A Joint Seminar of NDU - National Defence University

THEMATIC FOCUS
The academic exercise enabled a revisit of issues in regional security and
economic development in the backdrop of evolving strategic environment and in this
context, brought into the fore significance of Pakistan-China cooperation.
The discussion rested upon premise that the evolving environment is
characterized by erosion of uni-polarity and ‘Rise of the Rest’. The US remains a
dominant power but engaged in reordering its priorities and relying upon proxies and
other methods in the pursuit of its goals. The contemporary scenario is distinct by
China’s ‘peaceful rise’ and the greater role that comes in its wake. It is in this context
that a clinical study of the dynamics of Afghanistan situation and Indo-US strategic
partnership is necessitated.
The current flux in the evolving scenario offers challenges as well as
opportunities. The strategic convergence between Pakistan and China carries the
potential of playing critical role in alleviating the situation and mobilizing structures of
peace and progress. In this context, there is need to flag the potential for Pakistan’s
economic partnership with China, consistent with the broad Asian advancement and to
identify contours of regional economic interdependence and the potential for taking
comprehensive steps towards promoting cooperation by way of bilateral and regional
programs.
PARTICIPATION AND PROFILE
The seminar provided an impressive galaxy of participation inclusive of policyrelevant
experts and academia dedicated to the study of issues in regional security and
economic development. This is illustrated in the professional standing of session chairs
(five) and presenters (nine) in the five thematic sessions. Concurrently, the audience
represented a broad spectrum of policy relevant circles, think tanks, academia, NDU
faculty and students (Anx C).The interaction amongst presenters and the audience
provided a stimulant for discussion on the occasion.
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