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Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies

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Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies

Abu Salah Md Yousuf

Abu Salah Md Yousuf

Research Director , Strategic Studies
+880-2-55138031 yousuf@biiss.org

I am working at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) as Research Director.  My areas of interest cover the geopolitics of the Bay of Bengal region and Bangladesh, security and securitization, The geopolitics of change in Myanmar, securitization of ethnic identity in Myanmar, ethno-national politics in Myanmar and the Rohingya Crisis. 

I have completed my BSS and MSS in Political Science from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh and MA in South Asian Studies from the Pondicherry University, India.

Areas of Expertise
  1. The Geopolitics of the Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh 
  2. Security and Securitization
  3. The Geopolitics of Change in Myanmar 
  4. Securitization of Ethnic Identity in Myanmar 
  5. Ethno-National Politics in Myanmar
  6. The Rohingya Crisis  
Scholarly Articles
  1.  “Military Coup D’état, State of Anarchy, and the Future of Ethnic Armed Resistance Vis-à-Vis Reconciliation in Myanmar” (Book Chapter) in Kawser Ahmed and  Md. Rafiqul Islam (eds.) Understanding the Rohingya Displacement: Security, Media and Humanitarian Perspectives, Singapore: Springer, 2024. 
  2.  “Models of Deradicalisation: Challenges for Developing an Effective Framework”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 42, No. 3, October 2021.
  3. “Between ‘Stratocracy’ and ‘Moral Democracy’: An Appraisal of Myanmar’s Political Transition under Suu Kyi”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 41, No. 3, July 2020.
  4. “Securitization and Ethnic Violence: Military, Monks and Rohingya Minorities in Myanmar”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 41, No. 2, April 2020.
  5. “Beyond State Centrism: Regional Cooperation Approaches and Non-State Actors”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 41, No. 1, January 2020.
  6. “Remaking of India’s Public Diplomacy in South Asia: Modi’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Bangladesh”, (Book Chapter) in Bibhuti Bhusan Biswas (ed.), Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in India and China, New Delhi: Indi Book Services Pvt. Ltd., 2020.
  7. “State, Nationality and Power Elites: The Politics of Nationalism in Myanmar”, with D. Purushothaman, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 40, No. 3, July 2019.
  8. “The Future of Indian Democracy: An Institutional Perspective”, (Book Chapter), in Parshuram Sail and Bibhuti Bhusan Biswas (eds.), Indian Democracy at 70: Challenges Ahead, New Delhi: Mark Books, 2019.
  9. “Regional Counterterrorism Strategy: A Focus on South Asia” (Book Chapter) in Bibhuti Bhusan Biswas (ed.), Internal Changes in South Asia: Challenges and Opportunities, New Delhi: Indu Book Services, 2018. 
  10. “Myanmar’s Peace Process Under Suu Kyi: Understanding the Fault Lines”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 39, No. 4, October 2018.
  11. “Countering Lone Wolf Terrorism: Challenges and Strategies”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 38, No. 4, October 2017.
  12. “Political Transitions in Myanmar: Challenges for New Government”, Political Discourse (ISSN 2455-0884), Vol. II, No. 3&4, Dec. 2016-June 2017.
  13. “India’s Energy Support for Bangladesh: Reflection of Soft Power”, (Book Chapter) in Satish Kumar and Bhibuti Bhusan Biswas (eds.), Modi’s Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power: Issues and Challenges, New Delhi: ANSH Book International, 2016.
  14. “Non-State Actors in Global Climate Negotiations: Policy Influencing Strategies and Challenges”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 34, No. 4, October 2015.
  15.  “Challenges of India’s Global Emergence” with Mohammad Jasim Uddin, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 35, No. 3, July 2014.
  16. “Evolving Trends of UN Peacekeeping: Challenges for Bangladesh” with Md. Farid Uddin, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 35, No. 2, April 2014.
  17. “Economic Integration in South Asia”, with Mohammad Jasim Uddin, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 34, No. 1, January 2013.
  18. “US Sanctions against Iran: Implications for the Islamic Republic and Beyond”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 33, No. 2, July2012. 
  19. “Global War on Terror: Post-Bin Laden Dimensions” with Mohammad Jasim Uddin, International Journal of South Asian Studies, (ISSN 0974-2514), Vol. 11, No. 2, July-December 2011.
  20. “The European Convention on Human Rights: Protection of Individual Rights in the Age of Globalisation”, with Mohammad Jasim Uddin, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 32, No. 4, October 2011. 
