Phadke Journal of Strategic Studies (PJSS) conducts research and produces policy-relevant analyses aimed at furthering awareness and building capacity to address Non-Traditional Security (NTS) issues and challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. We aim to address knowledge gaps, facilitate discussions and analyses, engage policymakers and contribute to building institutional capacity in sustainable security. NTS issues are challenges to the survival and well-being of peoples and states that arise from non-military sources, such as climate change, resource scarcity, infectious diseases, natural disasters, irregular migration, food shortages, people smuggling, drug trafficking and transnational crime.
These dangers are transnational in scope, defying unilateral remedies and requiring comprehensive – political, economic and social – responses, as well as the humanitarian use of military force.
Climate Security
Climate change is a threat multiplier whose impacts are already seen in the increasing intensity and frequency of climate-related disasters. The IPCC 2021 report stated that global warming has risen at an unprecedented rate in the last 2000 years due to greenhouse gasses and emissions from human activities. Other observable changes include sea-level rise, weather extremes, ocean warming and acidification, all having far reaching impacts on the environment and societies. Our research agenda consists of two components: Planetary Health and Climate Change Adaptation.
Planetary Health
Planetary Health examines economic and development progress as the cause of environmental degradation that poses threats to human health. Growing material wealth, inequalities and the current resource-intensive economic activities serve as main drivers of these threats, as is the structure of the international trading system which all lead to environmental pressures and resource depletion beyond national borders. Since health of the planet is the prerequisite for human health and human civilisation, the planetary health concept advocates for systems-level and cross-sectoral interventions that are aimed towards nature protection and conservation.
Climate Change Adaptation
Considering serious concerns brought about by changing climate, policies in addressing climate change no longer look only at mitigation but increasingly have a strong focus on adaptation. While there has been a lot of debate on mitigation and disaster risk reduction at the global level, particularly for regions that are vulnerable to climate change, adaptation has become a more important consideration. Our research efforts are done by;
- Auditing climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies at national level across the region;
- Comparing the frameworks for climate change cooperation across regions; Examining regional cooperation mechanisms for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts;
- Analysing regional climate change cooperation on selected sectors including transportation, energy and cities; and
- Examining north-south and south-south cooperation for climate mitigation and adaptation measures in the region.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
This research programme aims to facilitate and enhance cooperation on preparedness and response strategies. Aside from comprehensively investigating regional emergency response frameworks, governance issues, disaster preparedness strategies and the identification and development of response niches for civilian and military actors, the programme also seeks to develop the next generation of global leaders via our research and thereby facilitating and fostering discussions. Research areas include;
Future HADR Landscape in Asia – Structures and Mechanisms: This first pillar of the programme tracks the emergence of new humanitarian actors (both state and non-state) and maps successes, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in preparing for disaster relief and conflict response in the region. This research area also focuses on the relationships between civilian and military actors and the emerging points of difference and convergence between the two in responding to HADR in the Asia-Pacific. It also evaluates the quality and impact of both military and civilian organisationsʼ emergency responses.
Community Protection and Assistance: The second pillar focuses on the complex nature of humanitarian assistance that evolves from specific vulnerable communities varying and often limited capacities to protect themselves from impacts of disasters. This research area maps the most vulnerable populations to better characteristics, needs assessments and determines deployment of targeted assistance. In addition, one area of research in this pillar will highlight how women are disproportionately affected both during disasters and in response settings. This research will explore the transformative possibilities of the UN Security Councilʼs resolutions on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in creating sustainable policies, ensuring greater participation and facilitating the move towards a more gendered perspective on disaster response – a primary step in creating more resilient communities.
Humanitarian Technology: The third pillar of the HADR programme examines the field of humanitarian technology (HUMTECH) as applied to a broadly defined context of crises encompassing both natural disasters and conflict zones. This research area identifies the impact technology has on humanitarian responses as well as the emergent challenges of information technology, big data and technological innovations in humanitarian action.
Energy Security
Research agenda is currently under progress.
Food Security
Research agenda is currently under progress.
Nuclear Security
Research agenda is currently under progress.
Biosecurity
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Pandemics
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