South Asia Region
2023 Air Command and Staff College Seminar
On 12 July 2023, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA Center) hosted approximately 90 students and faculty from the Air Command and Staff College. The group was briefed at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. by NESA Center Professor Dr. Gawdat Bahgat on security...
2023 Air War College International Officer Seminar
On 23 June 2023, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA Center) hosted 54 international fellows and faculty from the Air War College. The students were briefed at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. by NESA Center Academic Dean Dr. Roger Kangas on the Security...
2023 Dynamics of Countering Human Trafficking in South Asia and the Gulf Seminar
From 22– 25 May 2023, the NESA Center conducted a seminar titled “Dynamics of Countering Human Trafficking in South Asia and the Gulf.” The four-day seminar was held in Muscat, Oman. It was designed to help participants assess, analyze, and identify opportunities to effectively counter...
2023 NESA-IISS South Asia Security Forum
From 10–12 March 2023, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies and its partner, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), co-hosted the 7th annual South Asia Security Forum in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. The NESA Center team Distinguished Professor Hassan...
2023 Royal Jordanian National Defense College Strategic Leadership Seminar
From 21–30 August 2023, the NESA Center conducted the “Perspectives on Strategic Leadership Seminar” with students and faculty of the Royal Jordanian National Defense College (RJNDC) in Amman, Jordan. Seminar content and instruction was led by NESA Center Associate Dean Charles Marks and...
2023 Silk Road Future Leaders Seminar
From 22–26 May 2023, the NESA Center for Strategic Studies hosted an informative Silk Road Future Leaders Seminar focused on the theme “Strategic Competition in Central and South Asia.” The seminar brought together the next generation of young military officers, diplomats, and...
Air War College Seminar – Washington Program
On 23 June 2022, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA Center) hosted 52 international fellows and faculty from the Air War College at Fort McNair in Washington, DC. The students were briefed by NESA Center Professor Dr. Gawdat Bahgat and NESA Center Academic Dean Dr....
Combating Transnational Threats Senior Executive Seminar (CTSES): “Emerging Security Platforms in the Digital Age"
From 11–15 September 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a Combating Transnational Threats Senior Executive Seminar (CTSES) titled “Emerging Security Platforms in the Digital Age” held in Washington, D.C. [[{"fid":"473871","view_mode":"...
Countering Violent Extremism and the Role of Community Policing Seminar
From 10–14 July 2023, in Washington, D.C., the NESA Center for Strategic Studies hosted a seminar titled “Countering Violent Extremism and the Role of Community Policing: Best Practices.” The seminar was designed to help participants...
Countering Violent Extremism and the Role of Community Policing: Best Practices 2024 Program
From 28 January – 1 February 2024, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a program in Kathmandu, Nepal, titled “Countering Violent Extremism and the Role of Community Policing: Best Practices.” The seminar was designed to help...
Executive Seminar: Strategic Competition and Regional Cooperation
From 4–15 December 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted the Executive Seminar (ES): “Strategic Competition and Regional Cooperation.” Throughout the two-week virtual event, the NESA Center hosted representatives from all over the world to discuss...
Maldives Roundtable at the NESA Center
On 28 July 2023, Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies Acting Director COL David Lamm, USA (Ret.) and Academic Dean Dr. Roger Kangas welcomed Ambassador Ghafoor Mohamed, Ambassador of the Maldives to the United States, and...
Nepal Ambassador and Defense Attaché Engagement with the NESA Center
On 7 December 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies Acting Director COL David Lamm, USA (Ret.) and Academic Dean Dr. Roger Kangas hosted Nepal’s Ambassador Sridhar Khatri and Defense Attaché Brigadier Bhuwan Satyal, at NESA Center offices for discussions on...
NESA Center Roundtable Discussion with the Indian Institute of Public Administration
On 6 February 2024, five NESA Center faculty members held a seminar discussion at NESA Center offices in Washington, D.C., with two faculty members and twelve students from the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) regarding current and emergent policy issues in South...
NESA-AFRICOM 2023 Workshop Series and NESA Center Women, Peace, and Security E-Book Release
From 29 April – 6 May 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies, in partnership with U.S. Africa Command, held three back-to-back workshop series in Bangkok, Thailand, for senior government and civilian security experts and a “whole of society” approach from 24...
