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Muskan Moazzam


Research Associate/Sub-Editor at CPSC, ISSI

Areas of Research:

ASEAN and East Asian Affairs, China-Pakistan Relations, CPEC, Regional Economic Integration, Arms Control and Disarmament, Nuclear Strategy, Strategic and Security Studies.

Muskan Moazzam is a Research Associate / Sub-Editor at the China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC), Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, and is currently pursuing an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University. She has previously served as a Research Officer at the Ministry of Defence, where she contributed policy papers on strategic and security issues. Her academic contributions include two research articles published in HEC-recognised journals. She has also worked as an interview host and producer with Policy Wire, engaging with senior officials including the Brazilian Chief of Naval Staff, senior law enforcement leadership, and prominent Pakistani diplomats. At ISSI’s Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC), she contributed to policy briefs, strategic dialogues, and represented the Institute at the UNIDIR-led REAIM Dialogue in Islamabad.

Her current research primarily focuses on ASEAN and East Asian affairs. She also works on China-Pakistan relations, particularly in the context of CPEC, connectivity, and regional economic integration. Her broader interests include arms control and disarmament, nuclear strategy, and strategic and security studies.

She also serves as Sub-Editor of PIVOT, the quarterly magazine of CPSC.

Issue Brief on “ASEAN, Regional Integration and CPEC: Expanding Pakistan–China Economic Cooperation in a...

The international economic landscape is undergoing profound transformation driven by geopolitical competition, technological innovation, supply-chain restructuring, climate change, and the emergence of new centres...

Issue Brief on “The War Against Iran and the Fragility of Southeast Asia’s Energy...

The current war in the Middle East, which was instigated by the United States and the military activities of Israel against Iran on 28...

Issue Brief on “ASEAN–China Youth and the Digital Economy: Opportunities for Inclusive Growth”

The countries of Southeast Asia and China share a major demographic advantage: a large and energetic youth population. Nearly 319 million people in ASEAN...

Issue Brief on “Role of ASEAN in Mediating the Thailand-Cambodia Conflict”

The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia that erupted on 24 July 2025 marked the most serious armed confrontation in Southeast Asia in nearly...

Issue Brief on “Timor-Leste and ASEAN Expansion: Reinforcing Multilateralism in Southeast Asia”

Timor-Leste became the 11th member state to join the Association of South East Asian States (ASEAN) on October 26, 2025 at the 47th ASEAN...

Issue Brief on “ASEAN–China–GCC Summit: Forging Trilateral Cooperation in a Multipolar World”

The first-ever ASEAN-China-GCC Summit was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 27 May 2025. Against the backdrop of U.S. protectionism, supply chain de-risking, oil...

Issue Brief on “Pakistan–Malaysia Relations: Advancing Cooperation in a Multipolar World”

Pakistan-Malaysia relations are characterized by mutual trust, respect, shared faith, cultural similarities and growing economic collaboration. The recent visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz...

Issue Brief on “Pakistan-ASEAN: Reimagining a Partnership for a Shared Future”

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in Bangkok on 8 August 1967. Today, it espouses the far-reaching vision of “One Vision....

Issue Brief on “Maritime Cyber-security: Securing the Digital Backbone of Global Trade”

Maritime transport is the primary mode of international trade across the globe. To add to that reliance, the modern digital infrastructure has improved navigation...

Issue Brief on “AI and Maritime Security: Challenges and Policy Options for Pakistan in...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of fundamental changes in the world: from simple replies to emails to Lethal Autonomous Weapons (LAWs), AI...