Knowledge & Scholarship

Research & Publications

The Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies is committed to producing rigorous, policy-relevant research on peace, diplomacy, and international affairs.

Our work is organised in six categories: live trackers, expert commentary, policy analysis and briefs, research essays, the peer-reviewed Journal of Peace and Diplomacy, and books, alongside short news and updates.

Browse by category

Six ways into IPDS research

Also in this section: News & Updates → short reports on diplomatic developments, IPDS programmes and observatory updates.

01 · Live Trackers

Live Trackers

Our trackers and observatories are sourced reference databases that are updated as events unfold, so researchers, diplomats and journalists can check the record rather than reconstruct it.

Live

SCO Observatory

A sourced, searchable reference on every SCO summit, member state, institution, trade fact and connectivity project since 2001.

Open tracker →Live

SCO Commitments Tracker

A register of SCO summit declarations and commitments, following how far each one has been delivered.

Open tracker →Live

GSP+ Transition Tracker

Pakistan's standing under the EU's GSP+ scheme: the 27 conventions, review milestones and what a transition would mean for trade.

Open tracker →Live

Pakistan – Central Asia & Eurasia Relations Tracker

Pakistan's relations with twelve countries across Central Asia, the Caucasus and wider Eurasia, country by country.

Open tracker →Live

Pakistan – ASEAN Relations Tracker

Pakistan's engagement with all ten ASEAN member states: visits, agreements, trade and institutional links.

Open tracker →Live

Pakistan – China Relations: A 75-Year Reference

Diplomatic missions, trade and investment data, the CPEC project inventory and 75 years of diplomatic history.

Open tracker →Live

Afghanistan Observatory

Afghanistan's bilateral and multilateral relations with seventeen neighbours, regional powers and international partners.

Open tracker →

02 · Expert Commentary

Expert Commentary

Short, timely pieces by IPDS researchers and invited contributors on developments in diplomacy, regional affairs and international politics.

Expert Commentary25 September 2026

Why Multilateralism Cannot Reform Itself

Multilateral institutions are not failing to reform by accident. The powers that wrote the rules of the UN Security Council,…

IPDS

Expert Commentary5 September 2026

Nizami Ganjavi Heritage in Iran: Claims and Truths

Originally published on The Diplomatic Insight, IPDS’s sister publication. IPDS is pleased to showcase this piece by Prof. Dr. Eynulla…

IPDS

Expert Commentary5 September 2026

Anatol Lieven’s Predictions on Afghanistan

Originally published on The Diplomatic Insight, IPDS’s sister publication. IPDS is pleased to showcase this piece by Falak Naz. Back…

View all expert commentary →

Contributors: 800–1,500 words. Write for IPDS →

03 · Policy Analysis & Briefs

Policy Analysis & Briefs

Structured assessments of the policy questions facing Pakistan and its partners, including IPDS weekly briefs and policy papers, with options and recommendations for decision-makers.

IPDS

Policy Analysis & Briefs12 October 2026

The Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Its Ripple Effects on Pakistan

How the Strait of Hormuz turned energy security into a geopolitical weapon and what it cost Pakistan. Introduction This crisis…

Policy Analysis & Briefs7 October 2026

How Secondary Sanctions Expose the Structural Limits of Europe’s Economic Statecraft

Washington’s August 2026 expansion of Executive Order 13902, extending its reach across five key Iranian economic sectors and issuing sharpened…

Policy Analysis & Briefs25 September 2026

Pakistan’s Diplomacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is changing how states communicate and protect their interests. This piece looks at what AI diplomacy means for…

View all policy analysis & briefs →

Contributors: 1,200–2,500 words. Write for IPDS →

04 · Research Essays

Research Essays

Longer, source-driven studies that examine the history, structure and evolution of bilateral and multilateral relationships.

