The Summer 2025 issue of Strategic Perspectives presents timely and thought-provoking analyses on strategic and security issues, with a continued emphasis on South Asia. This edition explores five key themes: military modernization, hybrid warfare, arms control, populism in the digital age, and regional diplomacy under shifting geopolitical alignments.

The first article, “India’s Military Modernization andIits Implications for Regional Security,” examines India’s ambitious military upgrades and their impact on the regional balance of power. Under the BJP-led government, India has prioritized modernization across all service branches, investing in both conventional and emerging technologies, including space and disruptive systems. Using the framework of Offensive Realism, the paper analyzes how India’s strategic trajectory, driven by a desire for regional dominance, affects Pakistan’s defense posture and contributes to a widening asymmetry in conventional forces. The study also assesses how Pakistan, through its Full Spectrum Deterrence strategy, attempts to preserve stability in the face of India’s evolving doctrines.

The second article, “New Media as a Tool of Hybrid Warfare: Analyzing Pakistan’s Case,” investigates how social and digital media platforms are being employed in hybrid warfare strategies. With widespread access to mobile technology and the internet, Pakistan faces growing vulnerabilities to information manipulation, disinformation campaigns, and narrative warfare. The paper offers examples of how New Media has been used against Pakistan to influence public perception and destabilize internal cohesion. It argues for a national strategy to enhance resilience and develop capabilities to counter emerging digital threats.

In the third article, “Arms Control Beyond New START: Challenges and Prospects in a Multipolar World,” the author explores the uncertain future of arms control following the scheduled expiration of the New START Treaty in 2026. As the last remaining major arms control framework between the U.S. and Russia, its expiry signals a potential collapse of the post-Cold War arms control architecture. The study reviews past bilateral agreements and highlights the growing need for multilateral cooperation in an increasingly multipolar world where major powers pursue qualitative and quantitative improvements in their arsenals. It emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust and diplomatic engagement to prevent strategic instability.

The fourth article, “Rise of Populism in the Post-Truth Era: Case Study of the Modi Regime,” offers a critical reflection on the transformation of Indian politics under Prime Minister Modi. The author examines the rise of populist rhetoric and the strategic use of New Media to mobilize support, suppress dissent, and advance the BJP-RSS narrative. The paper connects these developments to growing societal polarization and the spread of anti-minority and anti-Pakistan narratives, situating them within broader global trends of post-truth politics.

The final article, “Forging New Frontiers: India-GCC Engagement under Act West Policy and Implications for Pakistan,” analyzes India’s expanding engagement with Gulf countries. Driven by economic interests and strategic calculations, India’s growing footprint in the Gulf challenges Pakistan’s traditional ties in the region. The paper assesses how these developments affect Pakistan’s diplomatic leverage, particularly regarding the Kashmir issue, and calls for a recalibrated foreign policy to adapt to evolving regional dynamics.

This issue offers valuable insights into the shifting contours of regional and global security, equipping scholars and policymakers with tools to navigate complex strategic realities.