues to be seen as disorganized, lacking leadership, confused and opportunistic, a perception that is unlikely to change until the Gandhi’s are leached out of its organizational structure. Only the NCP appears to have emerged as clear winners, especially Mr. Sharad Pawar, as he will undoubtedly wield the remote control on this coalition government. Off course, all of these shenanigans only reinforce the fact that it has been the people of Maharashtra, who have lost out the most, and were, in Mencken’s words, “moronic” enough to vote these ingrates into power.

    The writer is a military veteran and consultant with the Observer Research Foundation and a Senior Visiting Fellow with The Peninsula Foundation, Chennai. The views expressed are the author’s own.

  • Addressing Geo-environmental Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region: Setting a Regional Agenda

    Addressing Geo-environmental Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region: Setting a Regional Agenda

    Executive Summary

    • The Indian Ocean region (IOR) is an epicentre for a range of natural hazards. These are increasingly being amplified by a range of climate change-related environmental security threats, many of which have potential strategic consequences.
    • This Insight explores some of the key geoenvironmental challenges faced by the region. It then uses three case studies to explore the complex interactions between environmental and conventional security threats. ◊ The UAE will head the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) from October 2019 to 2021. This Insight will explore ways in which the UAE can play an important regional leadership role by establishing a regional agenda to address geo-environmental challenges.

    Potential initiatives could include:

    • Establishing an Indian Ocean Environmental Security Forum: The UAE could take the lead in sponsoring the establishment of an Indian Ocean Environmental Security Forum that brings together military and civilian agencies and nongovernmental organisation across the region. The objective of the forum would be to create shared understandings on environmental security threats and help establish habits of dialogue in mitigating these threats.
    • Enhanced regional coast guard cooperation: The UAE could join with like-minded partners to create arrangements for dialogue, cooperation and training among Indian Ocean coastguards. This could include ongoing arrangements for professional development of senior coast guard practitioners in the region.
    • Disaster Risk Reduction: The UAE could join with other key states to develop framework disaster management arrangements among key Indian Ocean states with significant capabilities in this area. Such an arrangement could focus on developing pre-existing coordination mechanisms for responding to disasters among the most capable states.
    • Research on fish stocks: The UAE could promote environmental risk assessments by IORA and other relevant agencies of all species of fish in the Indian Ocean, including studies on the potential impact of climate change on these fish stocks.

    Download Full Research Paper

  • Deal or No Deal: The Future of Iran’s Nuclear Agreement

    Deal or No Deal: The Future of Iran’s Nuclear Agreement

    Iran’s nuclear program has been at the epicentre of most non-proliferation narratives since the beginning of 21st century. From the initial stages of receiving nuclear assistance from US to being sanctioned for their nuclear activities, Iran has managed to remain at the centre of this discourse. In 2015, Iran signed the nuclear agreement with the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – the US, Russia, France, China and U.K as well as Germany and the European Union. However, with the arrival of Trump presidency, this deal was reopened by the US and has remained controversial despite a wide consensus that Iran has largely abided by the clauses of the agreement.

    The Iran Nuclear Deal or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is unique for a number of reasons. It is an amalgamation of years of negotiation process between countries of widely differing perceptions and interests. It is the coming together of the western powers with Iran in order to sign a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear programme and ensure non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Over the course of fifty odd years, the series of discourses on Iran’s nuclear programme, since its genesis till the time the deal was signed has evolved significantly. These discourses have impacted and resulted in significant policy changes. Most importantly, it has also led to a process of rapprochement between Iran and the western states making it one of the landmark agreements in recent times. However, the deal also received criticism because the narratives portrayed that Iran got a better deal through lifting of sanctions while its part of the commitment to the non-proliferation requirements was much less.

    Unlike the Obama administration that pushed for the deal, President Donald Trump has been clear about his dislike for the agreement and has been an advocate of how this could possibly be “the worst deal”. Owing to this, Trump unilaterally pulled out of the agreement on May 08, 2018 and stated that he would reimpose sanctions until a better deal could be worked out. While Trump’s decision to undo years of negotiation comes from various factors such as Israeli influence, Iran’s support for Hamas and its role in Syria to name a few, it is also due to the perception of the Republican hardliners that there was not enough pressure put on Iran and that the US managed to get a bad deal out of it, and this remains a large part of Trump’s narrative. The US strategy now is to push for a more hard-line agreement and ensure complete isolation of Iran if it refuse to fall in line. This however, has failed because more than two years later there are still no signs of Iran buckling under US pressure, although the economic impact of sanctions has started to bite.

