February 22, 2007
992
By Centre for Land Warfare Studies |
General On behalf of Indian Army, CLAWS had organized a two-day international level seminar on the topic “Emerging World Order: Implications for the Security Calculus of the Extended South Asian Region” on 22 and 23 February 2007 at USI Auditorium. Besides a large number of serving and retired military officers; defence and security analysts, academicians and media; foreign delegates and participants from 25 foreign countries attended the event. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the President of India, had inaugurated the Seminar on 22 Feb 2007. Objectives The seminar was held with the following objectives in mind: - (a) To obtain an insight into broader perceptions at international/ regional levels relating to the emerging world order and its effects on the security environment of the extended South Asian region. (b) The extent and delineation of the countries which should legitimately be part of the extended South Asian Region. (c) Projection of India’s concerns about the vulnerability of the extended South Asian Region to developing power and economic equations in the world as well as in Asia. (d) The dynamics of regional and global changes on the region, especially at the multi-lateral and bi-lateral levels. (e) The positive role that the defence forces of India, as well as other militaries of the region can play in building a peaceful and stable region. (f) To strengthen government to government and military to military cooperation in tackling present day and futuristic threats and challenges to security. Participation Participation was both from Indian delegates and those from friendly foreign countries. The friendly foreign countries that were represented were as follows: - (a) Asia: Afghanistan,Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakastan,Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Russia, Sri;anka, Thailand and Turkey and (b) Africa:Botswana, Egypt and Nigeria and (c) America’s:Brazil and Chile and (d) Europe:France, Germany and the United Kingdom and
(e) Australia. Of the above, the following foreign delegates were participants in the Plenary Sessions: - (a) Australia. Dr. Russell Parkin, research scholar at the Department of International Relations, (b) China. Dr Du Youkang, Professor at (c) Japan. Dr Masahiro Akiyama, Director of Ocean Policy Research Foundation, (d) Russia. Lt Gen Oleg Latypov, from the Russian Army Headquarters, (e) Turkey. (f) Dr P Saravanamuttu, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives from Colombo (Sri Lanka) was scheduled to make a presentation, but could not attend the seminar on account of changes in flight schedules. The other foreign delegates (all serving officers) were as under: -
(a) Col Sayed Abdul Karim – Afghanistan. (b) Maj Gen Sina Ibn Jamali AWC, psc – Bangladesh. (c) Col Kesang Dorji, DT DK – Bhutan. (d) Col B G Addenes – Botswana. (e) Col Luiz Ramos – Brazil. (f) Col Carlos Oryan Burotto – Chile. (g) Brig Gen Mohsen Mohamed Afifi – Egypt. (h) Col Jean-Sebastian Travernier – France. (i) Col Zudrop Reinhardt – Germany. (j) Brig Gen Pramono Edhie Wibowo – Indonesia. (k) Brig Gen Anshory Tadjudin – Indonesia. (l) Col Albert Makhameto – Kazakhstan. (m) Brig Gen Dato’ Razali Bin Hj Ahamad – Malaysia. (n) Col Kyaw Myo Htut – Myanmar. (o) Maj Gen Sharad Kumar Neupane – Nepal. (p) Brig Gen Ashimiyu Adebayo Olaniyi – Nigeria. (q) Brig Majid Bin Hilal Al Ismaili – Oman. (r) Col Sergey V Verkovich – Russia. (s) Brig VUB Nanayakkara – Sri Lanka. (t) Col Kamchai Wongsri – Thailand. (u) Col Hugh Geoffrey Robert Boschawen – United Kingdom. Key Note Addresses Two key note addresses had been planned, one on each day of the seminar. The Key Note Address on the first day was by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar, Minister for Panchayti Raj, Youth Affairs & Sports and DONER on the topic ‘The Role can play in Shaping the Future World Order’. Unfortunately, this had to be cancelled, as the minister had to move out of Sessions The Seminar was held over four sessions with two sessions being held on each day. There was a different theme for each day. Details of themes, subjects and analysts are at Appendix ‘A’. Inaugural Session. The inaugural session was held on 22 Feb 2007. