In a significant engagement at one of India’s premier military institutions, Ambassador Rahul Chhabra (Retired), former Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, delivered a thought-provoking address to officers attending the Higher Command Course (HCC) at the Army War College (AWC), Mhow. The session, titled “The Rise of Supranational Organizations, Private Corporations and & Big Tech and their Role in Shaping Geopolitics,” underscored the evolving dynamics of international power beyond traditional state-centric frameworks. AWC Commandant Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, Higher Command Wing commander Maj Gen SS Kartikeya along with other senior officers were present on this occasion.
Keywords: Rahul Chhabra Army War College, Higher Command Course Mhow, Supranational Organizations Geopolitics, Big Tech Non-State Actors India, Indian Army Strategic Calculus, Army War College Lecture Diplomacy
Ambassador Chhabra, a veteran diplomat with decades of experience in foreign policy formulation, examined how non-state actors, ranging from multilateral institutions like the UN and WTO to powerful private entities such as multinational corporations and technology giants, are increasingly influencing global governance. He highlighted the growing clout of Big Tech in areas such as data sovereignty, cybersecurity, digital currencies, and information warfare, which often transcend national boundaries and challenge conventional diplomatic levers.
The address delved into the strategic implications for India’s national security and foreign policy calculus. In an era marked by hybrid threats, economic interdependence, and technological disruption, understanding these shifts is critical for senior military leaders who will shape future operational doctrines. Chhabra emphasized the need for India to balance engagement with these actors while safeguarding strategic autonomy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and emerging domains like cyber and space.
When Defence Chronicle talked to Dr Gulrej Sheikh, an expert on Geo-politics about “The Rise of Supranational Organizations, Private Corporations and & Big Tech and their Role in Shaping Geopolitics”, he said, “The role of Global Market Forces (GMF) in shaping or commanding not only the geo-politics but also the internal politics of various countries cannot be overlooked as it is clearly visible now-a-days. In my study, I have found that the fate of the governments or the ruling parties is decided by GMF in many countries, which is a point of worry for the modern world.
The Army War College, a Category ‘A’ establishment of the Indian Army, runs the prestigious Higher Command Course to groom tri-service officers for higher leadership roles. The course integrates strategic studies, operational art, and contemporary geopolitical realities, preparing participants to navigate complex security environments. Sessions featuring eminent diplomats and domain experts like Ambassador Chhabra form a vital component of this intellectual rigor.
This lecture reflects the Indian military’s proactive approach to professional military education, ensuring that future commanders possess not only tactical acumen but also a nuanced understanding of the broader geostrategic landscape.
As global power structures continue to transform, such interfaces between diplomacy and defence remain indispensable for India’s rise as a responsible global player.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