Research Essay7 October 2026

Is There Still a Peace to Keep? What MONUSCO Reveals About the Future of UN Peace Operations

Abstract United Nations (UN) peace operations have evolved from traditional ceasefire monitoring into multidimensional interventions involving civilian protection, political mediation,…

Research Essay23 September 2026

Beyond One Commodity: Structure and Sequence in the Pakistan–Rwanda Economic Relationship

Abstract Pakistan and Rwanda have, within the timeframe of five years, put in place the institutions through which a modern…

IPDS

Research Essay17 September 2026

Syria, Lebanon, and the Changing Regional Order

Introduction The Middle East is entering a potentially consequential period of political and strategic realignment. The collapse of the Assad…

View all research essays →

Contributors: 2,000–3,500 words. Write for IPDS →

05 · Journal

Peer-Reviewed · Bi-Annual · Open Access

Journal of Peace and Diplomacy

The Journal of Peace and Diplomacy (JPD) is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed bi-annual journal providing an international platform for academic debate on national, regional, and international affairs.

The journal covers International Relations, Peace Studies, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, and the broader interconnected fields of social sciences. Submissions undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review process, ensuring the highest standards of scholarly integrity.

Published by: IPDSFrequency: Bi-annualFormat: Open Access

Submit Your Research

We welcome original research papers, review articles, and policy briefs from scholars, researchers, and practitioners across the globe.

Submit Your Paper →Visit Journal Website

Journal of Peace and Diplomacy

06 · Books

Books

IPDS has published a range of books and thematic studies examining bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and global diplomacy.

Directory of Think Tanks in Pakistan (Second Edition)

A comprehensive directory of active think tanks in Pakistan, including contact details and insights.

Publication record

20 Years of Diplomatic Relations: Kazakhstan & Pakistan

This book traces two decades of diplomatic ties between Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

Read online

Azerbaijan and Pakistan: 20 Years of Friendship

Azerbaijan and Pakistan: 20 Years of Friendship</p></div> <div class='ipds-book-body'> <h3>Azerbaijan and Pakistan: 20 Years of Friendship</h3> <p>An exploration of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Read online

Azerbaijan Pakistan Relations: Challenges & Opportunities

Azerbaijan Pakistan Relations: Challenges & Opportunities</p></div> <div class='ipds-book-body'> <h3>Azerbaijan Pakistan Relations: Challenges & Opportunities</h3> <p>A focused analysis of the challenges and opportunities shaping the relationship.

Publication record

Pakistan-China Relations and South Asian Geo-Politics

Pakistan-China Relations and South Asia</p></div> <div class='ipds-book-body'> <h3>Pakistan-China Relations and South Asian Geo-Politics</h3> <p>Examining bilateral relations between Pakistan and China and their broader impact.

Print edition · IPDS archive

Pakistan China Industrial Cooperation

Focusing on industrial cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.

Publication record

Post Qingdao SCO Summit: Opportunities & Challenges

An analysis of Pakistan's evolving role within the SCO following the Qingdao Summit.

Publication record

Brazil: A Guidebook for Pakistani Youth

A comprehensive resource covering education, trade, and culture between Brazil and Pakistan.

Publication record

Pakistan-Japan: A Unique Relationship (1947–2015)

Analysis of diplomatic and economic ties between Pakistan and Japan from 1947 to 2015.

Publication record

History of Non-Violent Resistance in Pakistan

A chronicle of non-violent resistance movements from anti-colonial times to modern protests.

Publication record

Codes of Tolerance (Urdu Edition)

Dr. Hubertus Hoffmann's book on tolerance and peaceful coexistence, published in Urdu by IPDS in 2016; it had earlier appeared in German, Arabic and Polish.

About the book

07 · News & Updates

News & Updates

Short reports on diplomatic developments across the regions IPDS covers, IPDS programmes and visits, and updates to our trackers and observatories.