  21. “Indo-Russian Partnership: Emerging Dynamics”, with Bibhuti Bhusan Biswas, PhD., BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 32, No. 3, July 2011.
  22. “Political Parties and Parliamentary Democracy: The Experience of Bangladesh” International Journal of South Asian Studies (ISSN 0974-2514), Vol. 3, No. 2, July-December 2010.
  23. “Political Developments in Myanmar: New Constitution, International Concerns and Strategies of Military”, BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 30, No. 3, July-2009.
  24. “National Security and Foreign Policy of Bangladesh 2008”, with A.K.M Abdus Sabur and M. Jashim Uddin, Ph.D., (Book Chapter) in Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (ed.) “National Security of Bangladesh 2008, Dhaka: BIISS, 2009. 
  25. “Crisis in Georgia: Understanding Its Nature and Implications” with Abul Kalam Azad, Ph.D., BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 29, No. 4, October 2008.
  26. “International System: The Role of Diplomacy in the Context of Bangladesh”, with A.K.M Abdus Sabur and A.B.M Ziaur Rahman (Book Chapter) in Mufleh R. Osmany (ed.), Whither National Security: Bangladesh 2007, Dhaka: The University Press Limited, 2008. 
  27. “Indo-US Strategic Partnership: Implications for South Asia”, with M. Jashim Uddin, Ph.D., BIISS Journal (ISSN 1010-9536), Vol. 28, No. 4, October 2007.
Research Projects
  1. At present, working in the research project on “The Geopolitics of Neighbourhood and Bangladesh-Myanmar Relations: The Rohingya Crisis and Beyond”, by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
  2. Completed Dissertation on “Regional Governance and Non-State Actors in South Asia: Perspectives on Climate Change” in M. A. South Asian Studies under guidance of Professor N. K. Jha, Pondicherry University, India.
  3. Worked as a consultant to assist Saferworld to conduct the desk review on the UNDP/Bangladesh Police Reform Base Line Survey 2011.
  4. Worked as data collector and data analyst in the project naming, “National Security of Bangladesh 2008” by BIISS.
  5. Worked as data collector and data analyst in the project naming “Whither National Security: Bangladesh 2007” by BIISS.
  6. Worked as Research Assistant in the project naming “Bangladesh Human Security Assessment 2007” by BIISS funded by DFID, UK. 
INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
  1. “Contemporary Concerns of the State of Indigenous People vis-à-vis their Existence and Survival”, in the International Seminar organised by the Indian Council of Social Science in Guwahati University, India from 27 to 28 February 2024.
  2. “The Rohingya Crisis and Security Dynamics: Challenges for Mitigating Insecurities”, on line lecture organised by UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asian Regional Cooperation, Pondicherry University, India, on 22 April 2021.
  3. “Remaking of India’s Public Diplomacy in South Asia: Modi’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Bangladesh” in International Seminar, organised by Jharkhand University, India, 21-22 April 2019.
  4. “Regional Counterterrorism Strategy: A Focus on South Asia”, presented in International Seminar on “Internal Changes in South Asia: Challenges and Opportunities”, organised by Centre for International Relations, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Jharkhand, India, 20-21 April 2017.
  5. “Achieving Comprehensive Democracy: Bangladesh Experience”, presented in a Regional Workshop on “From Corporate Democracy to Comprehensive Democracy (Swaraj): Prospects and Challenges in South Asia” from November 25-26, 2014 in Kathmandu, organised by Nepal Center for Contemporary Studies in collaboration with SADED-Nepal and Nepal Social Forum.
  6. “Political Transition: Experience of Bangladesh”, presented in a seminar on “Democratic Transitions in South Asia” organised by the Nepal Center for Contemporary Studies, Kathmandu, Nepal, 12 February 2013.
  7. “Cyber Security: Bangladesh Perspective”, presented in the seminar on “Cyber Security: China and the World”, organised by China Institute for International Studies (CIIS), 29 May 2012.
  8. “Bangladesh-India Water Sharing: Institutional Challenges”, presented in the seminar on “Cooperation through River Water Sharing: The South Asian Context”, organised by Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC), Pondicherry University, India, 20 April 2012.
  9. “Climate Change Adaptation in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh: Governance Challenges” presented in the conference on “Strengthening Governance for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change”, organised by Network of Asia Pacific Schools and Institutes of Public Administration and Governance, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, 16 December 2011.
  10. “Minimizing Conflicts and Maximizing Repayments: An Alternative Model for South Asia”, the paper is presented in a Conference on Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia, organised by Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras, held on 15th& 16th December 2010.
