Defence analysts say that informed evaluation of intelligence should be inculcated among the political leadership

Should the UN be reformed? Should India retain its nuclear deterrent? How can SAARC be re-invigorated? These are the kinds of questions defence analysts ask. Defence studies aims to act as a channel between civil society, business and the armed forces in dealing with peace and security issues of national and regional importance. Analysts study, report, encourage debate and devise solutions on all issues relating to national and international defence and security. They also promote the development of military education and create awareness on national security among civilians. Defence studies is also called defence and strategic studies, military science, war and national security studies and war and strategic studies.

In a new global environment, how does India perceive national security and the threats it faces? Unfortunately, security has become increasingly important and difficult to maintain with the emergence of radical groups like the Marxists and Naxalites. With low-intensity conflict seen as the biggest threat, a manpower-intensive military and a high-technology defence establishment is a necessity.

Research opportunities at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) include the military, political, economic, environmental, scientific and technological aspects of developments. Strategy deals with the control and application of military force as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes that could cause violence. According to defence analysts, there is an immediate need for setting up sophisticated surveillance equipment to monitor all movement across the borders. This would have to be backed by an equally alert analytical team that minimises the pressure on ground forces.

In India, nearly a quarter of the entire military force is dedicated to resolving internal security issues while the remaining 1.3 million is earmarked for external defence. Analysts say that informed evaluation of intelligence should be inculcated among the political leadership, security forces and bureaucracy.

Rapid changes in the strategies surrounding defence and increasing demands on defence professionals have become evident in recent years. Military personnel are increasingly being called upon to operate in wider and less familiar roles, such as peacekeeping, truce monitoring, conflict resolution, disaster relief and civil defence. They are expected to master certain skills early on in their careers and basic professional training is provided within the defence forces.

According to defence analysts, the future of security on a global level is likely to be influenced by factors like the emerging new world order, the impact of globalisation and the increasing economic inter-dependence on space. The greatest influence by far would be of technology, characterised by enhanced military capabilities due to the immense technological advancement today.

Defence, international relations and strategic studies are becoming increasingly popular. You should be a qualified graduate with a keen interest in defence to pursue a masters degree. For an MPhil in defence studies, you should have a masters degree in political science, history, economics, geography, sociology, defence, strategic studies or international relations. In all departments of defence studies, the approach to the study of national security is interdisciplinary and encompasses geopolitics and military geography, science and technology, economics of defence, conflict management and conflict resolution among others.

The course prepares senior officers and officials to take on responsibilities and gain leadership in their respective organisations by developing their analytical powers, knowledge of defence, international security and strategic vision.

International terrorism, non-proliferation and human rights, international relations and the cross-border challenges facing India are some of the major areas for defence studies and analysis today. In India, there has been a significant shift from external to internal threats in terms of national security concerns over the last two decades. The nature of threats, their causes and possible solutions need to be examined closely before bringing about policy changes. In military terms, India’s decision to test and declare itself a nuclear weapon state will greatly influence its international relations. Growing insecurity in South Asia requires analysis and international perspectives on India and the region need to be taken into account.

Military and civilian personnel working in the defence and security sectors need to thoroughly understand the nature of conflict and the elements of successful military operations.

Those with adequate experience and knowledge can make it to the highest policy-making body — the United Nations. Academics, including research and publishing books and articles, are other options. They can pursue research in various fields of national security including international relations, geopolitical, socio-economic and tactical aspects of war.

Institutions offering courses include the Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) or the School of International Studies, JNU, both in New Delhi, the University of Pune and the University of Chennai to name a few. The Centre for Strategic & International Studies in Washington DC, the US, would be a good university for those wanting to go abroad.