Decoding Strength, Exposing Dragon: How Real is China's Military Power? Part-I

This is a two part article. The first part focuses on the current state of China's military capabilities while also exposing the vulnerabilities undermining its strategic ambitions. 

The age-old adage coined by Deng Xiaoping, "hide your capabilities, bide your time," appears to have subtly evolved into a contemporary mantra: "show your capabilities, let everyone speculate." This paradigm shift was strikingly evident in the recent alleged unveiling of China’s elusive sixth-generation fighter jet, purportedly the first of its kind in the world.

ABHISEK PANI

Is Islamic State Bengal Province in the Making? The Caliphate’s Lingering Shadow over Bangladesh

March 11, 2025

Recent jihadist propaganda materials from the so-called Al-Bengal Media, a seemingly unofficial Islamic State mouthpiece, suggest an intensified ideological push to establish a wilayat (province) in Bengal. These efforts, rooted in IS's broader ambitions to maintain its global foothold despite territorial losses in Iraq and Syria, warrant a closer examination. Is an Islamic State Bengal truly in the making, or are these just remnants of a dwindling jihadist movement struggling to stay relevant?

Poster Propaganda: A Renewed Push?

ANIMESH ROUL

The Antarctic Programme: Advancing India’s Geostrategic and Scientific Footprint in the White Continent

India's foray into Antarctic geopolitics began in 1955–56 with “The Antarctic Question,” marking the country's official intervention under then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. As historian Sarvepalli Gopal observed, Nehru’s geopolitical vision was rooted in advocating world peace and fostering solidarity among post-colonial nations, positioning India as a diplomatic force on global platforms traditionally dominated by Western powers.

SHREYA DASH

Moral Policing, Public Floggings, and the Decline of Girls' Education in Taliban ruled Afghanistan

Since the Taliban's return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has faced a sharp decline in human rights, with women and minorities bearing the brunt of repression. The Taliban’s enforcement of moral policing, public floggings, and the systematic dismantling of girls' education reflects their rigid interpretation of Sharia law despite global condemnation. This article examines the impact of these policies on Afghan society, particularly women and girls while highlighting the Taliban’s justification through religious edicts.

ANIMESH ROUL

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s Violent Surge: Mergers, Attacks, and the Future of Militancy in Pakistan in 2025

February 04, 2025

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the leading jihadist group targeting the Pakistani state, has escalated its violent operations in 2024 and early 2025. The group's resurgence has been facilitated by its sanctuaries in Afghanistan, support from local militant factions, access to sophisticated arms and ammunition and last but not least, ideological and spiritual backing from the Afghan Taliban emirate.

ANIMESH ROUL