  11. “How Neighbours Perceive India: A Case Study of Bangladesh”, the paper presented in International Conference on “South Asia in 2020: Towards a Greater Unity and Interdependence” organized by UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC), Pondicherry University, India, November 22-24, 2010.
  12. “Rajiv Gandhi’s Disarmament Action Plan: Relevance in the Twenty First Century”, the paper presented in the International Seminar on Rajiv Gandhi’s Disarmament Initiatives: Global and South Asian Contexts, organized by Centre for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry University, India, Co-sponsored by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, March 9-11, 2010.
  13. “European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms: The Protection of Individual Rights in the Age of Globalization”, the paper presented in the International Colloquium on “European Convention on Human Rights-Lessons from Experiences” organized by Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University, India, in collaboration with Faculty of Law, Politics and Social Sciences, University of Paris 13, France March 1-3, 2010.
PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES
  1. Participation in Working Group Meeting on South Asia and Central Asia of the Regional Network for Strategic Studies Centers (RNSS) in Bangkok, Thailand from 27-29 May 2019, organized by Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), Washington.
  2. Visited China as a member of Think Tank delegation from Bangladesh from 5 August to 14 August 2018.
  3. “Brahmaputra River Symposium: Knowledge Beyond Boundaries”, a jointly organised symposium by Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT-Guwahati, India, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi and SaciWATER, Hyderabad, India in New Delhi, India, 25-26 September 2017.
  4. Participated in the Bilateral Cooperation Dialogue between Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies (MISIS) in Rangoon, Myanmar, 22 August 2017.
  5. “Internal Changes in South Asia: Challenges and Opportunities”, Seminar organised by Centre for International Relations, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Jharkhand, India, 20-21 April 2017.
  6. “BBIN Roundtable Discussion” jointly organised by Delhi Policy Group and Asia Foundation in Kolkata, India, 16-17 March 2017.
  7. Annual International Countering Violent Extremism Research Conference, 2016, organised by Hedayah, in Jakarta, Indonesia, 3-9 December 2016.
  8. Participation in Working Session of the Regional Network for Strategic Studies Centers (RNSS) Plenary Meeting in Ankara, Turkey from 31 March-3 April, 2016, organized by Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), Washington.
  9. Participation in Working Session of the Regional Network for Strategic Studies Centers (RNSS) Plenary Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey from 23-25 March 2015, organised by Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), Washington.
  10. “From Corporate Democracy to Comprehensive Democracy (Swaraj): Prospects and Challenges in South Asia”, Dialogue on Ecological Democracy, Organised by Nepal Center for Contemporary Studies and Nepal Social Forum, in 25-26 November 2014, Katamandu, Nepal.
  11. Participation in 4th IDSA-BIISS Bilateral Dialogue, held in Institute for Defence Studies Analysis (IDSA), New Delhi, India, 3-6 July 2013.
  12. “Geopolitical Implications of Transformation in the Middle East and North Africa” Working Session of the Regional Network for Strategic Studies Centers (RNSS) Plenary Meeting in Thailand, 3-6 November 2012.
  13. “Regional Economic Integration and Issue of Governance” working group meeting organised by Near East South Asia (NESA) Center, the USA, held in Sri Lanka, 08-10 March 2012.
  14. Participation in the 8th Annual Regional Network of Strategic Studies Centers (RNSSC) Plenary Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, 28 November – 1 December, 2011.
  15. Special course on “India-Bangladesh Relations” organised by Sikkim University, Sikkim, India, 09-12 September, 2011.
  16. Participation in Workshop on “Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation” organised by Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), India, on 23-27 February 2011.
  17. International Seminar on “India’s Foreign Policy: Continuity and Change” in Pondicherry University, India, on 26-27 August 2009.
  18. Participation in Working Session of the Regional Network for Strategic Studies Centers (RNSS) Plenary Meeting in Doha, Qatar from 2-5 November 2008, organized by Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), Washington.
Academic Awards and Achievements
  1. Australia Awards for a short course on “Using Social Media for Countering Radicalization” held from 2-13 July 2018 at the University of Queensland awarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia.
  2. Ambassador Madanjeet Sing Group Scholarship for completing MA in South Asian Studies, Pondicherry University, India, 2009-11.