Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, and the Early Indian Classical Period: The Obligations of Power

Rabindrinath Tagore and Amartya Sen defend a distinctive form of foreign policy internationalism that focuses on diminishing the capacity for violence in all states, regardless of regime type. This book argues that their recommendations are better understood in terms of the early Indian classical period, which emphasizes the idea that violent actions lead to violent responses. The ethical standard of the obligations of power articulated by Tagore and Sen provides a better foundation for thinking about human security than the social contract tradition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Rabindrinath Tagore (1861-1941) and Amartya Sen (1933-) are renowned figures in the field of international relations who advocate for a distinct approach known as foreign policy internationalism. Contrary to the conventional notion of democratic states seeking to enhance their economic and military might relative to authoritarian rivals, Tagore and Sen emphasize the crucial need to reduce the potential for violence in all states, irrespective of their political system. Sen specifically suggests incorporating a program of nuclear disarmament, a coordinated reduction in global military spending, and a coordinated reduction in the global arms trade into international law.

This book aims to shed light on the gap between Tagore and Sen's foreign policy recommendations and the policies adopted by the dominant states in the international system. By examining the historical context of the early Indian classical period, particularly the teachings of the early Buddhist Discourses, the Ashokan inscriptions, and the writings of Tagore and Sen, the book highlights the shared ethical principle that violent actions invariably lead to violent responses. This understanding serves as a foundation for exploring human security beyond the framework of the social contract tradition.

Tagore and Sen's ethical standard of the obligations of power provides a more comprehensive and nuanced perspective on human security. They emphasize the responsibility of states to prioritize the well-being and dignity of their citizens, rather than solely focusing on their own interests. This approach recognizes that security is not merely a matter of military strength or economic power but encompasses social, economic, and environmental factors as well.

By advocating for foreign policy internationalism, Tagore and Sen challenge the dominant narratives of power and aggression in international relations. They promote a vision of a world where states can cooperate and collaborate to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and terrorism. Their ideas resonate with a growing movement for peace, justice, and sustainable development, and their contributions continue to inspire policymakers and scholars worldwide.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666915679