IISPPR

Category: International Relations

International Relations
Rudrakshi Bisht, Farhat Habibi, Tanu Nagar, Ravinandan Bajpai, Tavneet Kour, and Mahek Agarwal

DIPLOMACY IN CONFLICT REGIONS

ABSTRACT Diplomacy in conflict region’s failure is not measured in policy terms, but in human lives. In volatile zones such as Gaza, Sudan, or Eastern Ukraine, diplomacy transcends quiet negotiations; it becomes an urgent, high-risk pursuit of stability amid violence and fractured authority. One of the central challenges is the absence of a neutral ground. In asymmetric conflicts—where governments, insurgents, and foreign proxies simultaneously claim legitimacy—diplomats confront an ethical dilemma: to engage may risk legitimising violence, yet to disengage may prolong suffering. Sovereignty and humanitarian duty often collide. The 2011 Libya intervention, which began as a humanitarian effort and swiftly turned into regime change, underscores the tension between moral responsibility and political consequence. Impartiality is also fragile. In arenas where great powers support opposing sides—such as Syria or Yemen—diplomatic credibility is compromised, and multilateral institutions like the UN or African Union struggle to mediate with authority. Realpolitik casts a long shadow. Strategic interests—alliances with authoritarian regimes, energy corridors, or migration control—often overshadow human rights, transforming diplomacy into a quiet enabler of instability. Yet history also offers lessons in resilience. Peace-building efforts in Colombia or post-genocide Rwanda highlight the potential of diplomacy when it is inclusive, sustained, and locally grounded. In these fragile contexts, diplomacy must be more than negotiation. It requires moral clarity, cultural fluency, and principled resolve. Diplomats must engage not only with governments but also with the voices of the displaced, the silenced, and the scarred. Ultimately, diplomacy in conflict zones must evolve beyond crisis management. It must become a force for structural transformation—dismantling the systems that sustain violence and rebuilding futures rooted in justice, dignity, and peace.   KEYWORDS: Conflict Diplomacy, Asymmetric Warfare, Humanitarian Intervention, Sovereignty vs Human Rights, Ethical Dilemmas in Diplomacy, and Structural Transformation.   INTRODUCTION In conflict zones, diplomacy is no longer a quiet, behind-the-scenes craft—it becomes a high-stakes mission where words can save lives or deepen wounds. As the world grapples with protracted crises in Gaza, Sudan, Eastern Ukraine, Syria, and beyond, the traditional frameworks of diplomatic engagement are being tested like never before. The boundaries between state and non-state actors blur. Legitimacy is contested. Neutral ground is elusive. In such volatile terrains, diplomacy becomes not just a matter of negotiation, but of survival, ethics, and strategy. This article explores the complex dimensions of diplomacy in conflict regions, where each decision carries profound humanitarian, political, and moral consequences. It examines how diplomats navigate contested sovereignty, asymmetrical warfare, and fractured authority structures—often under pressure from competing global interests. Through real-world cases, it analyses the ethical dilemmas of engagement: when speaking to violent actors risks legitimising them, but silence may mean abandoning the vulnerable. Furthermore, the article interrogates the role of multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and African Union, whose efforts are often constrained by limited authority and geopolitical influence. It explores how realpolitik—strategic alliances, energy dependencies, and migration controls—can distort diplomatic priorities, sometimes at the cost of long-term