    Given the situation, there are four possible outcomes that can be observed – First, Iran is likely to play a victim card and protest to the Europeans for compensations against the unilateral sanctions that affect its economy despite Iran abiding to all the terms and conditions of the JCPOA. In another context, this could also push Iran to retaliate by threatening to pursue uranium enrichment and continue operations in its nuclear facilities while preventing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from inspections. Recent announcements by the Iranian government regarding its nuclear enrichment is a clear indication that they are choosing the latter option. Secondly, while the European countries are disappointed with USA’s withdrawal, there are high chances of the deal falling apart purely based on the fact that the European members of P5+1 are strategically and intimately tied to the US through much larger scope of mutual interests. However, the European countries will aim to renegotiate the deal because of the serious security concerns that might come into play if Iran is pushed towards becoming a nuclear power. Thirdly, lack of commitment from the P5+1 countries might force Iran to second guess about its decision to renegotiate a new deal. If Iran decides to abandon the agreement, there exists a high risk of nuclear proliferation in the region. However, this would only lead to further sanctions from the other European countries as well. Therefore, any decision taken by Iran will have to be done taking all these factors into consideration. Finally, Iran’s strategy going forward will largely depend on USA’s strategy and the increasing economic pressure as a result. While Trump has chosen to withdraw from the deal, he has also stated that he is open to further negotiations to ensure a better deal. It is unclear as to what a better deal entails and therefore, Iran will have to play its cards right yet again to not only stop itself from being isolated and ridden with sanctions but to also prevent its own population from revolting against its decisions.

    Another aspect that comes into play with respect to the deal is the role of China and Russia as counter-weights to dealing with US pressure. Along with the European allies, both the countries are against Trump’s decision to leave the nuclear agreement, reintroduce sanctions and renegotiate the deal. Earlier, China and Russia’s involvement remained minimal in the JCPOA. This time around, both the countries won’t allow Iran to be isolated. China and Russia have had historical ties with Iran and therefore, have been reluctant participants in the sanctions regime. However, both the countries will now actively look to counter USA’s unilateral decisions regarding the deal and will support Iran weighing out the consequences.

    Iran is currently amidst domestic protests due to hike in fuel prices and bad economic conditions. Despite being an oil rich country, it is unable to reap the benefits of it through exports, due to sanctions. The Iranian government is exactly in the same situation it was in 2015 (politically and economically) when it signed the JCPOA. Therefore, strategically, this could be the right time for the US to give a window of opportunity to Iran to renegotiate. However, given the circumstances, renegotiating this deal is not at the top of the priority list for any of the countries and therefore, the future of the deal still remains uncertain.

    Looking ahead at the future possibilities

    If the countries come together again at the negotiating table, there are a few things that has to be done differently this time around to ensure that a deal is signed and is followed through. Firstly, a fool-proof clause has to be added in order to ensure that there are no easy exit strategies for any country from the deal. Once the deal is signed, every signatory has to abide by the deal unless there are any violations made by a member country. Secondly, with respect to Iran, the deal should be such that, the benefits of staying in the deal should be far more important than threatening to quit. Thirdly, the P5+1 countries have to ensure that they all have the same goal and approach to the deal rather if they want this deal to succeed. Fourthly, opportunity to improve the nuclear facilities in Iran must be provided but the agreement should be designed to detect and prevent clandestine programs. Finally, any further delay in signing a new deal will only increase Iran’s breakout capabilities which is counter-productive given that it was the need for the deal in the first place. Therefore, the imperative of saving or renegotiating the JCPOA as acceptable to all is never more urgent, particularly in the context of the emerging humanitarian crisis in Iran as a result of back-breaking sanctions.

    Swathi Kallur is a Research Intern with TPF. She holds a master’s in international relations from Symbiosis University, Pune. Views expressed are author’s own.

    Image Credit: Commons.wikimedia.org

  • The Many Faces of Political Islam: Religion and Politics in the Muslim World

    The Many Faces of Political Islam: Religion and Politics in the Muslim World

    Click to Purchase

    Author: Mohammed Ayoob. The University of Michigan Press, 2007, 232 pp.

