Arms Control & Disarmament Centre, ISSI

Welcome to the Official LinkedIn Page of the Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) 🌐 Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC), has now expanded its digital presence to LinkedIn! At ACDC, we are dedicated to contributing focused research and quality policy input through rigorous analysis and constructive dialogue. Our work addresses a range of critical issues including: -Arms control -Disarmament -Nuclear safety and security -Nuclear deterrence -Emerging technologies -Strategic Stability -Challenges to peace and strategic stability All professionals, researchers, and stakeholders interested in these areas are invited to follow the page, engage with our content, and join us in promoting informed policy-making and enhancing global security. Stay tuned for updates, insights, and discussions on the latest developments in the field. Your support and interaction are highly valued as we strive to make significant contributions to this vital area. #ACDC #ISSI #ArmsControl #Disarmament #NuclearSafety #EmergingTechnologies #StrategicStability #PeaceAndSecurity

The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre, ISSI is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Center for International Strategic Studies Sindh (CISSS), marking a significant step in deepening collaboration with national think tanks. Director General ISSI, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, and President CISSS, Mr. Ali Siddiqui, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions. The event was moderated by Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC. The MoU outlines a framework for future collaborative initiatives, including researcher exchanges, joint events, and research projects focusing on key areas such as Strategic Issues, Non-Proliferation, Emerging Technologies and Arms Control. #ISSI #CISSS #StrategicPartnership #NonProliferation #ArmsControl #SouthAsiaSecurity

The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre, ISSI was honored to host Nicholas Wheeler, Professor of International Relations, University of Birmingham and Non-resident Senior Fellow BASIC (British American Security Information Council), along with team of Mhairi McClafferty, Alice Spilman, and Eva-Nour REPUSSARD, for an in-depth session titled "Crisis Prevention and Management in South Asia: Mutual Confidence, Risk, and Responsibility" on October 9, 2024. The session explored critical dimensions of crisis management mechanisms, the development of mutual confidence, and the assessment of regional security risks. It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and responsible international engagement in the prevention of crises within South Asia. Furthermore, the discussion underscored the imperative for sustained dialogue and cooperation between South Asian states and international stakeholders to effectively address the region's security challenges and foster enduring peace. #ISSI #ACDC #BASIC #CrisisManagement #StrategicStability #SouthAsianSecurity

The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre, ISSI was delighted to host Christopher Clary, Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Albany, State University of New York and Ms. Sitara Noor, Security Analyst for an insightful in-house session on “South Asian Security Calculus on 7th October 2024.” The session featured an engaging discourse on global nuclear competition, significant technological developments, factors influencing strategic stability in the region, and the evolving role of third parties in crisis management. The discussions shed light on the pressing security concerns in South Asia and the broader implications for regional and global peace. #ISSI #ACDC #SouthAsia #StrategicStability #NuclearSecurity

Research Assistant Malaika Afridi has authored an insightful analysis on "Commissioning of INS-Arighat: India’s Growing Undersea Nuclear Capabilities and its Implications on Deterrence Stability in South Asia" This development marks a significant escalation in South Asia's nuclear arms race, now extending to the maritime domain. India's ambitions for a blue-water navy are further underscored by its plans to develop six nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), reflecting its drive for greater global power. The INS Arighat, equipped with K-4 and K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), enhances India’s second-strike capability but also raises serious concerns for stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These advancements intensify Pakistan’s threat perceptions, highlighting the urgent need for Pakistan to strengthen its submarine-based nuclear deterrent, despite economic challenges. The brief emphasizes the heightened risks of nuclear conflict in an already volatile security environment. For a detailed analysis, read the full brief here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ePkCahR6 #NuclearDeterrence #INSArighat #NuclearSubmarines #IndianOceanRegion #PakistanIndiaTensions #ISSI #ACDC #StrategicStability #SouthAsiaSecurity #GlobalPowerAmbitions #MaritimeSecurity

