Strategic & Defence Analysis

Advanced analysis of military strategy, operational art, hybrid warfare, emerging domains, and historical conflict studies shaping modern warfare theory and practice.

How is Iran Standing up to Trump? Decoding Strategies and Limits of Military Power

The Iran–Israel–US conflict highlights a critical lesson in modern warfare: tactical military success does not guarantee strategic victory. Despite overwhelming airpower, the US–Israel coalition has struggled to achieve decisive political outcomes against Iran’s resilient, asymmetric defence model. By leveraging geography—especially the Strait of Hormuz—Iran has turned energy flows into a strategic weapon with global consequences. The conflict is accelerating a shift toward a multipolar world order while exposing vulnerabilities for energy-dependent nations like India. Ultimately, without a clear political end-state or exit strategy, even the most advanced military campaigns risk becoming long-term strategic setbacks.

Coexistence as Strategy in the India–China Reboot

My latest article in Business Standard Blueprint (Defence & Geopolitics) analyses how and why India and China have moved towards a limited tactical reset since late 2025. I argue that the current engagement “is a product of necessity amid global turbulence, not trust” and is best seen as “cautious re‑engagement, not reconciliation.” The reset offers breathing space from US tariff pressures and global uncertainty, but it does not resolve the underlying structural rivalry or the unresolved boundary dispute.

The War of Narratives: Towards an Indian Doctrine for Information and Narrative Warfare

The War of Narratives: Towards an Indian Doctrine for Information and Narrative Warfare By Major General (Dr.) S. B. Asthana, SM, VSM, PhD (Veteran)International Strategic and Military Analyst “Integrating strategic communication and media including social media with kinetic war has…

Evolution of Operational Art and Strategy: Application in Modern Conflicts        

Sharing a chapter of mine published in a book jointly published by United Service Institution of India, New Delhi (Oldest Think Tank in India) and Army War College, Mhow, India, titled “Modern Conflicts and Changing Character of Warfare: Implications for…

“Taiwan in the Crosshairs: Why Xi Jinping’s Reunification Ambitions May Backfire Strategically?”

Introduction In a bold demonstration of its growing defence preparedness, Taiwan concluded its longest-ever Han Kuang military drills on 18 July 2025. Spanning 10 days of intense live-fire exercises, the Taiwanese military rehearsed responses across varied battle spaces—starting with countering…

One Year of Conflict: Strategic and Operational Dynamics Between Israel, Iran, and Their Proxies

As Israel deliberates the targets in Iran to be engaged in its counterstrikes, Sharing an objective military analysis of mine published in Moderndiplomacy World (European Union) on the subject, evaluating aims, strategies, implementation and outcomes of opposing sides involved in…

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