        One of the major misconceptions about Islam in the modern world, Mohammed Ayoob argues, is that it is a monolithic, inherently violent religion. The purpose of Ayoob’s book, in a nutshell, appears to be to rectify these misconceptions. He elaborates on the diverse nature of Islamist groups that currently exist or have existed in the past, shedding light on the divergent paths taken by them in order achieve their respective ideologies.

        A key argument brought forth is that a number of political groups with strict Islamist ideologies are turning towards pragmatism and opening up to the process of moderation and democratisation. Ayoob, a Distinguished Professor of International Relations at Michigan State University, repeatedly emphasises the importance of context, using meticulous case studies to augment his points. Additionally, he demonstrates how external factors, influences and interferences over the years have shaped the Middle East—specifically how the incomplete and forced process of state-making and nation-building is at the root of the unstable reality in a number of nations today.

    Style & Content

        The Many Faces of Political Islam provides a unique but crucial perspective that remains relevant today. It elucidates aspects commonly ignored by the mass media, and does so in a largely unbiased, objective manner. Ayoob, however, tends to downplay violent tendencies of the Islamist groups he talks about, including Hezbollah and Hamas. One might wonder why, but perhaps this is because it’s an aspect that audiences are already familiar with, having dominated global headlines particularly since 9/11.

        Incidentally, many historical aspects are presented in a summarised manner, such as the events leading up to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, or the characteristics of the Nasser, Sadat and Mubarak regimes and their respective relations with the United States. In this regard, basic knowledge about the region is required. Ayoob’s method of comparing and contrasting, his intricate detailing of the ‘where, when, why and how’ of various political groups and movements that have taken shape in the last couple of centuries further facilitates one’s understanding of the subject.

    Key Themes

        Ayoob states that the nature and intensity of the opposition depends upon and is directly proportional to the degree of repression created by the regimes in place. To reference one of the quotes employed in the book, one by Carrie Rosefsky Wickham: “political openings [even short of democratization] can encourage Islamist opposition leaders to moderate their tactics.” (p. 80, line 38)

        Several essential arguments, such as Islam being a non-monolithic religion, extremist factions being fringe elements whose agendas are only marginal to the pertinent issues that mainstream Islamist groups are concerned with, and how mainstream parties are moving in the direction of moderation and democratisation, are frequently recalled throughout the course of the book.

        Ayoob has produced a comprehensive, easy-to-follow analysis on the enormous diversity in a domain broadly categorised as political Islam. The book exemplifies how authoritative regimes, foreign occupation and external interference in the region have produced varied forms of opposition groups, and raises questions regarding the biased perception of Islam in present-day societies, particularly in the West. Those seeking to gain a nuanced understanding of the subject, as well as those harbouring opposing viewpoints, will find The Many Faces of Political Islam to be an enlightening read.

  • PDC 3: Sustainable Living Practices: Individuals Role in Tackling Climate Change

    PDC 3: Sustainable Living Practices: Individuals Role in Tackling Climate Change

    A semi formal session on recording the ideas of Chennai youth on various sustainable living practices that an individual could undertake. The session began with defining a need for an individual to take part in the process of creating an ecosystem keeping the environment in mind. Firstly, the consumerism thriving on profits was challenged and sustainability as a concept had to take the front seat. To achieve this individuals have to write off the status element attached to adopting a pattern as a consumer. In making awareness among public, there is a lack of relatable factor to any outcome of climate change. State has a much larger role to play in rewarding a sustainable practice and penalizing a business or act that would damage the environment. Mainstreaming of eco friendly products and discouraging corporate that pollute the environment, state has to bridge the science and public in the area of climate change. As individuals, it is important to question state’s inability to maintain an environmental standard.

    Past Event: 30 Nov 2019

  • International River Basin, Regional Cooperation and the aspect of Transboundary Water Conflict

    International River Basin, Regional Cooperation and the aspect of Transboundary Water Conflict

    [sc name=”donte”]

  • Blockchain Technology for Indian Defence Sector : Acquisition Process

    Blockchain Technology for Indian Defence Sector : Acquisition Process

                                                         KEY POINTS

    1. Block chain technology brings in transparency, immutability and accountability which can transform the acquisition process into a very scientific, transparent and efficient system.
    2. The benefits derived from implementing blockchain technology would include elimination of subjectivity, bring in accountability, completely eliminate the role of undue influence and middlemen, and will create a level playing field for all players .
    3. Smart contracts using blockchain technology can ensure efficient compliance and enabling greater auditability and real-time identification of responsibility.