Research Associate, Sardar Jahanzaib has authored an issue brief titled "Lethal Autonomous Weapons & Cybersecurity: Navigating the Complexities of Autonomy and Control." The growing deployment of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) reflects an intensifying trend towards automation in warfare, with major powers advancing their capabilities. This development introduces significant strategic challenges, particularly in terms of cybersecurity risks and operational control, destabilizing military dynamics and increasing the risk of conflict. The brief examines the growing cybersecurity threats posed by LAWS and highlights critical cases, including the 2011 hijacking of a U.S. stealth drone by Iranian forces and ISIS's 2014 attempt to hack a U.S. Predator drone. It underscores the vulnerabilities of autonomous military technologies and calls for stronger international agreements to prevent cyberattacks and catastrophic misuse of LAWS. For a detailed analysis, read the full brief on our website: https://lnkd.in/dFzEZdEu #ISSI #ACDC #Cybersecurity #LAWS #AutonomousWeapons #GlobalSecurity #DefenseTech #StrategicStability #ArtificialIntelligence

Research Intern-ACDC Munamah Imran has authored an insightful issue brief titled "The Intensifying Pursuit of Anti-Satellite Capabilities: Assessing the Gaps in International Regulatory Frameworks."This analysis delves into the accelerating drive for space dominance among major powers, including the U.S., Russia, China, and India. It highlights how advancements in anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities and space weaponization are reshaping the security landscape of outer space. The brief critically examines the effectiveness of existing international frameworks like the Outer Space Treaty, PAROS, and the Moon Agreement, revealing significant gaps that undermine their ability to address contemporary threats. The growing militarization of space and the commercialization of space activities exacerbate these challenges, stressing the urgent need for updated and enforceable international regulations to ensure the peaceful use of outer space. Read the full brief here: https://lnkd.in/dG_hQ_CQ #ISSI #ACDC #SpaceSecurity #InternationalLaw #OuterSpace #SpaceWeaponization #GlobalStability #SpaceTreaties

The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre, ISSI successfully hosted a wide-ranging seminar on "Artificial Intelligence and National Security" on September 9, 2024. The event featured keynote speaker Air Vice Marshal Dr. Liaquat Ullah Iqbal, CPD & DG PR National Aerospace Science and Technology Park. Other distinguished speakers included Air Commodore Dr. Irteza Ali Khan, Director PAF Center for Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CENTAIC); Ghazala Yasmin jalil, Research Fellow ACDC-ISSI; Dr. Sumaira Kausar, Professor & Director CoE-AI, Bahria University; Khwaja Mohammad Ali, Global Chief Information & Cybersecurity Officer at National Bank; and Air Commodore Dr. Waseem Qutub, Director, ACDA, SPD. Key discussions highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize national security strategies while addressing risks associated with its dual-use nature. The seminar delved into AI’s role in enhancing military capabilities, fortifying cybersecurity, advancing nuclear deterrence, and boosting socio-economic development. Speakers emphasized the need for robust governance, ethical frameworks, and international cooperation to harness AI’s benefits while mitigating associated risks. #ACDC #ISSI #ArtificialIntelligence #NationalSecurity #CyberSecurity #AIinDefense #Pakistan

"Pakistan's Commitment to International Space Governance" 🌍🚀 This infographic, presented by the Arms Control & Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), outlines Pakistan's active participation in key international space law treaties, including the Outer Space Treaty, the Rescue Agreement, and others. By ratifying these agreements, Pakistan underscores its commitment to the peaceful use of outer space, adherence to international legal frameworks, and the safeguarding of global security. These treaties ensure responsible space exploration, promote transparency, and uphold the principles of non-weaponization in outer space. Infographic Credits: Research Assistant, ACDC, Malaika Afridi #SpaceLaw #InternationalGovernance #PakistanInSpace #GlobalSecurity #PeacefulUseOfSpace #ISSI #ACDC #StrategicStability #EmergingTechnologies

The Arms Control & Disarmament Centre, ISSI, in collaboration with the National Institute of Maritime Affairs- NIMA, successfully hosted a seminar on "Unlocking the Potential of Blue Economy and Pakistan’s National Security" on September 5, 2024. The event featured Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Maritime Affairs, as the Chief Guest, and other distinguished speakers included Ambassador Masood Khalid, Former Ambassador to China; Dr. Nazir Hussain, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo; Rear Admiral Faisal Ali Shah, NIMA; and Vice Admiral (Retd) Ahmed Saeed HI(M), President, NIMA. Speakers emphasized the vast potential of Pakistan’s maritime resources and the Blue Economy’s capacity to drive sustainable growth and bolster national security. The seminar also highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region and the evolving maritime challenges that require prioritization of marine resources. #ACDC #ISSI #NIMA #BlueEconomy #NationalSecurity #PakistanMaritime #SustainableGrowth #SecurityStrategy