The Nexus of Naval Modernization in India and China: Strategic Rivalry and the Evolution of Maritime Power

Naval modernization is an expensive, time-consuming, and rare phenomenon. This project demonstrates that from 1990 until 2020, the primary driver of naval modernization resulted from a strategic rivalry between India and China. This study contributes to the rivalry research program and the policy and security studies literatures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Naval modernization is a costly, time-consuming, and relatively uncommon phenomenon that has been the subject of numerous scholarly debates. These arguments span from bureaucratic politics to nationalism and the security dilemma. The Nexus of Naval Modernization in India and China highlights that from 1990 to 2020, the primary driver of naval modernization was a strategic rivalry. Perceived threats and their impact on decision-making play a crucial role in strategic rivalries. When a state believes it is threatened by its rival's naval power, it is likely to pursue its own naval modernization efforts for self-protection.

It is important to note that rivalries are interconnected and often overlap. This project aims to unravel how these interconnected rivalries can also drive naval modernization. Through a comprehensive examination of scholarly works, government documents, and in-depth focused interviews with experts from India, China, Australia, and the United States, Colley argues that while strategic rivalry is not the sole driver of naval modernization, it is the most compelling explanation. Other arguments often find their place within the strategic rivalry model and are best viewed as partial drivers.

This study makes valuable contributions to the rivalry research program as well as the policy and security studies literatures. By shedding light on the complex dynamics of naval modernization driven by strategic rivalries, it provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of power, security, and international relations.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192865595