Security Beyond Survival: Essays for K. Subrahmanyam

Since attaining independence, India has traversed a considerable distance in the military and technological arenas. However, the country does not have well-defined secure borders, lacks internal peace and stability, and is yet to attain a cohesive national identity. It is entangled in major or minor territorial problems with most of its neighbours while, on the domestic front, it continues to be plagued by insurgency, terrorism and other forms of political violence. Given this scenario, India’s security and its ability to maintain its autonomy and territorial integrity are far from assured. This volume, a collection of original essays by internationally renowned scholars, provides a wide-ranging examination of important issues relating to India’s national security. It discusses strategic and foreign policy issues that lie at the heart of India’s security concerns in today’s world order. The topics covered include: India’s transformation from a poor, developing country into a middle ranking nuclear power and the problems accompanying this trajectory; Its relations with its two nuclear neighbours – China and Pakistan; India’s position in a US-dominated world order; Issues of national security and institution-building in India and Pakistan; Nuclear risk-reduction in the South Asian region. Apart from containing valuable insights into security concerns, Security Beyond Survival also offers policy options for the future. This important and thought-provoking volume will be welcomed by all those interested in India’s national security as well as the country’s foreign policy and strategic concerns.