INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES,
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

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INSIGHT
Pakistan, at the Silent Heart of the New World Order
This Insight argues that Pakistan is emerging as a strategically significant actor in the evolving world order, not merely because of economic size but due to its geography, diplomatic flexibility, and security relevance. It highlights how Islamabad is balancing complex relations with the United States, China, India, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Middle East while maintaining its deterrence posture. The article presents Pakistan as a state using “smart power” by combining dialogue, institutional engagement, and concrete security capabilities. It concludes that Pakistan’s real strength lies in becoming indispensable to major powers competing for influence in a changing international system.

May 19, 2026

Author(s): Mr Bryan J. Mayer

PODCAST
US-Israel War Against Iran: Disruption of Global Economic Order


Announcements ---


Call for Papers
NDU Journal - 2027
July 31, 2026
Call for Papers
Journal of International Law (Vol- VI)
July 31, 2026

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INSIGHT
Who Will Blink First?
May 11, 2026
Author(s): Lt Gen Naweed Zaman (Retd)
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INSIGHT
I2U2: Economic Partnership or Strategic Alignment
May 6, 2026
Author(s): Umair Ahmad
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INSIGHT
China is in the Frame
April 30, 2026
Author(s): Ms Nasim Zehra
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INSIGHT
Yemen at the Crossroads of Geopolitics
April 23, 2026
Author(s): Ms Fatima Zafar
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INSIGHT
Red Sea Crisis and The Great Power Competition
April 21, 2026
Author(s): Maria Mansab
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INSIGHT
The Global Order is Shifting
April 14, 2026
Author(s): Ms. Laurie A. Watkins

Upcoming Events

Jun
3
2026
Roundtable on
"Ethical and Responsible Use of Generative AI"


Jun
10
2026
Seminar on "Road vs Rail: Rethinking Pakistan’s Transport Strategy for Regional Connectivity"

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Application Status: Open


Jul
6-10
2026
16th National Media Workshop

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051-9263444 / 0317-7737777

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Amidst the picturesque Margallah Hills; lSSRA offers an intellectual forum for candid and informed discussions


PODCAST
⁠The Future of International Law: Between Norms and Power Politics
PODCAST
⁠US–Israel War Against Iran: Power Politics in the Middle East & Beyond
PODCAST
Sea Lanes at Risk: US–Iran Tensions and the Weaponisation of Maritime Chokepoints

Global & Regional

Margalla Papers

Margalla Papers is a biannual publication of National Defence University, the premier institution for security and strategic studies. The journal is a unique publication of the country, which primarily deals with the issues related to Contemporary World Politics, Globalization, Foreign Policy, Strategic and Economic Relationships, Regional Organizations, UN Peacekeeping Operations, International Law and Global Commons. The journal has its standing among the students, researchers, experts, policymakers and intelligentsia.


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E9 Quarterly

E9 Quarterly is a periodical publication of INSIGHTS written by our research community. These briefs discover new dimensions of subjects related to National Security while focusing on practical and objective solutions to the issues for the consumption of respective stakeholders and academia.

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INSIGHT

Standardising Digital Accessibility in Pakistan for Persons with Disabilities

March 16, 2026

Author(s): Dr. Muhammad Shabbir

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INSIGHT

ASEAN’s Multilateral Dilemma: Continuity and Change from NAM to BRICS

March 12, 2026

Author(s): Mr. Anis H. Bajrektarevic and Ms. Evi Fitriani

Defence, Security & Technology

Strategic Thought

In an environment of rapidly transforming geopolitical realities, a more comprehensive all-encompassing deeper understanding of the issues is necessary. Pakistan’s existence and success in achieving its critical objectives is dependent on our comprehensive understanding of the environment around us, as well as our ability to convince others about our positions. Given the complex global political and geo-strategic environment, Pakistan needs a delicate strategic balancing and intricate policy maneuvers.

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NDU Journal

NDU Journal is an annual publication of National Defence University, the premier institution for security and strategic studies. The journal is a unique publication of the country, which primarily deals with the national security issues of Pakistan. The journal has its own standing among the students, researchers, experts, policy makers and intelligentsia. Keeping the flag high, the articles appearing in the journal are selected after a rigorous scrutiny and blind peer reviews at home and abroad.

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INSIGHT

Adopting Cryptocurrency in Pakistan: Prospects and Concerns

January 5, 2026

Author(s): Adrak Hussain

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INSIGHT

Rare Earth Metals: A Strategic Tug of War


June 2, 2025

Authors(s): Umair Ahmad

Domestic & Legal

ISSRA Papers

ISSRA Papers is an annual publication of Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA), National Defence University. The Journal is a unique publication of the country which promotes awareness and understanding of the issues related to governance and public policy. ISSRA Papers welcomes contributions from all around the world and has a wide range of readers that include students, researchers, experts and policy makers. Articles appearing in the journal are selected after a rigorous scrutiny and blind peer reviews at home and abroad.

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Journal of International Law

The NDU JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL LAW is an annual publication of the Centre of Excellence for International Law (CEIL), at the Institute for Strategic Studies. Research and Analysis (ISSRA), National Defence University. CEIL is Pakistan’s first public sector think tank on international law, conducting cutting edge research on the international law aspects of defense and strategic matters, under the auspices of ISSRA. The NDU Journal of International Law aims to promote the dissemination of ideas and findings for the multifaceted challenges facing Pakistan from a law and policy perspective.

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INSIGHT

Public Sector Education in Pakistan – A Comparative Analysis

March 10, 2026

Authors(s): Ayesha Zia

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INSIGHT

A Review of United Nations Resolution 3379 and Its Contemporary Relevance

February 25, 2026

Author(s): Anqa Ghalib

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INSIGHT

Gwadar-Chabahar Dynamics: Competition or Cooperation?

December 29, 2025

Authors(s): Maria Mansab

Date of Publication: February 13, 2026
Author(s): Muhammad Shoaib
ISSRA
VIEWS & REVIEWS (PART 1)
6th International Workshop for Leadership & Stability
VIEWS & REVIEWS (PART 2)
6th International Workshop for Leadership & Stability

Activities at ISSRA

  • +92 51 9262066 (Ext: 7230)
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