India and Asian Geopolitics: The Past, Present

Shivshankar Menon, a former Indian foreign secretary and national security adviser, examines India's role in Asia and the broader world, tracing its approach to the shifting regional landscape since independence in 1947. He focuses on India's responses to the rise of China and other regional powers and analyzes how its policies are likely to evolve in response to current and new challenges. Menon makes a geopolitical case for an India increasingly and positively engaged in Asia and the broader world in pursuit of a pluralistic, open, and inclusive world order.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2021
Publisher: Brookings Institution

India's role in Asia and the broader world has been a subject of intense debate in recent years. One of India's most distinguished foreign policy thinkers, Shivshankar Menon, has addressed this issue in his book, "A Clear-Eyed Look at Modern India's Role in Asia's and the Broader World." Menon, a former Indian foreign secretary and national security adviser, traces India's approach to the shifting regional landscape since its independence in 1947.

One of the key themes of Menon's book is India's role as a counterweight to China. India has often been an after-thought for global leaders until they realize how much they need it. Menon examines India's own policy choices throughout its history, focusing in particular on India's responses to the rise of China, as well as other regional powers.

Menon also looks to the future and analyzes how India's policies are likely to evolve in response to current and new challenges. As India grows economically and gains new stature across the globe, both its domestic preoccupations and international choices become more significant. India itself will become more affected by what happens in the world around it.

Menon makes a powerful geopolitical case for an India increasingly and positively engaged in Asia and the broader world in pursuit of a pluralistic, open, and inclusive world order. He argues that India's engagement in the region can help to promote stability, prosperity, and peace, and can also help to counterbalance the influence of other powers.

One of the challenges that India faces in its engagement in Asia is the complex web of relationships that exist between the countries in the region. India has historically had close ties with some countries, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, but has also had strained relations with others, such as China and Japan. Menon argues that India needs to develop a more nuanced and strategic approach to its relations with these countries, and that it should be willing to engage in dialogue and compromise.

Another challenge that India faces is the rise of regional powers such as China and Japan. These powers are increasingly assertive in their foreign policies, and they are challenging India's position in the region. Menon argues that India needs to develop a more robust defense and security strategy to protect its interests in the region.

In addition to its engagement in Asia, India is also playing an increasingly important role in the broader world. India has become a major player in the global economy, and it has also been a leader in the fight against climate change. Menon argues that India's engagement in the global economy can help to promote economic growth and development, and can also help to address the challenges of climate change.

However, India's engagement in the global economy has also raised concerns about its impact on the environment and on human rights. Menon argues that India needs to take a more responsible approach to its economic development, and that it should be willing to address the concerns of its citizens and the global community.

In conclusion, Shivshankar Menon's book, "A Clear-Eyed Look at Modern India's Role in Asia's and the Broader World," is a powerful and insightful analysis of India's role in the region. Menon argues that India's engagement in the region can help to promote stability, prosperity, and peace, and can also help to counterbalance the influence of other powers. However, India faces a number of challenges in its engagement in Asia, and it needs to develop a more nuanced and strategic approach to its relations with these countries. In addition to its engagement in Asia, India is also playing an increasingly important role in the broader world, and it needs to take a more responsible approach to its economic development and to address the concerns of its citizens and the global community.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780815737230