ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a delegation of the International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA) as part of their Azadi Fellowship program.
This initiative aims to engage graduates from universities and madrasas, fostering a deeper understanding of regional and global affairs among young minds from various parts of Pakistan.
Addressing the theme of “Regional Stability in a Global Context,” Director General of ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, highlighted the significance of the present historical moment, characterizing it as pivotal in world politics.
He delved into the discourse around the perceived ‘decline of the West’ and the ‘rise of the rest,’ emphasizing the shifting global dynamics from the West to the East.
Ambassador Mahmood also highlighted the concept of the ‘Thucydides Trap,’ the escalating competition between the US and China, and the enduring impact of unresolved conflicts like Palestine and Kashmir on regional and global stability.
He further underscored challenges such as transnational terrorism, the interconnected crises of food, fuel, and finance, and the pressing threat of climate change. Additionally, he highlighted the risks associated with the militarization of emerging technologies, stressing the interconnectedness of internal strength and external influence as essential for navigating present and future challenges.
Earlier in the event, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre, provided an overview of ISSI’s background, structure, and mission, emphasizing its dedication to providing policy insights, facilitating dialogues, advocating for critical issues, expanding outreach, and conducting comprehensive analysis on strategic matters.
The question-and-answer session saw engaging exchanges between the “Azadi Fellows” and other participants, delving into a spectrum of topics from specific regional conflicts to broader global strategic trends, fostering a vibrant and informative discussion.
At the end of the discussion, Israr Madni, President of IRCRA, expressed gratitude to ISSI for providing the “Azadi Fellows” with an enriching platform for discourse.
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