NESA-AFRICOM Transnational Threats Part II/II: A Look at Shared Illicit Activities – Illegal Mining, Cultural Smuggling, and Wildlife Crime Online Roundtable
On 4 October 2023, NESA Center Professor Anne Moisan and Academic Specialist Fahad Malaikah conducted the “Transnational Threats: A Look at Shared Illicit Activities – Illegal Mining, Cultural Smuggling, and Wildlife Crime” online roundtable, the last in the series of in-person...
NESA-IISS Southern Asia Security Conference in Oman
In partnership with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the NESA Center for Strategic Studies held the 16th annual NESA–IISS Southern Asia Security Conference in Oman from 13–15 October 2023. NESA Center Dean Dr. Roger Kangas and Professors Dr. Hassan Abbas and John...
Quadrilateral Critical and Emerging Technology Forum
From 16–18 August 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies, the Pacific Forum, and Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) hosted the Quadrilateral Critical and Emerging Technology Forum in San Diego,...
Security Trends and Challenges in South Asia
From 28–30 August 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies, in partnership with the Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs (BCIPA) Department of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University, hosted a Strategic Studies Network (SSN) seminar...
Silk Road Future Leaders Seminar: Emerging Regional Challenges
From 15–18 August 2022, the NESA Center hosted an informative Silk Road Future Leaders Seminar focused on the theme “Emerging Regional Challenges.” The virtual seminar brought together the next generation of young military officers, diplomats, and academics from South and Central Asia...
The Security Nexus | Webinar: Power Play in South Asia
Join us for the Security Nexus | Webinar, “Power Play in South Asia,” featuring esteemed guest Professor Shyam Tekwani and host Professor James Minnich. Explore the intricate geopolitical landscape of South Asia. Our discussions will delve into post-election dialogues, India’s regional...
January–February 2024 NESA Center Update
Read our latest report that highlights recent NESA Region cyber trends, programs & events, faculty & staff engagements, alumni contributions, and upcoming events. Click the link below to view the report. Read the Latest Report [PDF] Read other NESA Center Reports...
2023 Legatum Prosperity Index
On 27 February 2023, the Legatum Institute published the 16th edition of the Legatum Prosperity Index. The Legatum Prosperity Index is a tool for transformation, offering a unique insight into how prosperity is forming and evolving across the world. Leaders around the world can use it to help set...
Alumni Publication: "2 Years of Structural Violence and Humanitarian Crisis Under the Taliban" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
On 16 August 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D’Souza's Op-Ed "2 Years of Structural Violence and Humanitarian Crisis Under the Taliban." "Since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, the Taliban have entrenched themselves in power and common Afghans have been...
Alumni Publication: "2024: What to Expect in Afghanistan" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza recently authored a piece on what to expect in Afghanistan in 2024, which was published in The Diplomat magazine's 110th issue cover story, "2024: What to Expect in the Asia-Pacific," on 1 January 2024. The January 2024 issue identifies major...
Alumni Publication: "A Compulsive Embrace Beneath the Afghanistan-Iran Water Conflict" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
On 31 May 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D’Souza's article "A Compulsive Embrace Beneath the Afghanistan-Iran Water Conflict." D'Souza argues that "Kabul and Tehran have conflicting claims over the Helmand river’s water, but other mutual interests...
Alumni Publication: "Afghanistan Left Out of Global Climate Change Conversation" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
On 19 December 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's article, "Afghanistan Left Out of Global Climate Change Conversation." "Afghanistan under the Taliban was once again shunned from the COP28 climate change conference," writes D'Souza. Read...
Alumni Publication: "Al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan: Information Blackhole and Strategic (Mis)communication" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
On 05 July 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D’Souza's article "Al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan: Information Blackhole and Strategic (Mis)communication." "U.S. and U.N. estimates about al-Qaida’s strength and position in Afghanistan differ. Sorting...
Alumni Publication: "Amid Reports on Chinese Expansion of Bases, Sri Lanka Unveils SOP: Need for a Reality Check?" by Asanga Abeyagoonasekera
On 11 September 2023, the Institute for Security and Development Policy published NESA Center alum Asanga Abeyagoonasekera's policy brief titled "Amid Reports on Chinese Expansion of Bases, Sri Lanka Unveils SOP: Need for a Reality Check?" ABSTRACT: India has realized it cannot...
