Prof. C. Christine Fair, Security Studies Expert at Georgetown University
- She unexpectedly began in biochemistry and had many South Asian friends.
- She began taking courses in South Asian civilizations and learning Hindi.
Podcast
Overview
Welcome to another exciting episode of TBCY, where Ashutosh Garg dives deep into security affairs and South Asia with the insightful C. Christine Fair, Professor of Security Studies at Georgetown University. This episode offers a rich exploration of Islamic militancy, Pakistan’s strategic choices, and India’s counterterrorism challenges.
00:00:35- What inspired Prof. Fair’s journey into South Asian languages and security studies?
- She unexpectedly began in biochemistry and had many South Asian friends.
- She began taking courses in South Asian civilizations and learning Hindi.
- Personal experiences led her to pursue a PhD in South Asian languages and civilizations.
- Also speaks Urdu, Punjabi, and has studied Persian.
00:02:32- How does knowledge of language and culture shape research in political and security affairs?
- She gained unique access and understanding during fieldwork—for example, overhearing army conversations in Pakistan.
- Ability to catch inconsistencies during research visits, such as at Karachi’s Banuri Town madrasa.
- Translating militant literature for nuanced insights.
00:04:48- In what ways does militant literature serve organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba?
- Recruitment tool, telling stories of sacrifices and bravery.
- Messaging to families—particularly mothers and sisters—about expectations and behavior.
- Documents like “Ham Kyun Jihad Kar Rahe Hain” explain the group’s ideology and tactics.
- Publications reach beyond Urdu, into Arabic and English.
00:06:58- What drives the persistence of Islamic militancy in South Asia?
- Militancy is primarily supported by Pakistan’s ISI, and its origins trace back to the 1970s.
- International influences from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and China during the Afghan conflict.
- Redirection of militancy into Kashmir after Soviet-Afghan war.
- In Bangladesh, the dynamic is mostly indigenous with some external group influences.
00:09:13- Is militancy more about state weakness or deliberate policy?
- Pakistan is like “Swiss cheese”—a strong military with manageable weak spots.
- The state’s strength sustains militant proxies while its weakness is seen in handling blowback (e.g., Pakistani Taliban).
- Indian attempts to coerce change are ineffective due to Pakistan’s military stability.
00:10:54- Are madrasas the root of radicalization?
- Lashkar-e-Taiba recruits from mainstream educational backgrounds for specialized operations.
- Groups relying on suicide bombers may use madrasa recruits, but it’s case-dependent.
RESOURCES:
Learn more about C Christine Fair: LinkedIn
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Profile
- She unexpectedly began in biochemistry and had many South Asian friends.
- She began taking courses in South Asian civilizations and learning Hindi.
- Personal experiences led her to pursue a PhD in South Asian languages and civilizations.
- Also speaks Urdu, Punjabi, and has studied Persian.
