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Navniit Gandhi

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Am an academic, feature writer, trainer and an author. Have published nine books, two e-booklets and two work-books till date.
Have published more than 250+ articles in newspapers, magazines and on web-portals.
Have been teaching for about 23 years now. My doctorate thesis examined the impact of non-military dimensions and challenges on National Security.

I also coach and train in the realm of soft skills.

Was a Fulbright American Summer Institute Scholar in 2005.

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Liberty University

Polish Academy of Sciences

Omar Alansari-Kreger

Sergiu Mișcoiu

Babes-Bolyai University

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Papers by Navniit Gandhi

Do 'isms make a difference

Defence & Security Alert, 2022

In this contemporary world, where economics reigns supreme, the relevance of ideologies; of 'isms... more

Indians in Kuwait for conference

indiansinkuwait.com, 2022

In a Conference held on the issues faced by the Indian diaspora worldwide organized at the Benare... more

Small Steps, Big Change

The Article is about the small steps we all can take, to make living better for us all.

Future of Sino-Indian ties: What next, when, and where

Defence and Security Alert, 2021

At the very beginning of this year, a new violent border clash took place in Naku La, Sikkim on 2... more At the very beginning of this year, a new violent border clash took place in Naku La, Sikkim on 20 th January. This happened the very next day after a marathon session of commander-level talks ensued for 11 hours between the armies of both the nations. Meanwhile, a new diplomatic platform is all ready to witness clashes, claims and, likely attempts at sabotage between China and India.

Deterrence and Defence.docx

Defence and Security Alert, 2017

This article explores the changing dynamics underlying the concept of deterrence. In the contempo... more

Choose Pride over Prejudices.docx

indiansinkuwait.com, 2019

This article examines the importance of voting and exhorts the voters to shed political apathy an... more

Choose Pride over Prejudices.docx

Deterrence and Defence

The concept of deterrence gained fame and acceptability, as an intellectual construct initially a... more The concept of deterrence gained fame and acceptability, as an intellectual construct initially at the beginning of the Cold War in the 50s, and then, credibility-during the next three decades, at the height of the Cold War. The Neo-realists propounded and sustained the concept, with mild variations in intensity and purpose. The concept, nevertheless, undeniably had strong psychological bases. As Kissinger had eloquently put: " Deterrence occurs, above all, in the minds of men. " The countries which legitimately or clandestinely acquired nuclear weapons, hoped to threaten all present and potential aggressors with consequences far outweighing the benefits that the aggressor would hope to obtain by attacking them. It is important, for deterrence to work, that both sides have rationally calculated the costs and benefits of a full-blown war. The costs should far outweigh the benefits and thus, the threat should ultimately fail. However, if the benefits are too vague or idealistic to be measured or are portrayed as 'divine' or 'out-of-this-world', will a reminder of the consequences deter? Even when the World Wars took place, no nation presumably wanted a war, and yet the circumstances proved to be out-of-control. Most policy-makers and political observers will agree that the volatility of circumstances has heightened the power of the uncontrollable element. The emergence of new-found threats in the 21 st century-such as the ISIS and the ideals, on which it is founded, confirms the stated doubt. On Feb 27, this year, the newspapers reported a letter written by a school boy, which he left for his parents, before blowing himself up in a suicide attack. The letter, which was discovered in the ISIS training camp for children, read: " My dear family, please forgive me… Don't be sad and don't wear the black clothes (of mourning). I asked to get married and you did not marry me off. So, by God, I will marry the 72 virgins in paradise ". Even school boys and girls are not afraid to blow themselves up and kill scores of others too, for gains that are vague and undefined. How do we expect such forceful and dangerous enemies to understand and weigh the tenets of IR as outlined by the Realist theory and the Zero Sum Game? Will the concept of Deterrence defend us, in the wake of such lack of fear depicted by the emerging threats? Logic or Rationality does not appeal to the newly-emerging threats to national security. It is not just the concept of deterrence that has undergone change, but even the underlying beliefs and assumptions have done so. For instance, it was believed that the bipolar world is here to stay forever. However, it lasted for barely half a century. We did not anticipate the present (almost fractured) world order in terms of power status, and we did not anticipate the concept of nuclear deterrence becoming less effective. The concept worked during the Cold War, but its working is reflective of the mind-set of the hostile parties on either side. However, if the forces that hail War and Destruction live in a state of no-fear, will the presence of nuclear-weapons deter? The most important premise on which the concept of nuclear deterrence rested was that the state engaged in deterrence must ensure that the adversary is made to realise that there shall be no concrete benefits of launching an attack, and thus making them fearful. In the contemporary times, and even in the future, if the adversary is without fear of any kind whatsoever and has hordes of suicide bombers who are

