India and Asian Geopolitics: The Past, Present | Shivshankar Menon

A clear-eyed look at modern India's role in Asia's and the broader world. One of India's most distinguished foreign policy thinkers addresses the many questions facing India as it seeks to find its way in the increasingly complex world of Asian geopolitics

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"India and the Asian Geopolitics" by Shiv Shankar Menon is a comprehensive analysis of India's foreign policy in the context of Asia's rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The book covers a wide range of issues, from the rise of China and its impact on the region to India's relationship with the United States and its neighbours, as well as India's internal challenges and implications for its foreign policy.

One of the strengths of the book is Menon's deep knowledge of the subject matter. Menon is a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India and has extensive experience in Indian foreign policy. This experience is evident in the book, as Menon provides detailed and nuanced insights into the complex issues facing India in the region.

Another strength of the book is its clarity and organisation. Menon writes in a clear and concise style that is easy to follow, and the book is well-structured, with each chapter focusing on a specific issue or theme. This makes the book accessible to both experts and general readers interested in the subject matter.

One of the key themes of the book is India's relationship with China, and Menon provides a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities this relationship presents. Menon argues that India needs to adopt a more nuanced and strategic approach to its relationship with China, one that balances engagement and deterrence. He also discusses the impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative on India and the region and the need for India to develop its connectivity and infrastructure projects.

Menon also discusses India's relationship with the United States and its implications for India's foreign policy. He argues that India needs to maintain its strategic autonomy while deepening its partnership with the United States and that the two countries can work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region.

The book also covers India's relationships with its neighbours, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, and the challenges and opportunities presented by these relationships. Menon provides a detailed analysis of the internal challenges facing these countries and their impact on India's foreign policy.

Overall, it is an insightful and informative book that provides valuable insights into India's foreign policy in the context of Asia's rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. The author's expertise and experience are evident throughout the book, and his clear and concise writing style makes the book accessible to a wide range of readers. This is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian foreign policy and the changing dynamics of the Asian region.

Contents of the book:

Chapter 1: Introduction

The book introduces the reader to the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape of Asia and the challenges and opportunities it presents for India. Menon provides a brief overview of the key themes of the book and the issues he will be discussing in detail.

Chapter 2: India's Strategic Culture

Chapter 3: China and India

Chapter 4: India and the United States

Chapter 5: India and its Neighbours

Chapter 6: The Indian Ocean

Chapter 7: Internal Challenges

Chapter 8: Conclusion