IIRF/GZ/2/ 24 Oct 2021
Respected Heads of Institutions/Eminent Persons
The Indus International Research Foundation is a New Delhi based Research and Study Group with its overseas centre in the USA . It is part of a global network of scholars, professionals and veterans based in India and abroad. The Foundation focuses primarily on international relations, Indian heritage, political, economy and security studies. Led by experts with decades of international and domestic policy experience, IIRF India, engages with governments, policymakers, academics, students, industries, practitioners, and civil society to provide insightful and fresh analysis of global trends and India’s challenging role as an emerging world leader. The Foundation regularly organises web discussions and webinars on contemporary topics. We have also published many valuable articles on our website, www.indusresearch.in.
IIRF, as a part of its Indus Conclave Interaction, in association with Amity Institute of International Studies, Amity University, is holding a series of web discussions on the various aspects of Protracted “Grey Zone” Warfare with Cognitive Warfare as the major game changer. We are starting from the basics, to the end. The first of the series was conducted in September this year on the Overall Strategy of Information and Communication Technology.
The next event planned by us is a virtual Conference over two days, 09 Dec and 10 Dec 2021. We plan to schedule it in two parts, Presentation of Papers by Student Scholars and by Serving Officers / Veterans followed by a Panel Discussion on the different subjects.
I write this letter to you to seek your support for this venture and request you to encourage Instructors/Students (Volunteers) in your eminent Organisation(s)/Institution(s) to choose a subject and submit papers on Grey Zone Warfare. The Instructions are attached with this letter. I will be grateful if you could circulate this message widely please.
Details for the panel discussion will be intimated later please.
With warm regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Col (Dr) Vijay Chenji
GREY ZONE WARFARE
A VIRTUAL CONFERENCE
THE INDUS INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INDIA, in association with Amity Institute of International Studies, Amity University, is organising a virtual conference on Grey Zone Warfare (GZW) on Thursday, 09 December and Friday,10 December 2021.
CONCEPT NOTE
Warfare, arguably the oldest of profession practiced by man has been constantly reinventing itself. Rapid technological advances has only accelerated the process of this evolution. Even as conventional warfare continues to dominate most war zones, military strategists and planners are tirelessly experimenting novel methods of waging wars that are not only cost effective, less damaging collaterally, saving human lives, but also mostly through indirect means, a new form of war is now taking shape.
It is not only a combination of non-invasive methods of attacking ones adversary but also weakening its social fabric and destroy his will to wage a war.
While the contours of this new type of war is yet to develop the concept is still emerging. known by various names like hybrid warfare or cognitive warfare. There is no unanimity on a definite nomenclature. However, in recent years, there appears a broad consensus on calling it grey-zone warfare, at least in the Indian context. This type of warfare is an umbrella concept that encapsulates many other types of coercive tools that has the potential to enervate the nation’s will to defend its sovereignty. It covers a gamut of instruments like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Psychological warfare (Psywar), economic sanctions, information warfare, through soft power etc.
GZW defies any definition largely due its vast scope. short of waging actual conventional war (at one end of the spectrum), to guaranteed peace at the other extreme end. All methods to achieve total domination appears acceptable to the civilized world. GZW is gaining acceptance gradually as adversaries’ experiment on each other. In recent years, China seems to have tried this concept over its rivals, particularly against India.
It is a cost-effective warfare which is technology driven and aimed at destabilising elected governments by causing confusion and misleading people. As stated earlier china is reportedly very advanced and adept at planning and managing grey-zone warfare.
Where does India stand in this new form of warfare? How does it insure itself against the threat from its immediate neighbourhood? What are the practical ways for a country like India do to neutralise its adversaries from this diabolical threat?
To explain to us the concept and principles of GZW we have identified a number of national and international experts on cyber security, artificial intelligence, psy ops, information warfare etc., to discuss these issues threadbare. We hope to create an awareness among the public and put across our views to lawmakers to take steps to protect our national interests.
Format for Conduct
The Event will be conducted in two parts as follows: –
-
Presentation of Papers.
-
Panel Discussion.
SUBMISSION OF PAPERS
IIRF invites articles on any of the themes mentioned below from Veterans and Scholars: –
-
Technology and its Management in Grey Zone Warfare: –
-
Psychological Operations
-
Perception Management.
-
Media Management in GZW.
-
Political Manipulation in GZW.
-
Economic Interference to Further GZW.
-
Utilisation of Soft Power in GZW.
The themes are indicative in nature. Specific subjects related to the themes can be selected for submission.
Veterans/Serving Officers
Our veterans with vast combat experience and deep foresight have always been active in nation building. In recent years they are active in the media debating on issues of national importance and writing on defence related matters. They are eagerly heard and their writings valued by public at large.
We invite them to share their perspectives through articles.
Initially an abstract may please be submitted on the dates mentioned below. The abstract should be a 250 words summary of the intended paper with 5-6 keywords at the end. The abstract should include the title of the paper, name and affiliation of the author and contact details. Full paper of around 1500-2000 words has to be submitted till prescribed date. The abstract and paper should be sent in MS word ( 12 font, Times New Roman in English ), through email to iirf.research@gmail.com
There are no registration fees. All the authors will be given a copy of the proceedings free of cost that will be printed after the Seminar.
Scholars
We encourage young scholars to experiment and innovate on these subjects. Our young scholars and researchers have always brought fresh thoughts and novel ideas through their research and writings. Here an opportunity to share your investigative analysis on our platform with our senior Veterans.
The abstract should be a 250 words summary of the intended paper with 5-6 keywords at the end.
The abstract should include the title of the paper, name and affiliation of the author and contact details. Full paper of around 2500-3000 words has to be submitted till prescribed date. The abstract and paper should be sent in MS word (12 font, Times New Roman in English), through email to iirf.research@gmail.com.
There are no registration fees.
An edited book of selected articles will be published. The book will be provided free of cost to those whose articles are published. Selected authors may also be given an opportunity to present their papers during the Seminar.
The articles will be selected by committee from AIIS and IIRF.
SummaryLast date for submission of abstract |
10 November, 2021 |
Notification of acceptance of abstract |
Will be intimated by mail. |
Submission of full paper |
30 November, 2021 |