peace. Yet amid these challenges, the article also highlights pathways forward. Drawing on examples of transformative peace building efforts, it argues that diplomacy in conflict zones must evolve beyond reactive crisis management. It must become a proactive force for structural change—one that listens to the displaced, centre’s justice, and rebuilds war-torn societies with dignity. By tracing the tensions between principle and pragmatism, this article aims to provoke fresh thinking about diplomacy’s role in the world’s most fragile regions—and to imagine a future where diplomacy becomes a genuine instrument of peace.   TYPES OF CONFLICT AREAS AND THEIR UNIQUE CHALLENGES Typologies of conflict zones and their distinct challenges. In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions and internal fractures, understanding the types of conflict zones is essential for developing sustainable peace frameworks. While conflicts often overlap in causes and outcomes, they are commonly categorised as ethnic, ideological, resource-based, territorial, and political. Each presents a distinct set of challenges for policymakers, peace builders, and affected communities.   Ethnic Conflicts Ethnic conflicts stem from historical grievances, cultural exclusion, or contested national identities. Since 1946, nearly 40% of armed conflicts have had ethnic dimensions.¹ South Sudan and the Balkans exemplify how deeply rooted ethnic divisions disrupt state-building and require long-term reconciliation efforts that go beyond ceasefires.   Ideological Conflicts Ideologically driven conflicts are marked by clashes in political, religious, or philosophical beliefs. The Taliban in Afghanistan or ISIS in the Levant illustrate how such rigid ideologies threaten pluralism.² These conflicts resist resolution through military means alone and demand counter-radicalisation, education, and ideological reintegration.   Resource-Based Conflicts Over 45% of civil wars since 1990 have been linked to disputes over natural resources.³ In places like the Niger Delta and the DRC, the struggle over oil or minerals is intensified by environmental degradation, corruption, and foreign exploitation. These dynamics turn local grievances into protracted violence.   Territorial Conflicts Disputes involving borders—such as Kashmir, the South China Sea, or Israel-Palestine—are rooted in sovereignty claims, national identity, and legal ambiguity.⁴ These conflicts often become internationalised, with negotiation complicated by competing historical narratives and strategic interests.   Political Conflicts Political instability frequently emerges in fragile democracies or autocracies. Myanmar’s 2021 coup and Venezuela’s constitutional crisis show how governance failures and power struggles trigger civil unrest and legitimatise institutions.⁵ Restoring trust and accountability in such contexts is a long, delicate process. Therefore, each conflict zone carries unique historical, political, and socioeconomic complexities. Lasting peace cannot emerge from generic solutions; it requires tailored, inclusive strategies that address root causes, not just symptoms. By appreciating the distinctions between conflict types, global actors can better foster durable and just peace.   DIPLOMATIC METHODS USED IN CONFLICTS Diplomacy continues to be one of the pillars of conflict resolution and transformation across the world. Diplomacy involves a range of formal and informal dialogue and negotiations, and efforts to mitigate hostility, promote cooperation and sustain peace in the long-term. Particularly when applied in conflict-ridden areas, like the middle east, sub-saharan Africa and certain areas of South Asia, diplomacy encompasses both formal and informal methods of statecraft and peace-building. The