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the President of India was the Chief Guest. Shri A K Antony, the Raksha Mantri and Gen JJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) were the guests of honour. In his opening address, the COAS highlighted the importance of the subject, not only for but for all countries of the region, as well as the world. He stated that the South Asian region extended beyond Issues Discussed During Plenary Sessions. Uni-polarity versus Multi-polarity. There was a consensus on the underlying theme of the seminar that the existing world order is in a state of flux and that changes are on the horizon. The distinguished speakers provided their varying prognosis on the directions these changes may take, in terms of emergence of a uni-polar, a-polar, non-polar or multi-polar world order. During the discussions on the first day, a point was put forth on the possibility of ‘regional uni-polarity’ and its inter-play with other power centres in the context of ‘global multi-polarity’. There was also agreement amongst all that amongst the host of factors which will dictate or influence these changes, the more important ones would be the emergence of new powers, resurgence of old powers like , the power equations that these may generate on the global stage, and most importantly, the way responds to such changes. Asia-Pacific Region-the Centre of Gravity of the Emerging World Order. Many speakers brought out that in the coming decades, Asian nations will be the harbingers of change in the global order. Both nation states as well as groups of nations in other regions and continents will cast their shadows on various aspects of the global shift. However, Asian nations are likely to lead this global shift, because on account of many important reasons the centre of gravity of the world is shifting to Restructuring of the United Nations. The United Nations has passed through many tests and tribulations in its nearly 67 years of existence. In the initial years, it contributed positively to the shaping of a new global order, especially during the post-colonial era. It also played a prominent role in diffusing many conflict like situations in many parts of the world, as well as in the formulation of many important Treaties. However, there have been some disquieting developments in recent years, which have exposed deep divisions within its members. Participants and delegates agreed on the urgent need for restructuring the United Nations and making it more broad-based, so that the representation of rising economies like , in policy making, is commensurate with its population, numbers and size. Impact of a Rising China. The impact of a rising on the regional and global contours was voiced by many delegates. It was emphasized that the need was for a better understanding of , along with more focused engagement with it. The multi-dimensional interplay between China and India requires that the two rapidly developing and transforming nations need to emerge together in an atmosphere of symbiotic growth. The emphasis needs to be on the positives of cooperation, which far outweigh the negatives of confrontation. Impact of Global War on Terrorism. The evident lack of consensus on finding a common definition for terrorism is being exploited by some to justify the use of terrorism on the adage ‘one man’s terrorist being another man’s freedom fighter’. This is disconcerting, considering the number of innocent lives that have been lost world-wide to terrorists attacks. It has been amply proved time and again that those who try to take support from terrorism finally end up being targeted by it. There was a strong consensus that terrorism and terrorists, in all their forms and manifestations, are a scourge on human society and this threat can only be eradicated by collective and cooperative approaches. The phrase “global terrorism” is now used quite frequently, but for countries like and a few others, terrorism and insurgency are not new. We have been fighting terrorism and its latest ‘avatar’ proxy war for decades now. Resultantly, the Indian Army is perhaps the most experienced Army in counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations today. Energy Security. The tremendous importance of West and Economic Issues. Globalisation and modern technology have brought out new options, which could not be envisaged before. There is a need for all countries to realise that fresh initiatives for regional, economic and political cooperation need to be undertaken, so that the opportunities presented by the emerging situation are not missed. The cooperative processes provide an excellent opportunity for exchange of views and promotion of greater understanding of each other’s security concerns and perspectives on various other issues. Such initiatives will ensure free flow of trade, commerce, people, goods and ideas, which would result in effective understanding and inter-connectivity of various sub-regions of the extended South Asian region. Valedictory Session The Valedictory Address on 23 Feb 2007 was delivered by Gen JJ Singh, the COAS. He complimented the panelists and participants for their outstanding presentations and valuable contributions for the success of the seminar. He stated that the significance and relevance of the subject was aptly underscored by the overwhelming response in terms of the large span of representation from all over the globe and the active interaction, which was so evident during the conduct of the seminar. The COAS emphasised that issues which are critical to the security of the region must be seen in tandem