Dr Dalbir Ahlawat is a Senior Lecturer in Security Studies at the School of International Studies, Macquarie University, Australia, and an Emeritus Professor at the School of Police Science and Security Studies, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, India. His research focuses on international security, geopolitics in South Asia, terrorism, security and development, the Indian Ocean Region, and India’s foreign, security, and strategic policy. His work examines the changing regional balance of power, strategic competition, maritime security, and the implications of emerging security challenges for regional stability. He is the author and editor of five books, including Terrorism, Security and Development in South Asia: National, Regional and Global Implications (Routledge), Australia–India Relations: Evolving Polycentric World Order, and Indo-Pacific: Emerging Powers, Evolving Regions and Challenges to Global Governance. His research has appeared in leading peer-reviewed journals, including Geopolitics, International Politics, Perspectives on Terrorism, Mankind Quarterly, and the Journal of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism. He regularly contributes policy analysis and commentary to prominent think tanks and media outlets, including the Lowy Institute, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, the Australian Institute of International Affairs, The National Interest, The Diplomat, and other forums, helping to inform contemporary debates on South Asia.