Alumni Publication: "An Iranian Reversal on Afghan Refugees" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
On 14 November 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's article "An Iranian Reversal on Afghan Refugees." "The difference between the deportation policies targeting Afghans in both Pakistan and Iran is the noise surrounding these efforts," writes...
Alumni Publication: "ANALYSIS: India’s Central Asia Outreach: Countering China’s Expanding Footprint" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza and Bibhu Prasad Routray
On 30 October 2023, Mantraya published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D’Souza's analysis "India’s Central Asia Outreach: Countering China’s Expanding Footprint," which she co-authored with Bibhu Prasad Routray. ABSTRACT: For the past couple of years, India has used several...
Alumni Publication: "ANALYSIS: Pakistan’s deepening woes in Balochistan" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza and Bibhu Prasad Routray
On 20 July 2023, Mantraya published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's co-authored analysis on "Pakistan's deepening woes in Balochistan." "Pakistan is facing an uphill task in Balochistan. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is expanding its influence into the restive province...
Alumni Publication: "Analyzing Air Connectivity, Air Diplomacy, and National Security in Sri Lanka-India Relations" by Charani Patabendige
The Sri Lanka Air Force recently published NESA Center alumna Charani Patabendige's paper, "Analyzing Air Connectivity, Air Diplomacy, and National Security in Sri Lanka-India Relations," in its Journal of Colombo Air Symposium 2023. Abstract: Indo-Sri Lanka relationships date back...
Alumni Publication: "Boats of Bengal: The United States Must Step Up" by Commander Kevin Duffy
In July, the U.S. Naval Institute's Proceedings Magazine published the article "Boats of Bengal: The United States Must Step Up" by NESA Center alum Commander Kevin Duffy, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired). Duffy writes that there is an "urgent need for change in the Bay of Bengal...
Alumni Publication: "Can India and the United States Bridge the Climate Gap?" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
On 13 April 2024, The National Interest published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's article, "Can India and the United States Bridge the Climate Gap?". "Both India and the United States have set ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy," writes D'Souza...
Alumni Publication: "China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Taliban’s Economic Dreams" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
On 19 October 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's article "China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Taliban’s Economic Dreams." "The specter of insecurity in Afghanistan has been replaced by a lack of governance and widespread incompetence. Investors...
Alumni Publication: "Fragility in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, Expanding China’s Geopolitical Ambition" by Asanga Abeyagoonasekera
On 7 December 2023, the NESA Center for Strategic Studies published NESA Center alum Asanga Abeyagoonasekera's article "Fragility in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, Expanding China’s Geopolitical Ambition." "Does fragility matter in geopolitics? Does China exploit fragility in vulnerable...
Alumni Publication: "Hobson’s Choice for India in Taliban-Held Afghanistan" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
On 19 September 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D’Souza's latest Op-Ed "Hobson’s Choice for India in Taliban-Held Afghanistan." "When it comes the question of engaging with the Taliban, New Delhi favors a cautious middle path," writes D’...
Alumni Publication: "Impasse at Torkham: Pakistan’s Border Closure a Pressure Tactic on the Taliban" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
On 20 January 2024, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's article, "Impasse at Torkham: Pakistan’s Border Closure a Pressure Tactic on the Taliban." "Pakistan is leveraging the border as a tool of pressure to secure its political interests vis-a-...
Alumni Publication: "Indus Waters Treaty: Looking Back, Looking Ahead" by Uttam Kumar Sinha
On 21 September 2023, NatStrat published NESA Center alum Uttam Kumar Sinha's article "Indus Waters Treaty: Looking Back, Looking Ahead." "The best option for India is to fulfill the IWT’s [Indus Waters Treaty] provisions, particularly on the western rivers. The Treaty allows storage...
Alumni Publication: "Let’s March Onward, All as One" by Charani Patabendige
On 21 June 2023, Ceylon Today published NESA Center alumna Charani Patabendige's latest Op-Ed "Let’s March Onward, All as One" on preventing extremism in Sri Lanka and using diversity as a tool. "...diversity paves the way towards empathy which will prevent extremist...
Alumni Publication: "Managing Dissent Within: The Taliban Way" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
The chronic failure of governance and unyielding attachment to regressive values notwithstanding, the Taliban’s hold over Afghanistan appears to be consolidated. Initial hopes that the Taliban 2.0 would be a different species have been belied. Even the anticipation that a contestation between the...