ABSTRACT South Asia is globally the most vulnerable region facing climate change in the form of frequent and intense extreme-weather events and slow-onset climate change that are causing disaster, disease, death and displacement. With the global focus falling on this region, countries are initiating several climate policies to arrest the adverse impacts of climate change, focusing on adaptation, resilience, disaster risk reduction and preparedness, besides policies for environmental protection, energy security, etc. This paper analyses the climate policies of India, Bangladesh and Nepal through the lens of human rights and examines the provisions to handle certain human aspects like internal displacement, international migration, inclusion of gender and disability in relief, resettlement and rehabilitation policies. The enquiry finds that the existing policies as a whole have gaps in ensuring ecological human rights for the vulnerable people, especially women, disabled and the climate migrants. Bangladesh has adopted a relatively more people-friendly approach, with gender and disability being included in the policy objectives. Nepal, too, has included gender in their policy goals, while India has a long way to go regarding social inclusion in climate policies. Regional cooperation among these neighbouring countries may help design appropriate policies to solve similar and cross-border problems.

ABSTRACT High education informal diplomacy is a recent concept placed at the heart of the international agenda by the growing intervention of non-governmental players in the conduct of international relations and the growing importance of major global issues. It involves circulating knowledge through a collaborative academic reply and establishing global governance based on scientific expertise. Recognized by a growing number of countries as part of their public policies, it differs from international university cooperation, which doesn't involve national interests. Historically part of the influence strategy of few states, it is now the prerogative of new powers, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. It is an under-exploited tool of influence in the Indian Ocean, despite the fact that France benefits from a well-developed higher education and research ecosystem in this area, ensuring its participation in today's major regional and international debates.

ABSTRACT This paper analyses the engagement of the coast guards of the Quad. It argues that increasing engagement – represented by growing joint training, operations, and exchanges – is representative of an ever-pervasive mode of networked governance underpinned by practice transfer that we conceptualize as an informal form of policy transfer. This paper argues that a focus on the various activities being undertaken cooperatively by coast guards constitutes an important dimension of informal maritime security governance in the region, providing peace, prosperity, and opportunity. The paper makes three contributions. First, it focuses on relatively understudied Coast Guards and demonstrates the important international roles they are playing in the collective maritime governance of the Indo-Pacific at a time when they are being formally recognized by the Quad. Second, it demonstrates that regional maritime security governance is increasingly ordered by flexible informal cooperation between these actors, who transfer practices catalyzed by the shared regional focus. Finally, it contributes to the literature on policy transfer and informal governance by combining it with a networked approach to demonstrate how informal networks are fostered, maintained, and utilized.

ABSTRACT Japan's foreign and security policies are becoming increasingly aligned due to the growing great power rivalry sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's rise to prominence. This paper examines how these developments have impacted the Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy, which the Japanese government considers an essential diplomatic tool. The securitisation of ODA, or the use of ODA to further Japan's national security objectives, is the biggest change. In 1992, the ODA Charter was established which makes this period relevant to study the evolution of Japan’s ODA. The development of Official Security Assistance (OSA), which seeks to support Japan's security objectives by enhancing the deterrent power of developing nations embroiled in territorial conflicts with China, indicates this trend. Notably, Japan is using the defence of the universal value of the international rule of law to support this new trend in ODA. Stated differently, Japan is reorienting its assistance to emphasize the rule of law in international interactions rather than the internal problems of democracy and human rights in each receiving country. This reflects Japan's attempt to maintain universal ideals while minimizing the possibility of upsetting the regimes in power in recipient nations with dubious histories of domestic governance.

ABSTRACT In recent years, we have witnessed a proliferation of strategic positioning on the Indo-Pacific (IP) from various important players on the international stage. Indeed, the European Union has identified the IP as a priority for its foreign policy in the coming decade, owing to the projection that this will be a key theatre for pivotal issues on the international agenda, notably due to the ongoing geopolitical battle between the powers of East and West. However, Africa is often overlooked and left out of these strategic debates. This is not helped by the fact that most African states seem to have little to no strategic thinking that encompasses the IP. What, then, is Africa's role in the IP? This article explores how existing strategic thinking from important regional and international powers position the IP, what thinking is emerging from Africa pertinent to this region, and how African states can assert themselves to forge a place in it.

ABSTRACT With the global geopolitical shift from the West to Asia, the ‘Indo-Pacific’ has risen as the dominant geopolitical framework, taking over from the ‘Asia-Pacific’ construct. The uncertain nature of regional power transitions and the escalating US–China rivalry have become focal points for scholars due to their potential impact on the international order. However, the Indo-Pacific is also shaped by ‘middle powers’ – significant regional actors that, despite ranking below great powers, possess the capability to influence global affairs. Faced with escalating US–China competition, middle powers have adapted by forming ‘minilateral’ groupings – smaller, more flexible coalitions focused on specific areas of cooperation. India, seeking to maintain and enhance its strategic autonomy, has actively engaged in these efforts. This article investigates India’s strategy of building such coalitions, termed ‘Middle Power Minilateralism,’ and evaluates their effectiveness within the Indo-Pacific landscape.

ABSTRACT The Indo-Pacific region, a hub of maritime trade and economic opportunities, often overlooks the hidden narrative of the women of East African littorals. These women, who make up half of the workforce in marine and coastal industries, face unjust compensation and lack job security. Despite their crucial role in driving economic growth, their voices are silenced, perpetuating gender disparities and impeding inclusive development. This paper employs exploratory research for the visibility and empowerment of these women, aiming to unleash their potential as catalysts for peace and prosperity in the region as urged in the UNSC Resolution 1325. It also highlights the benefits of investing in women for families, communities, and nations. The paper suggests integrating these women into maritime networks through targeted policies and inclusive initiatives, fostering collaboration and unlocking new growth opportunities in terms of blue economy and economic liberalization. By highlighting the overlooked narratives of East African women, this paper contributes to a more inclusive and fair vision for the Indo-Pacific, where diversity is celebrated and every voice is valued.