https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/3881 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:46:43 GMT 2026-04-21T20:46:43Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/3066 The Indo-Pacific: An Examination of Regional Instruments for Improved Coordination Rajapakshe, W; Senaratne, B The Indo-Pacific has become the focal point of discussion among strategists in the 21st century, which is evident from the implementation of different instruments such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). The strategic posture entailed within the Indo-Pacific security architecture necessitates a military balance of power within the region, as the power rivalry in the Indian Ocean has evolved beyond military aspects into economic, ideological and technical dimensions. Therefore, this research examines how these international instruments could be better coordinated, in order to improve the balance of power in the region. Towards this end, this research has two objectives, firstly, to map out the different regional mechanisms that are in position to improve interaction; and secondly, to analyse what steps need to be taken to improve the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. Qualitative in nature, the research utilises primary sources such as the strategy documents issued by governments and security groupings, speeches from world leaders, along with secondary sources. The research underscores that the oceans of the Indo-Pacific remains central to this evolving power struggle, as the economic centre of gravity shifts to the East, necessitating peaceful interaction to increase trust and improve the balance of power. FOIP assures a proactive contribution to peace based on the principle of international cooperation, encouraging likeminded navies in the region to increase collaboration and cooperation. In conclusion, it can be ascertained that the increased number of regional groupings has reduced the level of trust within the Indo-Pacific thus, calling for more synergies and understanding among international instruments. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/3066 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/3065 Prospects of Improving Civil-Military Integration to Address Maritime Drug Trafficking in Sri Lanka Abeysekara, BARI Centrality of its location in east west sea lanes has placed Sri Lanka in both advantageous and disadvantageous positions in the context of national security. Though Sri Lanka does not have an immediate threat for her national security in the form of a traditional way, expansions in non-traditional security issues cannot be ruled out easily. Drug trafficking has become one of the serious non-traditional security threats and the existence of the issue is so complex that military alone cannot address it effectively. Therefore, the researcher examined and explored the problem of identifying lapses in civil-military integration in countering drug trafficking and has brought out certain recommendations to enhance such integration. Since this issue mostly affects the Sri Lankan society, the survey method has been used and experts in both military and civil sector in maritime security as well as drugs and narcotics fields have been interviewed to gather primary data. The qualitative approach facilitated the researcher to better analyse their opinions and subsequently test and compare their validity with available literature such as drug apprehension reports, journals and articles. It was revealed that the level of integration between civil and military is at a very lower level in this context. Thus, understanding the gaps between civil and military and their abilities at having effective counter drug mechanisms would benefit society as it is able to have a peaceful, uncorrupted and secure environment. Certainly, this healthy integration would not only be applicable for a drug trafficking scenario, but also to have better counter actions for other non-traditional security issues as well. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/3065 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/2836 The Drivers of Islamist Extremism in Sri Lanka Fuard, A The vicious cycle of violent extremism based on religious and ethnic lines which continuous to plague the world as one of the greatest threats to global security has gained renewed momentum in recent times. The current trend of Islamist extremism rooted on Wahhabi or Salafi ideology has gradually spread its tentacles across the globe, creating a new breed of radical combatants that are significantly redefining the international security landscape. The 4/21 multiple suicide bombings perpetrated by ‘National Thowheeth Jamaath’ (NTJ) on Easter Sunday, 2019 was the first major terrorist attack conducted in Sri Lanka by a Jihadist group that was inspired by the global Salafi Jihadist ideology advocated by ISIS. The Easter Sunday attacks entail multiple national security implications including the fact that such an attack has the potential to inspire others to conduct similar acts of terror and increase support for the Jihadist cause. Salafi Jihadist groups have maintained resilience and has grown in large numbers despite global counterterrorism efforts. This is primarily due to the fact that security strategists and policy makers have failed to address the drivers of Islamist extremism, misunderstood the enemy and misinterpreted their understanding of the global Jihadist ideology. Therefore, in order to effectively prevent and counter Islamist Extremism, it is imperative to identify and understand the drivers of Salafi Jihadist groups which vary across cultures and regions. Even though there are many forms of extremism which is prevalent in the local context, this paper will provide an in-depth analysis on the murky world of Islamist extremism and its evolution in Sri Lanka. This paper which focuses on identifying the drivers of Islamist Extremism in Sri Lanka includes both academic and policy implications. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/2836 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/2835 Returns to Old Eurasian Heartland: China’s New Strategic Game towards Central Asia in 21st Century Wijesinghe, WMKD The China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) position of Central Asia is in a crucial point and it is more vital as the hub of cross regional, long distance loops of trade, investment, and infrastructure development. In this research, the main objective is to find out the geopolitical nexus with Central Asia that induce China to persuade Heartland while examining the prevalence sources and mechanisms that China has used for reshaping Central Asia. Hence, China’s new strategic game towards Central Asia is scrutinized by using Mackinder’s Heartland theory and this new knowledge and ideas were generated and constructed by gathering qualitative secondary and primary data. The research reveals that China’s influence in countries of the world–island of Heartland is becoming a trend in the recent years. By giving economic support, China tries to get patronage and loyalty from Central Asia and to challenge the maritime hegemony of the USA. In conclusion this research explores Chinese intentions in Central Asia under a specific set of conditions is likely to become the platform for a new great game. But the parameters for these conditions are unilaterally to emerge in the future. Hence China engages in a new great game as single unified land power through emerging Eurasia with railroads and transportation goods for being a unilateral power economically. Article Full Text Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://ir.kdu.ac.lk/handle/345/2835 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z