The war on Iran continues. Hence, it’s only natural that we continue to focus on it. While the cover story ensemble is on the war and its various dimensions, the rest of the April issue also largely is a spin-off from the war. At a time like this, when the world is poised on the cusp of overwhelming changes, it is difficult to think about anything else.

The cover story ensemble features nine articles, which between them brings you the most comprehensive perspective on the war, both the way it is being fought and what its aftermath is likely to be. One thing is clear. The world as we have known since the end of World War II, is not going to be the same. The new world with the focus on indivisible and collective security is going to replace the harshness of realpolitik driven military alliances and diplomacy. We look at how Iran has turned the art of narrative building on its head through its resilience and principled retaliation despite grave assaults on its civilians, including children, and leadership.

Talking purely from the military standpoint are articles on the importance of missiles for air power; the emerging criticality of space not only for ISR purposes but also for offensive action; the perennial debate between aircraft carriers and submarines; the role of naval mines in anti-access/ area denial (A2AD) strategy; and the lessons for India in all of this.

Then we have an article on modern war, which is not limited to the battlefield, but envelopes all elements of national power, from digital and physical infrastructure to psychological warfare through rumours and narratives. Another article looks at the long-term economic implication of the war on South and East Asia. We also have an article on weaponisation of feminism by imperial powers, which use subjugation of women as an excuse to wage war on their adversaries. This happened in Afghanistan and it is now happening in Iran.

Even the book extract is driven by the war. The book Target Tehran had come out in 2024. But its relevance today can hardly be overemphasised. The book chronicles Tel Aviv’s patient and long-term strategy of demonising Iran, presenting it as an existential threat to the Gulf Cooperation Council nations to win their support for Israel and forging defence and diplomatic relations with them.

Outside the war, we have a few articles on the developments within India, in addition to news updates from the defence industry and services. Do read. May we live in better times.