I thank each and every one of you for being present here this evening. I see among you old friends, well wishers and supporters and to each I say : welcome !
“ It was the best of times , it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, “ . Charles Dickens – Tale of Two Cities.
Our times are indeed a time of transitions and contradictions, time of turbulences and transformation. It is a time where new ideas are emerging and old ideologies are being reinforced. Pluralism and diversity are being hailed on the one hand, fundamentalism and insular ideas are gaining momentum on the other. Even at this moment, around the world conventional wars, civil wars, insurgencies and secessionist movements are taking place causing untold misery to humanity . Countries are grappling with the scourge of terrorism in all its forms: domestic terrorism, cross border terrorism and international terrorism.
Those problems and issues that were once considered nontraditional security threats viz. environmental disasters , global warming , migration due to conflicts , demographic changes, displacement of people , refugee problems and abrogation of civil and human rights have grown to global proportions and are no longer confined to particular areas or geographical boundaries. Their effect is felt directly in some countries and indirectly on all other countries. New leaders are emerging – the good, the evil and the confused; the indifferent and the passionate. What changes will they usher and what actions will be wrought by them that will affect history and forever change the course of humanity?
Global interests are converging and diverging rapidly. Trade and economic interests are gaining paramount importance as countries jostle each other for supremacy. Economic imperialism is on the rise leading to new claims being made on land and on water. Regional powers and extra regional powers are staking claims over oceans. The natural resources of land and sea are becoming matters of dispute.
Yet, policies of nations are subject to principles of international law, which is a vital component in the relationship between nations. Nations are subject to principles of international law in dealing with each other to maintain global peace and security. Non adherence to these principles will create situations that will plunge humanity into an abyss.
International Law and Strategic Analysis Institute (ILSAI) is an effort by us not only to study, analyze and formulate thought but also an aspiration to pursue comprehensive policy analysis. We seek to create a momentum that straddles national policies, global interests and international law. Our objectives and intention are focused on creating a holistic approach to security, and on this journey we seek to engage analysts, policy makers, academia and young scholars.
It is our earnest endeavour to project the peninsular perspective, enhance it to the national level and merge it with international concerns. We, at ILSAI thank each of you for being part of this ambitious and sincere endeavour. Thank you !