India-Iran relations- .docx

This Paper presented in an International Conference examines the developments in the gamut of Ind... more

Anybody Got a Spine

A feature article on the increasing sense of apathy in India

Ripples of Reform: Indo-Australia Relations

This Paper examines the context against which India-Australia relations have surged forward. It a... more

Governments all over the world are often pressurized to sacrifice pragmatic decisions in favour o... more

The Perils of Inter-connectedness

Living in an inter-connected and globalised world has its distinct share of advantages and disadv... more Living in an inter-connected and globalised world has its distinct share of advantages and disadvantages too. When the economy of one nation shivers, the others too catch a cold. Economies are irreversably inter-linked, and the ripples of any one action or reaction transcend boundaries. This article examines some of the perils of such ever-increasing inter connectedness.

Nation-States or Nano-States

Groups-- large or small, with loyalties to religion or ethnicity or language, wish to carve out n... more Groups-- large or small, with loyalties to religion or ethnicity or language, wish to carve out nation-states for themselves, out of the parent nation in which they currently live. It has become a fashion to do so. Dissatisfied groups of people do not wish to search for solutions to their issues within the existing framework, and instead believe that seceding from the larger nation and carving yet another state is the only solution. This is another dangerous trend in the contemporary world.

India Today and Tomorrow : Emerging Security Concerns

There may not be a fear of an all-out war before any nation, including India, but insecurity neve... more

The Growing Regional Chauvinism in India

Regionalism constitutes one of the most dangerous issues that threaten to weaken the India's nati... more

Electoral Reforms in India

Refined, concise and impeccable electoral practices and systems can make a big difference to the ... more

Public Diplomacy

In the ongoing turmoil in many parts of the world, it is crucial to exercise restraint in the pra... more

International Political Economy:Emerging Trends

The article examines the recent trends in the realm of International Political Economy. The relat... more

Small Steps; Big Change

The Article is about the small steps we all can take, to make living better for us all.

Do 'isms make a difference

Defence & Security Alert, 2022

In this contemporary world, where economics reigns supreme, the relevance of ideologies; of 'isms... more

Indians in Kuwait for conference

indiansinkuwait.com, 2022

In a Conference held on the issues faced by the Indian diaspora worldwide organized at the Benare... more

Small Steps, Big Change

The Article is about the small steps we all can take, to make living better for us all.

Future of Sino-Indian ties: What next, when, and where

Defence and Security Alert, 2021

At the very beginning of this year, a new violent border clash took place in Naku La, Sikkim on 2... more At the very beginning of this year, a new violent border clash took place in Naku La, Sikkim on 20 th January. This happened the very next day after a marathon session of commander-level talks ensued for 11 hours between the armies of both the nations. Meanwhile, a new diplomatic platform is all ready to witness clashes, claims and, likely attempts at sabotage between China and India.

Deterrence and Defence.docx

Defence and Security Alert, 2017

This article explores the changing dynamics underlying the concept of deterrence. In the contempo... more

Choose Pride over Prejudices.docx

indiansinkuwait.com, 2019

This article examines the importance of voting and exhorts the voters to shed political apathy an... more