    Introduction

    Blockchain technology has become a popular term today invariably because of the benefits it provides in a P2P (peer-to-peer) network like data immutability, irreversibility, accountability and transparency. It was first used by Satoshi Nakamoto, (a pseudonym of a person or a group of people), founder of bitcoins to prevent backdating and data tampering. Blockchain is an incorruptible, decentralized, digital ledger of transactions that can be programmed to record not only exchange of information. Critically, for information to be exchanged between any two nodes within in a blockchain system, all nodes (or most nodes, depending on the structure) must agree that the exchange of information is legitimate. They do this through a variety of methods; either acting as a recognized trusted party or by solving complex cryptographic problems. Once the exchange is accepted, that exchange is written into a shared copy of a digital ledger that contacts all records of transactions that is effectively unchangeable. The benefits blockchain provides has caught the eyes of a lot of people in the world and are looking forward to implementing this technology in almost all fields like healthcare, automobile, defence, banking, agriculture and so on. Countries like China, Russia, America and South Korea are highly interested in implementing this technology in defence and other sectors. One of the key reasons being this technology optimises business processes effectively wherever it is implemented. This paper focuses on the application of blockchain technology in the Indian defence acquisition process focusing on its advantages in its implementation.

    Analysis

    Blockchain technology is a trust-less architecture. ‘Through crypto-economics, users don’t need to trust in any individual or organisation but rather in the theory that humans will behave rationally when correctly incentivised’. Blockchain in defence acquisition process would be a phenomenal game changer as it would lead to faster and quality decision-making because all the parties in the acquisition process are thoroughly informed and committed. Blockchain offers a more secure record of supply chain management and enables greater auditability and real-time identification of responsibility.  Since blockchain acts as an important tool to take major decisions, it pushes all the nodes (participants like Service Headquarters, DRDO-Defence Research and Development Organisation, HQ IDS, Acquisition Wing of MOD, Defence Finance, and so on) in the network to feed high quality and accurate information in the network. It establishes clarity in the process ensuring clarification of responsibilities to all the nodes in the network.

    The inherent security that stems from the nature of immutability and peer-to-peer characteristics of the blockchain lends itself to some critical applications within defence. Successful exploitation of blockchain is dependent on stringent data governance and quality assurance. Once the data is stored on a blockchain it is immutable, and hence, it forces participants to become quality assured with their data/information prior to storage. Quite naturally, it will bring in a culture of professional diligence, accuracy, and integrity. Blockchain works as an immutable record of transactions that do not require to rely on an external authority to validate the authenticity and integrity of the data/information.

    Smart Contracts:      If blockchain technology is taken up in defence acquisition process, smart contracts become an essential part of it. Smart contracts are a set of computer programs on the blockchain that can automatically execute activities when certain conditions are met. They can be viewed as a normal contract with terms and conditions that is converted to a digital script and stored on the blockchain. Since blockchain works on a distributed decision making model and not a central party that is powered to make all the decisions, the process might get complicated at times. To ease this, smart contracts can automate parts of the process that can overcome this complexity. For example, smart contracts can track the transfer of equipment from the vendor to buyer. Once the buyer receives the equipment as per the conditions given in the smart contract, it will automatically expedite the funds to seal the transaction. Besides, smart contracts can eliminate the problems of delayed compliance or non-compliance to contractual issues and vendors’ propensity to contest penalties, a frequent problem in Indian defence contracts. Blockchain based smart contracts are legally fool-proof and hence, compliance is the only way out.,

    Since defence acquisition process and its inner workings function on a parallel basis to save time, the process could be more optimised if blockchain is effected fully.  The whole process can come under blockchain right from generating an RFI, (where it deals with acquiring information about vendor capabilities and their product features for making better buying decisions) till post-contract management. It is also important to recognise the need to invest in creating significant data-bases that store and process volumes of confidential, operational, and industrial information.

