While legacy systems remain central to military planning, data has increasingly become the critical determinant in contemporary combat operations. The Internet of Battle Things (IoBT) reflects a military ecosystem that comprises interconnected sensors, devices, and weapon systems along with manned and unmanned systems. This networked system collects data through sensors, transmits it across networks and eventually turns it into strategic value on the battlefield. By linking IoBT to Clausewitz’s concept of the ‘fog of war,’ this paper explores the evolution and technical underpinnings of this evolving ecosystem. It examines its integration into contemporary military and emerging operational concepts of countries like the United States, China and Pakistan. The analysis identifies core challenges confronting IoBT networks like cyberattacks, interoperability issues, environmental stressors, energy limitations, and data management constraints. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the strategic value and operational effectiveness of IoBT-enabled systems.
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CASS Opinion Roundup – May 2026, Vol. No. 0001
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The West: The History of an Idea
The world is witnessing the collapse of the Western order, if not the emergence of an alternative one. The idea of ‘West’ as against the rest is still at the root of contemporary understanding of world politics. Georgios Varouxakis, a remarkable voice on Modernity and Nationalism, has provided the historical origins and modern connotations attached with the idea of ‘West’. In his book ‘The West: The History of an Idea’, Varouxakis has argued that the West is not an eternal entity, rather it is a modern socio-political construct that emerged in the political philosophy of the early 19th century and evolved with the passage of time. The book provides an in-depth historical analysis of the idea to determine the roots of its modern interpretation.
Space-Enabled Warfare in the 21st Century: Pathways for Developing States
Space has emerged as a distinct domain of warfare alongside land, sea, air, and cyber. Developed countries like the United States, Russia, and China possess offensive and support capabilities in space. In the shadowed expanse of Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where satellites operate like silent custodians, the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine transformed the nature of modern conflict. As Russian troops marched forward, the commercial satellites like Maxar and Planet, which are operated by Western firms, captured high-resolution imagery of Russian troops, providing real-time intelligence to Ukrainian commanders, unlike ever before.