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Blog
Rudrakshi Bisht, Farhat Habibi, Tanu Nagar, Ravinandan Bajpai, Tavneet Kour, and Mahek Agarwal

CYBERWARFARE AND AI IN DIPLOMACY

ABSTRACT In an era where technological warfare dictates geopolitical power, Cyber Warfare and AI in Diplomacy have become pivotal yet dangerously unregulated domains. The increasing reliance on AI-driven cyber operations, digital espionage, and strategic cyber-attacks has reshaped global diplomacy, yet the absence of legally binding international frameworks leaves nations vulnerable. While world leaders acknowledge the risks, consensus on governance remains elusive, creating a policy vacuum that adversaries continue to exploit. This article examines the evolution of cyber warfare, the integration of AI in statecraft, and the geopolitical implications of cyber conflicts. Through case studies of major cyber incidents, we analyse how nations leverage cyber warfare as a tool of power projection and diplomatic leverage. The research further explores how AI amplifies both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, blurring the lines between warfare and diplomacy. Our methodology is multi-disciplinary, with each team member analyzing distinct aspects—historical evolution, contemporary threats, and policy gaps. By integrating real-world incidents, strategic analyses, and diplomatic challenges, we underscore the urgent need for global AI cybersecurity regulations. The findings suggest that without proactive international cooperation, cyber conflicts will escalate, destabilizing global security and reshaping diplomatic engagement.     KEYWORDS: Cyber Warfare, Digital Diplomacy, Global Security, AI Policy, Cybersecurity, Autonomous Systems, and Conflict Prevention.   INTRODUCTION The emergence of new technologies is largely responsible for the rapid changes in the global security landscape. Among these, governments, organizations, and society around the world are increasingly concerned about cyber warfare. Cyber attacks are a serious threat to infrastructure, national security, and even the balance of power in the world, making what was previously a theoretical or future idea an indisputable reality. In the context of cyber warfare and international relations, artificial intelligence (AI) has become both a tool and a challenge as the complexity and reach of cyber threats increase. The way battles are fought and settled has fundamentally changed as a result of the convergence of AI and cyber warfare. AI is transforming both military and diplomatic tactics with its capacity to process enormous volumes of data, anticipate cyber threats, and even make judgments in real-time.   The lines separating classic combat from contemporary diplomacy are blurring as nation-states and other actors depend more and more on AI-driven systems. AI-powered cyber attacks can now do more than simply take down networks; they are instruments that can change the balance of power in the world and the way countries interact and negotiate with one another. This aim to investigate the expanding importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of diplomacy and cyber warfare, with an emphasis on how it affects security plans and conflict resolution. This article explores how technology is changing the character of diplomacy and conflict, from analyzing important case studies of cyber events to comprehending the moral and legal conundrums raised by AI. We’ll also examine how international organizations like the UN and NATO might address the issues raised by AI’s impact on international security. As we look to the future, understanding how AI will continue to shape both the battlefield and diplomatic discussions is crucial for navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of these emerging trends and their potential implications for the future of international relations and cyber security.     EVOLUTION OF CYBER-WARFARE Cybersecurity has evolved from an experimental field into a cornerstone of global security. In the 1970s, interconnected computing began with ARPANET, revealing vulnerabilities that led to the first self-replicating program, Creeper (1971). Though non-malicious, it prompted the creation of Reaper, the first antivirus. By the 1980s, as personal computing expanded, cyber threats became more sophisticated. The Morris Worm (1988), infecting 10% of the internet, marked a turning point, leading to the establishment of the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). The late 1990s and early 2000s saw cybercrime become organized. The ILOVEYOU virus (2000) exploited email vulnerabilities, infecting millions. The 2000s also witnessed a shift from disruption to financial and geopolitical motives. The SQL Slammer (2003) and Conficker (2008) worms demonstrated large-scale vulnerabilities, while the Stuxnet attack (2010), allegedly by the U.S. and Israel, introduced cyber warfare into physical systems by crippling Iran’s nuclear program. By the 2010s, cyber warfare expanded with the rise of ransomware, AI-driven hacking, and disinformation campaigns. The WannaCry (2017) attack disrupted global infrastructure, while deepfake-driven misinformation fueled cyber fraud, election interference, and identity theft. By the 2020s, cyber threats became more advanced, with AI-powered phishing and autonomous hacking targeting critical sectors, while deepfake technology became a tool for large-scale digital deception. In 2025, quantum computing threatens modern encryption, and AI-driven cyberattacks are increasingly weaponized. Recent incidents, such as the Ukraine Railway Cyberattack (March 2025) and suspected sabotage of Baltic Sea cables (November 2024), signal how cyber warfare is now an essential tool in geopolitical conflicts. As these threats escalate, global cybersecurity strategies must evolve rapidly to counter this new digital battlefield.       AI IN CYBER-WARFARE   The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has triggered a paradigm shift in global security dynamics, particularly in the realm of cyberwarfare. As AI continues to evolve, its applications in digital warfare have become increasingly sophisticated, making both defensive and offensive cyber operations more potent. While AI enhances national security through automated threat detection and response, it also presents unprecedented risks if exploited by malicious actors. The dystopian possibilities of unchecked AI in cyberwarfare have been explored in various academic and literary works. One such notable reference is Martin C. Libicki’s “Cyber deterrence and Cyberwar”, which warns of AI’s potential to escalate digital conflicts beyond human control. The surge in cyberattacks worldwide is a testament to the growing role of AI in warfare. In recent years, nation-state actors and independent hacker groups have employed AI-driven malware, deepfake technology, and automated phishing campaigns to target governments, corporations, and even individuals. The SolarWinds hack and the Colonial Pipeline attack serve as stark reminders of how AI-enhanced cyber threats can cripple critical infrastructure. Additionally, AI-powered bots have been increasingly used in disinformation campaigns, manipulating public opinion

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International Relations
Anto Mariya M M

Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific: Assessing the Role of Key State Actors

Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific: Assessing the Role of Key State Actors Author: Anto Mariya M M Introduction The Indo-Pacific is a maritime region which has become an arena for geopolitical competition. The region has become the contemporary strategic interest of state as well as non-state actors. With the challenges of territorial disputes, IUU fishing and piracy, cooperation for maritime security becomes imperative (Maritime Security – Pacific Forum, 2024). Power politics also play out in the region. Maritime security can mean the strategies adopted to safeguard the maritime infrastructure from vulnerabilities. It encompasses a range of activities aimed at safeguarding maritime assets, ensuring the safety and security of trade routes, and preventing illicit activities at sea (Windward, 2024). Major powers like the USA and China, as well as regional players like India and Japan, have a strategic interest in safeguarding the maritime region of the volatile Indo-Pacific. Even the often-ignored small island and littoral states play an important role. This article examines the roles of different state actors from a broad power spectrum in the region’s maritime security. Role of State Actors United States The United States has the largest military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, sustained by its naval bases and fleets. The US’s presence in the region started primarily as a move to curtail communism in the area during the Cold War (Gopal, 2017). However, the United States’ interests have widened, and so has its naval force in the region. One of its goals in the region is safeguarding important shipping routes in the Indo-Pacific and the free flow of trade supported by its allies. India, Japan and Australia are some of the key partners of the United States in the Indo-Pacific’s security domain. However, the primary target in maritime security of the Indo-Pacific is to tame the Chinese dragon from expanding its territory and influence, mainly in the East and South China Seas. To cut back Beijing’s regional dominance, the US has even encouraged India, another regional player, to take the role of ‘Net Security Provider’. It includes President Donald Trump preferring the term Indo-Pacific over Asia-Pacific in light of China’s expanding politico-military activities. Thus, the United States’ maritime security focus has been to increase regional stability and stop nuclear proliferation and terrorism, including its many other security initiatives. The global power, the USA, conducts the world’s largest international maritime exercise, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. It has also emphasised partnerships such as AUKUS with Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with the democratic nations of Japan, India, and Australia. These military exercises and alliances are also part of the US’s greater role in the Indo-Pacific region. China China’s imperial aspirations of becoming Zhongguo, or the ‘Middle Kingdom’, which refers to being the centre of the world, are still very much present (Air University (AU), 2024). China realises its path to superpower status through regional hegemony. It forms the rationale why China spends a great deal of effort exerting control over the Asia-Pacific, such as its Belt and Road Initiative and its components like the Maritime Silk Road, or making expansive jurisdictional claims in the South China Sea – the Nine-Dash Line. International law, even the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, signed by China, takes a back seat in this matter. This assertion by China has caused the South China Sea to emerge as a flashpoint in the region. Beijing wants to reduce the presence of the United States in the region to a great extent. Oftentimes, the Indo-Pacific has become a stage where the power politics between the USA and China play out. The Chinese want the United States’ military forces, its allies and security partners farther away from its shores. It is the only way they can protect themselves from frequent maritime challenges. Thus, China aims to reach an unassailable strength to have control over the economy and military in the region and extend its global influence. India The adoption of the concept of Indo-Pacific, replacing Asia-Pacific, emphasised a bigger role for India. However, it was initially cautious. Nations like the US wanted India to be part of the security architecture of the region. The assertiveness of China in the Indian Ocean called for India to take a proactive role. In the confluence of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, India’s position and interests in the Indian Ocean overtook the Pacific, unlike the US, Japan and Australia (The Indo-Pacific in Indian Foreign Policy, n.d.). India’s main priorities for involvement in the region are energy security and economic prosperity. It needs to secure sea lanes for its oil imports and trade routes from Maritime threats. To counter the aggressive Chinese behaviour, India engages with like-minded partners through the Quad, BIMSTEC, IORA, and ASEAN forums. New Delhi also endorses the vision of a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific. Thus, India is a regional power with a crucial role to play in the maritime security of the Indo-Pacific region. Japan Japan, a keen player in the Indo-Pacific geopolitical domain, takes up the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) Strategy. It is often overlooked, but Japan plays a crucial role in reducing the small Pacific nations’ reliance on China. Japan aids these small maritime nations in protecting their water with various capacity-building measures. For instance, Japan engages with small island states in the Pacific, such as Fiji, Micronesia, and Palau, to promote their maritime security capability. Tokyo’s initiatives support a rules-based maritime order and help stabilise the Pacific region against external coercion (IPDForum, 2024). Japan also partners with the United States and Australia to secure the sea lanes and strives for the same through initiatives like the Blue Dot Network and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). Japan is thus a key regional power, addressing challenges of illegal fishing and environmental threats and, by and large, fortifying maritime security in the region. Small Maritime States The littoral and island states in the Indian and Pacific oceans are