with issues impacting on economic prosperity. He further brought out that economic cooperation between nations often precedes security cooperation. Thus, the emphasis should initially be on economic and political cooperation. Security cooperation would thereafter follow. The COAS conveyed his gratitude and best wishes of the Indian Army to all the delegates and all other participants, who participated in this seminar. He particularly thanked our friends from abroad, who so positively responded to our request to participate. Miscellaneous Aspects Response. Responses received from some delegates, after the seminar are at Appendix ‘B’. Publicity. Special efforts were made to spread awareness of the seminar, both in New Delhi, within and outside the country. Advance intimation by letters was sent within and outside the Army to include Headquarters Commands and Corps, other service headquarters, integrated defence headquarters, training establishments, think tanks, defence analysts, academicians, diplomats and the media. Besides advertising in newspapers, hoardings were also placed at prominent roads. Relevant copies are at Appendix ‘D’. Seminar Material. All delegates were given the following set of documents, at the commencement of the seminar; a copy of each is enclosed: (a) Seminar Papers. (b) Additional Seminar Papers. (c) Brochure of CLAWS. (d) Brochure of New Delhi. Conclusion The deliberations over the two days of the seminar definitely led to a better understanding of view-points on the subject and emphasized the need for a collective and cooperative appraisal and approach towards security issues. It also provided valuable inputs into connected aspects, which will enable further studies and research to be undertaken in future. Appendix A DETAILS OF THEMES, SUBJECTS AND ANALYSTS 1. The seminar was held over four sessions with two sessions being held on each day. The theme for the first day was “Emerging World Order: Global Aspects”. The details of the seminars are as follows: - Session I. The theme for session I was “ (i) Paper I: “Recent shifts in Global Order – A Holistic Approach” was presented by Lt Gen VR Raghavan, UYSM, AVSM. (ii) Paper II: “Transition from a Uni-polar to a Multi-polar World: Impediments and Expectations” was presented by Ambassador Prakash Shah. (iii) Paper III: “Asia Pacific Region – The Centre of Gravity of the Emerging World Order” was presented by Professor Du Youkang from China. (iv) Paper IV: “A Geo-strategic Overview of the Extended South Asian Region” was presented by Col Harjeet Singh. (v) Discussant. Maj Gen Dipankar Banerjee was the discussant for this session. Session II. The theme for session II was “Specialised Aspects: An Analysis”. The panel chairman for this session was Vice Admiral KK Nayyar. (i) Paper I: “Effectiveness of the United Nations” was presented by Lt Gen Satish Nambiar, PVSM, AVSM, VrC. (ii) Paper II: “Impact of Global War on Terrorism” was presented by Dr Russell Parkin from Australia.
(iii) Paper III: “The Nuclear Paradigm – Validity as a Currency of Power” was presented by Air Marshall TM Asthana, PVSM, AVSM, VM. (iv) Paper IV: “The Maritime Dimension” was presented by Vice Admiral Raman Puri PVSM, AVSM, VSM. (iv) Discussant: Shri Bharat Karnad was the discussant for this session. The theme for the second day of the seminar was “Emerging World Order: Regional Contours”. The keynote address on “A Rising – Impact on the Emerging World Order” was delivered by Prof C Raja Mohan before commencement of the sessions on the second day of the seminar. Session III. The theme for session III was “The Asian Perspective”. The panel chairman for this session was Shri AV Singh. (i) Paper I: “Emerging World Order – Regional Contours” was presented by Ms Seema Mustafa. (ii) Paper II: “ and – Rivals, Competitors or Adversaries?” was presented by Shri Masahiro Akiyama from Japan. (iii) Paper III: “Stabilising Role of Militaries of the Region” was presented by Lt Gen VG Patankar, PVSM, UYSM, VSM (Retd). (iv) Paper IV: “Regional Growth – Impact of Developments in West Asia, CARs and South East Asia” was presented by Lt Col Osman Aytac from Turkey. (v) Discussant. Professor SD Muni was the discussant for this session. Session IV.
The theme for session IV was “Economic Factors Impinging on Regional Security”. The panel chairman for this session was Air Cmde Jasjit Singh. (i) Paper I: “Impact of Rising Economies of Asia” was presented by Dr Arvind Virmani. (ii) Paper II: “Socio-economic Dimensions Impinging on Regional Security and Stability” was presented by Shri Mohan Guruswamy. (iii) Paper III: “Problems of Security in the South Asian Region” was presented by Lt Gen Oleg Latypov from Russia. (iv) Paper IV: “Energy Security – Need for a Symbiotic Relationship between Producers and Consumers” was presented by Shri Talmiz Ahmad. (v) Discussant. Professor Charan Wadhva was the discussant for this session.
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