News & Updates28 September 2026

IPDS, World Peoples Assembly Sign MoU on Institutional Cooperation

Originally published on The Diplomatic Insight, IPDS’s sister publication. IPDS is pleased to showcase this report by the TDI News…

News & Updates9 September 2026

US, China, Russia and Other Nations Congratulate Pakistan on Independence Day

Originally published on The Diplomatic Insight, IPDS’s sister publication. IPDS is pleased to showcase this report by the TDI News…

News & Updates9 September 2026

California State Senate Passes Resolution Honouring Pakistan-US Ties and Diaspora

Originally published on The Diplomatic Insight, IPDS’s sister publication. IPDS is pleased to showcase this report by the TDI News…

News & Updates9 September 2026

Rwanda Launches African Academy for Women in Political Leadership

Originally published on The Diplomatic Insight, IPDS’s sister publication. IPDS is pleased to showcase this report by the TDI Monitoring…

News & Updates9 September 2026

7th IYDS Participants Visit Egypt’s Embassy in Islamabad

Originally published on The Diplomatic Insight, IPDS’s sister publication. IPDS is pleased to showcase this report by the TDI Web…

News & Updates9 September 2026

Zimbabwe Embassy in Islamabad Hosts IPDS’s 7th International Young Diplomats School

Originally published on The Diplomatic Insight, IPDS’s sister publication. IPDS is pleased to showcase this report by the TDI Web…

View all news & updates →

Explore More IPDS Research

On-Demand Research

We offer strategic, political, and economic research reports tailored to your needs.

Learn More →

IPDS Journal

Submit your academic work to our peer-reviewed bi-annual journal.

Submit a Paper →

Our Centres

Research is conducted through our specialized centres with distinct thematic focus areas.

Explore Centres →

The Diplomatic Insight

Pakistan’s premier diplomacy magazine — Peace Through Informed Dialogue. 17+ years of trusted coverage.

Visit Website →

Research & Publications

Six ways into IPDS research

Live Trackers

SCO Observatory

SCO Commitments Tracker

GSP+ Transition Tracker

Pakistan – Central Asia & Eurasia Relations Tracker

Pakistan – ASEAN Relations Tracker

Pakistan – China Relations: A 75-Year Reference

Afghanistan Observatory

Expert Commentary

Why Multilateralism Cannot Reform Itself

Nizami Ganjavi Heritage in Iran: Claims and Truths

Anatol Lieven’s Predictions on Afghanistan

Policy Analysis & Briefs

The Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Its Ripple Effects on Pakistan

How Secondary Sanctions Expose the Structural Limits of Europe’s Economic Statecraft

Pakistan’s Diplomacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Research Essays

Is There Still a Peace to Keep? What MONUSCO Reveals About the Future of UN Peace Operations

Beyond One Commodity: Structure and Sequence in the Pakistan–Rwanda Economic Relationship

Syria, Lebanon, and the Changing Regional Order

Journal of Peace and Diplomacy

Submit Your Research

Books

Directory of Think Tanks in Pakistan (Second Edition)

20 Years of Diplomatic Relations: Kazakhstan & Pakistan

Azerbaijan and Pakistan: 20 Years of Friendship

Azerbaijan Pakistan Relations: Challenges & Opportunities

Pakistan-China Relations and South Asian Geo-Politics

Pakistan China Industrial Cooperation

Post Qingdao SCO Summit: Opportunities & Challenges

Brazil: A Guidebook for Pakistani Youth

Pakistan-Japan: A Unique Relationship (1947–2015)

History of Non-Violent Resistance in Pakistan

Codes of Tolerance (Urdu Edition)

News & Updates

IPDS, World Peoples Assembly Sign MoU on Institutional Cooperation

US, China, Russia and Other Nations Congratulate Pakistan on Independence Day

California State Senate Passes Resolution Honouring Pakistan-US Ties and Diaspora

Rwanda Launches African Academy for Women in Political Leadership

7th IYDS Participants Visit Egypt’s Embassy in Islamabad

Zimbabwe Embassy in Islamabad Hosts IPDS’s 7th International Young Diplomats School

Explore More IPDS Research

On-Demand Research

IPDS Journal

Our Centres

The Diplomatic Insight

Research, dialogues and opportunities from IPDS