The changing international environment, following the advent of globalisation and end of cold war politics has made it imperative for both practitioners and scholars to rethink and redefine the existing framework on which foreign policy operated. Foreign relations are in fact developed in the context of the security environment in which the nations are geographically located. However, security issues are no longer seen in the pure realist term of preserving the national security of the states in terms of territory only. States have aligned and realigned to further their national interest by forming new regional and economic blocs, while brushing aside historical and cultural hostility, and arriving at consensus over various issues of global concerns.
At the fifth annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York, 22 September, President Obama stated, ?Around the world, even as we pursue a new era of engagement with other nations, we’re embracing a broader engagement ? New partnerships between societies and citizens, community organizations, business, faith-based groups?.
Thus building partnerships based on mutual interests and mutual respect is driving the current thrust of relations around the world. Thus the spirit of partnership is a defining feature of foreign policy. With development as a key element of foreign policy? Nations are working together, by seeking more exchanges between students and experts, new collaborations among scientists to promote technological development, partnerships between businesses, entrepreneurs to advance prosperity and opportunity for people everywhere.
On the other hand a large number of extremists are committed to the destruction of societies; nations will have to come together to offset the prophecy of the clash of civilization. Such efforts, further reinforces the need for the building of new partnerships across regions and religions, non-governmental organizations and ordinary citizens to work toward good governance, transparent institutions and basic services on which security depends.
The objective of the centre is to advance analysis of foreign policy and security issues and contribute to the expansion of knowledge of Indian and international security issues and policy and generate an awareness amongst the public at large. GNLU seeks to address the decision makers, strategic planners, academics and the media in India, South Asia and the world. The aim of the centre is to provide a platform for scholars, institutions and practitioners of foreign relation analysis, security studies, area studies, international law to interact and provide another point of view for the decision makers at both the national and international level.