    This information can enable creation of verified and immutable data-base on the nation’s production capacity, indigenous technological status to ultimately enabling the decision on imports vs indigenous development, governed by operational requirements of time and relevance. It will also enable the users (military) to have a better mapping of Indian technological capabilities, resulting in more sound formulation of SQRs. Essentially the RFI process should collate:

    1. Production capabilities inside the country.
    2. Technological expertise available within the country for design and development within the required time frame.
    3. Identifying the solution of acquiring technologies through JV route.
    4. Establishing products and technologies available outside the country in the context of our operational requirements.
    5. Production capabilities outside the country.
    6. Armed forces modernisation requirements for enhancing the war fighting capability.

    All of this can be made a holistic process and come under the purview of blockchain technology, which will optimise the whole procedure bringing in accountability, transparency and data immutability that has been the dire need for a long time.

    The whole acquisition process involves multiple departments and stakeholders that interact through multiple meetings, discussions, brainstorming, and final decisions arrived at. Currently all these are controlled through bureaucratic procedures and centralised control . This classical procedure has given room for any number of accusations, scams, and delayed decisions. Blockchain technology overcomes all of these problems as it is based on innovative automation using AI, complete decentralisation, and the very fact that its structure is based on trust-less architecture. Hence, any decision that is committed to is recorded for posterity, and is immutable, transparent, and irrevocable. More importantly, there will no cases of missing files, no cases of mistaken attributability, and the question of illegal modification is simply impossible. While implementation will have technical challenges, blockchain technology will make the system unquestionably transparent, accountable, and of high integrity.

    Transparency is the biggest strength of the blockchain technology, and any attempt at post event modification or tampering with records, is impossible. This tamper-proof benefit offered by blockchain ensures integrity in the acquisition process resulting in trust amongst the nodes in the network.

    Important details in the selection process can be scrutinised even more effectively, for example:

    1. Company’s financial status
    2. Product features and specifications
    3. Annual report
    4. Past contract dealings and so on

    All of this can be witnessed by all the nodes in the network and a sound and swift decision can be made.

    Private Blockchain Network: While the general or public systems can use the public blockchain, the defence sector will necessarily be using the private blockchain network. A private blockchain is a permissioned blockchain. Permissioned networks place restrictions on who is allowed to participate in the network and in what transactions. It works with revealing the identity, role and organisation of the node before adding them to the concerned network, so one can determine whether the information has to be sent to them or not. This makes the nodes accountable to their actions in the process and any signs of actions by them, which can be detrimental, are easily exposed and corrective actions can be initiated. Where parties are culpable, penal actions can be made swift and effective. This type of blockchain is present in private enterprises for swift and sound decision making and meeting compliance requirements. Private and closed blockchain can be implemented within the procurement committee, who are in charge of making decisions regarding supply chain management and acquisition of products and spares across all ranges.

    Conclusion

                   Blockchain will be a total game changer if implemented in our defence acquisition system. By using blockchain technology teams building decentralised projects can take advantage of its most valuable strength – the ability to reach a shared truth that everyone agrees on without intermediaries or a centralised authority. The chain works as an immutable digital ledger. It is not possible to modify any block without changing the entire chain, this makes it highly valuable in what is often, a highly contested and complex defence domain.

    It is also highly beneficial for defence industries for their own functioning, transparency and efficiency. Recognizing the benefits offered by it, countries like the US, China and South Korea have already initiated the process of implementing blockchain in their respective defence industries. Issues like financial mismanagement, mysterious and anonymous order approvals, inability to track orders in supply chain and so on can easily be eliminated.

    Blockchain technology is seriously being looked at or being implemented by many countries in areas of defence and security, blockchain technology in defence, blockchain for military defence, blockchain for aerospace and defence etc.

    The immutability of blockchains allows all participants involved in the network to be confident in the fact that the data written to them hasn’t been tampered with or changed in anyway and that it will be available and accessible far into the future. India’s entrenched bureaucratic structure and its political culture tends to favour archaic and over-centralised systems for vested interests. Given the nature of India’s challenges in areas of defence modernisation, failure of its control over critical technologies, inefficiencies in its defence industries (both private and public), and a high import-dependency for defence equipment, it is imperative to start with innovative technologies like the blockchain to reform its defence architectures, acquisition system in particular. Political will is necessary to initiate this transformation. With the current Government mandate, modernisation in Indian defence being one of the main objectives, initiating it from the acquisition process would be the way to go about it.

    S Swaminathan is a research analyst with TPF. He holds a masters in Defence and Strategic Studies.

    Image Credit:Photo by André François McKenzie on Unsplash