Vishal Chandra

Where is Afghanistan Headed

Associate Fellow, IDSA, Mr Vishal Chandra’s chapter ‘Where is Afghanistan Headed?’ was published in the edited volume The Political Future of Afghanistan: Issues and Perspectives by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Kolkata, India.

Abstract of Chapter

The notably inclusive post-Taliban political system may not all together wither away, but retaining its fundamental character will certainly be far more difficult in years to come. The worrying aspect is lack of sustainable consensus on an alternative but inclusive political framework that could help restore internal socio-political balance of power. This basically means Afghanistan would remain in an extended state of transition.

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India and South Asia: Exploring Regional Perceptions

Publisher: Pentagon Press

Perceptions play a very significant role in South Asian politics. They have largely shaped and influenced state policies and politics among the South Asian countries, especially in relation to India, over the years. State policies have at times been hostage to negative or adversarial perceptions, well-entrenched in the popular psyche. The perception formation in South Asia is an extremely dynamic process and has evolved differently in different countries. Perceptions are not static and often change with the shift in domestic as well as regional and global politics.

ISBN 978-81-8274-812-5,
Price: ₹ 995/-
E-copy available

Vishal Chandra |
2015 |
Book

Need to Take a More Confident View of Kabul

Fears about the Beijing-Rawalpindi axis scripting Kabul politics and thereby causing the complete marginalisation of New Delhi in the region appear far-fetched given the political dynamics of Afghanistan.

Vishal Chandra |
April 28, 2015 |
IDSA Comments

The Unfinished War in Afghanistan: 2001-2014

Publisher: Pentagon Press

This book makes a modest attempt to contribute to the ongoing debate on future challenges for Afghanistan as the largest ever coalition of Western forces prepares to withdraw. It seeks to examine key political developments within Afghanistan over the last one decade in response to the US-led Western military and political intervention.

ISBN 978-81-8274-762-3,
Price: ₹ 1495/-
E-copy available

Vishal Chandra |
2014 |
Book

Total Recount in Afghanistan: What Next?

As all the votes cast in the run-off election are audited and recounted under international supervision, the final outcome could be a close finish with winning candidate leading by a much narrow margin. The process of constitutional amendment can only be initiated after the new parliament is formed as parliamentary elections are due in 2015.

Vishal Chandra |
July 26, 2014 |
Issue Brief

For Now, it is Ballot over Bullet in Afghanistan

It is not merely about change in leadership; it is about ushering the country into a ‘decade of transformation’. The most immediate challenge before the incumbent government and the relevant election and security institutions is to sustain and strengthen the people’s engagement in the process.

Vishal Chandra |
April 18, 2014 |
IDSA Comments

India’s Neighbourhood: The Armies of South Asia

Publisher: Pentagon Press

This book is an attempt to examine the role, relevance and status of the armies in the ever dynamic socio-political milieu of the countries in India’s South Asian neighbourhood. The book deals with the national armies of seven South Asian countries bordering India, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The contributors to the volume also trace out the likely trajectory of the future role and position of the armies in the given or evolving national and geo-political settings.

ISBN 978-81-8274-706-0,
Price: ₹ 795/-
E-copy available

Vishal Chandra |
2013 |
Book

Post-2014 Afghanistan and India’s Options

India’s policy in Afghanistan must be Afghan-centric and not be concerned about Pakistani efforts to gain strategic depth. In fact, by getting involved in Afghanistan, Pakistan is likely to endanger its own security and stability.

Smruti S. Pattanaik, Arvind Gupta, Ashok K. Behuria, Vishal Chandra |
July 18, 2012 |
Policy Brief

Fantasising ‘Afghan Good Enough’

Where does Pakistan figure in ‘Afghan good enough’ if Pakistan’s centrality in the Western approach is taken into account? Not working towards a ‘Pakistan good enough’ would simply mean that ‘Afghan good enough’ is not ‘good enough’.

Vishal Chandra |
June 22, 2012 |
IDSA Comments

Will Karzai Survive 2014?

In times of back door diplomacy and brokerage of deals, Karzai’s political skill and experience in balancing the divergent interests of various stakeholders may assure him a role in fashioning Afghanistan’s new political arrangement.