The Cold War in the Himalayas: Multinational Perspectives on the Sino-Indian Border Conflict, 1950-1970

This book examines Sino-Indian border issues during the middle Cold War, drawing on newly available evidence from multinational archives. It demonstrates how key countries perceived and engaged with the border conflict, aiding the two main participants morally and materially. The contest signified a variation of the Anglo-Russian Great Game in Asia and encompassed the Himalayan kingdoms, Tibet, and Burma. A reevaluation of the border conflict is necessary due to ongoing clashes and enhanced technology and weapons.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2024
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Sino-Indian Border Issues during the Middle Cold War: A Comprehensive Reassessment
Sino-Indian border issues during the middle Cold War have been extensively explored in a new book that draws on newly available evidence from multinational archives. The book offers a fresh perspective on the conflict by employing multiple established analytical frameworks. It highlights how key countries, including India and China, perceived and engaged with the border dispute, providing moral and material support to the two main participants.

Before, during, and after the 1962 Sino-Indian border war, multinational political actors pursued their foreign policy goals, such as trade, security, and prestige, concerning the frontier. They often sought to destabilize spheres of influence and bolster alliances. This contest marked a variation of the Anglo-Russian Great Game in Asia during the nineteenth century, with the theater of operations extending beyond the border itself to include the Himalayan kingdoms, Tibet, and Burma.

Given the current clashes at the still unresolved border between India and China and the possession of enhanced technology and weapons by both countries, a reevaluation of the border conflict is necessary. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical background, political dynamics, and strategic considerations that shaped the conflict. It also explores the impact of the border dispute on regional and global security.

The book draws on a wide range of sources, including diplomatic documents, military records, and scholarly works. It offers a nuanced and balanced assessment of the conflict, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the border dispute. It also provides insights into the potential for future conflict resolution and cooperation between India and China.

One of the key findings of the book is that the border dispute was not solely driven by territorial claims but also by geopolitical and strategic considerations. Both India and China sought to assert their influence in the region and protect their national security interests. The conflict was also influenced by the Cold War dynamics, with the United States and the Soviet Union playing a significant role in shaping the policies of both countries.

The book also highlights the role of multilateralism in resolving the border dispute. The United Nations and other international organizations played a crucial role in mediating the conflict and promoting peace and stability in the region. However, the effectiveness of multilateralism was limited by the competing interests of the major powers and the lack of consensus among the parties involved.

In conclusion, the book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Sino-Indian border issues during the middle Cold War. It demonstrates how key countries perceived and engaged with the border dispute, providing moral and material support to the two main participants. The book also highlights the potential for future conflict resolution and cooperation between India and China. By drawing on newly available evidence from multinational archives, the book provides a fresh perspective on the conflict and offers valuable insights for policymakers and scholars alike.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789048559350