The South Asian region currently faces a multitude of challenges to its strategic stability due to the complex geopolitical landscape. The chain of influence in this region involves major players at various levels, making it difficult to maintain a balance of power and prevent potential conflicts. Without effective crisis communication mechanisms, stability remains fragile.
At the forefront of this chain are the United States and China, both with significant interests in the region and exerting substantial influence on other players. India, situated in the middle, is one of the world's fastest-growing economies and has made substantial investments in defense modernization, positioning itself as a dominant regional player. Pakistan, at the tail end of the strategic chain, plays a pivotal role and bears the consequences of India's and other regional powers' defense modernization measures.
The second-order effects of this chain of influence have serious implications for the region's strategic stability, demanding urgent attention. Strategic stability in South Asia is no longer determined solely by the India-Pakistan relationship but by the quadruple nuclear dynamics of the strategic chain. Given the complex geopolitical landscape and evolving security dynamics, a comprehensive approach is necessary to reassess nuclear responsibilities in the region.
The intricate geopolitical landscape and evolving security dynamics in South Asia necessitate a careful reevaluation of strategic stability, emphasizing effective crisis communication and a comprehensive approach to address the region's challenges.
Speaker
Prof. Dr. Rabia Akhtar is Dean Faculty of Social Sciences at University of Lahore. A Professor of International Relations, she is the founding Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy and Policy Research and also of the School of Integrated Social Sciences at the University of Lahore. Dr. Akhtar has a PhD in Security Studies from Kansas State University. She holds Masters degrees in International Relations from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University, USA.
Dr. Akhtar's scholarly pursuits have revolved around key areas such as South Asian nuclear security, deterrence dynamics, media in the age of deep fakes and disinformation, nuclear weapons, AI and emerging technologies, Pakistan's foreign policy and national security imperatives, as well as regional and international security issues. She has authored a book titled, 'The Blind Eye: U.S. Non-proliferation Policy Towards Pakistan from Ford to Clinton', which showcases her expertise in the field. Moreover, she serves as the Editor of Pakistan Politico, Pakistan's pioneering magazine on strategic and foreign affairs.
Not only has Dr. Akhtar made significant contributions to academia, but she has also played a vital role in shaping foreign policy as a member of Prime Minister Imran Khan's Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2022. She is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the South Asia Center, Atlantic Council, Washington DC. Dr. Akhtar serves as a visiting faculty at the NATO Defence College, Rome, the NPIHP Nuclear Bootcamp, Rome and ISODARCO, Andalo, Italy.