Choose Pride over Prejudices.docx

Deterrence and Defence

The concept of deterrence gained fame and acceptability, as an intellectual construct initially a... more The concept of deterrence gained fame and acceptability, as an intellectual construct initially at the beginning of the Cold War in the 50s, and then, credibility-during the next three decades, at the height of the Cold War. The Neo-realists propounded and sustained the concept, with mild variations in intensity and purpose. The concept, nevertheless, undeniably had strong psychological bases. As Kissinger had eloquently put: " Deterrence occurs, above all, in the minds of men. " The countries which legitimately or clandestinely acquired nuclear weapons, hoped to threaten all present and potential aggressors with consequences far outweighing the benefits that the aggressor would hope to obtain by attacking them. It is important, for deterrence to work, that both sides have rationally calculated the costs and benefits of a full-blown war. The costs should far outweigh the benefits and thus, the threat should ultimately fail. However, if the benefits are too vague or idealistic to be measured or are portrayed as 'divine' or 'out-of-this-world', will a reminder of the consequences deter? Even when the World Wars took place, no nation presumably wanted a war, and yet the circumstances proved to be out-of-control. Most policy-makers and political observers will agree that the volatility of circumstances has heightened the power of the uncontrollable element. The emergence of new-found threats in the 21 st century-such as the ISIS and the ideals, on which it is founded, confirms the stated doubt. On Feb 27, this year, the newspapers reported a letter written by a school boy, which he left for his parents, before blowing himself up in a suicide attack. The letter, which was discovered in the ISIS training camp for children, read: " My dear family, please forgive me… Don't be sad and don't wear the black clothes (of mourning). I asked to get married and you did not marry me off. So, by God, I will marry the 72 virgins in paradise ". Even school boys and girls are not afraid to blow themselves up and kill scores of others too, for gains that are vague and undefined. How do we expect such forceful and dangerous enemies to understand and weigh the tenets of IR as outlined by the Realist theory and the Zero Sum Game? Will the concept of Deterrence defend us, in the wake of such lack of fear depicted by the emerging threats? Logic or Rationality does not appeal to the newly-emerging threats to national security. It is not just the concept of deterrence that has undergone change, but even the underlying beliefs and assumptions have done so. For instance, it was believed that the bipolar world is here to stay forever. However, it lasted for barely half a century. We did not anticipate the present (almost fractured) world order in terms of power status, and we did not anticipate the concept of nuclear deterrence becoming less effective. The concept worked during the Cold War, but its working is reflective of the mind-set of the hostile parties on either side. However, if the forces that hail War and Destruction live in a state of no-fear, will the presence of nuclear-weapons deter? The most important premise on which the concept of nuclear deterrence rested was that the state engaged in deterrence must ensure that the adversary is made to realise that there shall be no concrete benefits of launching an attack, and thus making them fearful. In the contemporary times, and even in the future, if the adversary is without fear of any kind whatsoever and has hordes of suicide bombers who are

India-Iran relations- .docx

This Paper presented in an International Conference examines the developments in the gamut of Ind... more

Anybody Got a Spine

A feature article on the increasing sense of apathy in India

Ripples of Reform: Indo-Australia Relations

This Paper examines the context against which India-Australia relations have surged forward. It a... more

Governments all over the world are often pressurized to sacrifice pragmatic decisions in favour o... more

The Perils of Inter-connectedness

Living in an inter-connected and globalised world has its distinct share of advantages and disadv... more Living in an inter-connected and globalised world has its distinct share of advantages and disadvantages too. When the economy of one nation shivers, the others too catch a cold. Economies are irreversably inter-linked, and the ripples of any one action or reaction transcend boundaries. This article examines some of the perils of such ever-increasing inter connectedness.

Nation-States or Nano-States

Groups-- large or small, with loyalties to religion or ethnicity or language, wish to carve out n... more Groups-- large or small, with loyalties to religion or ethnicity or language, wish to carve out nation-states for themselves, out of the parent nation in which they currently live. It has become a fashion to do so. Dissatisfied groups of people do not wish to search for solutions to their issues within the existing framework, and instead believe that seceding from the larger nation and carving yet another state is the only solution. This is another dangerous trend in the contemporary world.

India Today and Tomorrow : Emerging Security Concerns

There may not be a fear of an all-out war before any nation, including India, but insecurity neve... more

The Growing Regional Chauvinism in India

Regionalism constitutes one of the most dangerous issues that threaten to weaken the India's nati... more

Electoral Reforms in India

Refined, concise and impeccable electoral practices and systems can make a big difference to the ... more

Public Diplomacy

In the ongoing turmoil in many parts of the world, it is crucial to exercise restraint in the pra... more

International Political Economy:Emerging Trends

The article examines the recent trends in the realm of International Political Economy. The relat... more

Small Steps; Big Change

The Article is about the small steps we all can take, to make living better for us all.

Christ University conference paper on higher education

A lot of changes are being witnessed in the entire spectrum of education, both---by way of increa... more A lot of changes are being witnessed in the entire spectrum of education, both---by way of increasing criticism and in terms of raising doubts on the efficacy of the entire system. This paper suggests a few ideas whereby 'education' as an experience and as a system can be infused with a little more meaning and relevance,