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International Relations
Sejal Verma

The Complex Relationship Between the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America: Economic ,Political and Strategic Implications for India

The relationship between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States of America (USA) has been intricate and often contentious since the PRC’s establishment in 1949. Following the normalization of relations in the 1970s, this bilateral relationship has been characterized by disputes over Taiwan’s political status, territorial conflicts in the South China Sea, and human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Despite these tensions, the two nations are deeply economically intertwined, accounting for over 44% of global nominal GDP. China holds a significant portion of US Treasury securities, highlighting their financial interdependence. The 2007-2008 financial crisis led to concerns in China regarding US economic volatility, prompting a reevaluation of their investment strategies. As both nations continue to assert their global influence, the dynamic between cooperation and competition will shape international relations in the coming years. Understanding this relationship is crucial for anticipating future geopolitical developments.

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International Relations
Sejal Verma

The Impact of International Relations on the Indian Economy

The article examines the impact of international relations on the Indian economy, focusing on key geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. It highlights the economic implications, including the depreciation of the rupee, trade disruptions, and energy security challenges. The paper also addresses the rise of protectionist policies in Western nations and their effect on India’s trade patterns and capital movements. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for India to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, diversify trade partnerships, and adapt to global changes to ensure sustainable economic growth.

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International Relations
Misha Sheth

Cyber Warfare, the Silent Global Conflict

Cyber warfare poses significant challenges to national security, economic stability, and individual privacy. As technology advances, nations and organizations must stay vigilant against emerging threats. The intersection of cyber warfare and international relations requires cooperation and diplomacy to establish norms and prevent conflicts. The private sector plays a crucial role in cyber defense, and governments must work together to address the complexities of cyber warfare and protect critical infrastructure.

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Blog
Srijan Vishwakarma

Intellectual property rights in the Digital age

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed the landscape of intellectual property rights (IPR), presenting both new opportunities and unprecedented challenges. This study delves into the evolution of IPR in the digital age, focusing on key domains such as copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. It examines how digital innovations have altered traditional IP protection mechanisms and enforcement strategies. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and digital rights management (DRM) systems has introduced both sophisticated protection mechanisms and new threats, including large-scale digital piracy, unauthorized content distribution, and the complexities of AI-generated intellectual assets. The paper addresses the global implications of IPR enforcement in an interconnected digital economy, highlighting jurisdictional conflicts, cross-border infringement issues, and the role of international regulatory frameworks.

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International Relations
Misha Sheth

Sudan’s Crisis: The World’s Forgotten Tragedy

Sudan’s prolonged crisis has spawned a devastating humanitarian disaster, with over 25 million people in need of aid. The conflict has unleashed widespread violence, ethnic atrocities, and human rights abuses, including reports of rape and mass displacement. Despite efforts by international organizations and governments, the situation remains dire, with critical infrastructure collapsing, inflation soaring, and economic slowdown exacerbating the suffering.

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International Relations
Rupal Gurjar

Water as a Geopolitical Weapon: Climate Change, the Brahmaputra River, and Arctic Tensions

Climate change is exacerbating global water disputes, turning water into a strategic asset in geopolitical conflicts. This study examines two critical case studies: the Brahmaputra River and the Arctic. The Brahmaputra, shared by China, India, and Bangladesh, is increasingly contested due to dam construction, shifting hydrology, and the lack of a binding water-sharing agreement. Meanwhile, in the Arctic, melting ice is transforming previously inaccessible waters into new trade routes and resource frontiers, intensifying global competition. These cases highlight how climate-induced water scarcity and accessibility shifts are reshaping international relations, underscoring the need for cooperative water governance and sustainable policy responses.

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International Relations
Mansi Mansi

India’s role in African Union Growth

India and Africa share a historic bond that has evolved into a dynamic development partnership. Through collaboration in agriculture, health, education, renewable energy, and infrastructure, India supports Africa’s progress while aligning with Agenda 2063. Despite challenges like political instability, corruption, and China’s growing influence, India remains a key partner in Africa’s pursuit of sustainable development and regional integration.

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