Asian Security Conference (ASC)

The Asian Security Conference (ASC) is a major calendar event of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi which is organized in early spring each year. Since 1999 when the conference was first held, it has become an important forum for debating issues relating to Asian Security. The ASC provides an opportunity for policy makers, scholars and security analysts, both from India and abroad, to share their views on the security challenges facing the continent. 

The contemporary strategic context is increasingly defined by the rapid growth of major Asian economies and the rapidly increasing interest the major powers are evincing in the region. It has also resulted in a perceptible shift in power to the Asian continent. While the emerging power shift is full of promise and opportunities, there are important concerns that cannot be ignored.  Asia’s statesmen face a variety of challenges, which, if ignored or viewed with less concern, could lead to further instability and insecurity in the region. In this backdrop the ASC looks at various emerging trends and changes in the Asian security context and forms a platform for discussion and debate. The ASC serves as the best available vehicle in the Asian region for developing and channeling astute and effective public policy on defence and security. It can also be regarded as an important academic platform for scholars to discuss new ideas and theories.

This year conference theme is Emerging Strategic Trends in Asia and India’s Response.

There is little doubt that Asia – stretching from the Eurasian landmass to the maritime reaches of Australia and the South Pacific – is experiencing a major shift in the global balance of power. Expressions like the ‘Indo-Pacific’ and ‘Asia-Pacific’, contested they maybe, capture Asia’s expanse and dynamism. But for one brief and dramatic financial crisis in 1997, growth rates in Asia have been averaging well above the rest of the world. The rise of China along with the increasing global footprint of Russia and India in G20 and the ASEAN states soaring economies have made Asia the powerhouse and centre of gravity. Yet, Asia struggles with numerous conflicts in spite of its ‘alphabet soup’ of regional organisations and security structures.

Changes are happening fast in Asia and changing not only the geo-political landscape but also the mindset of the people who are pushing for political reforms and accountability. The global power shifts being witnessed is also potentially prising up Asia to confrontation as well as convergence as states compete. China is an important piece of the puzzle and its rise is a defining line of the changing landscape. How will China define its national interest in the future? Will it pursue an assertive, even aggressive policy in Asia to back up its territorial claims? Or will China, assured of its great power status practice moderation and restraint? Importantly, how should India and other key states in Asia respond to China’s continuous rise and influence – should the response be as a strategic competitor with a policy of confrontation or a containment approach through active cooperation