India: Emerging Power

by Stephen Philip Cohen

"
For years, Americans have seen India as a giant but inept state. That negative image is now obsolete. After a decade of drift and uncertainty, India is taking its expected place as one of the three major states of Asia. Its pluralist, secular democracy has allowed the rise of hitherto deprived castes and ethnic communities. Economic liberalization is gathering steam, with six percent annual growth and annual exports in excess of $30 billion. India also has a modest capacity to project military power. The country will soon have a two-carrier navy and it is developing a nuclear-armed missile capable of reaching all of Asia. This landmark book provides the first comprehensive assessment of India as a political and strategic power since India's nuclear tests, its 1999 war with Pakistan, and its breakthrough economic achievements. Stephen P. Cohen examines the domestic and international causes of India's ""emergence,"" he discusses the way social structure and tradition shape Delhi's perceptions of the world, and he explores India's relations with neighboring Pakistan and China, as well as the United States. Cohen argues that American policy needs to be adjusted to cope with a rising India—and that a relationship well short of alliance, but far more intimate than in the past, is appropriate for both countries.
"

Genres: India, History, Politics, Nonfiction, International Relations, Economics

377 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Stephen Philip Cohen is an American political scientist. He is a prominent expert on Pakistan, India, and South Asian security. He is a senior fellow in foreign policy studies at the Brookings Institution and an emeritus professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has authored, co-authored or edited at least 12 books, has been named as one of America's 500 most influential people in foreign affairs, and is a fixture on radio and television talk shows. [wikipedia]

Reviews

[Sandhya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this a long time back. Found it immensely engaging and very well-written. The book throws light on India's relationship with its neighbouring countries, how it is percieved internationally - among several other things. I found the book very helpful because I've not been a political science student and have taken only a cursury interest in politics and international relations etc. Hence this proved to quite educational for me.

[Sandeep · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book may be slightly outdated, analysis of India and the potential challenges it faces is spot on. Thoroughly researched and nuanced. The complicated relationship between the US and India was presented very well.

Author could’ve done a better job providing context (events, politicians etc.) because those unfamiliar with Indian history or geopolitics may end up scratching their heads. Some redundant information (e.g implications of Indian nuclear capability) in multiple chapters but this is a result of how the author decided to divide the book.

[Glenn Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While dated (2001-pre 9/11), much of the same goes for today with India-relationships with China, Russia and the US rank high, issues with Kashmir are still in the news, dealings with Pakistan are tricky and many more issues.

This is a good one for getting a solid understanding of the leaders of India (and neighboring countries over the last 60 years and how they shaped India today. A complex society with a long and profound history.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A somewhat dated but still immensely relevant overview of India's strategic and security issues, especially as viewed from an American standpoint. Professor Cohen is one of the best scholars of Indian strategy and politics, and this guide is both thorough and well-written. India has been through many incarnations (so to speak) and has security problems both foreign (especially Pakistan and China) and domestic. Yet now that America's war in Afghanistan is winding down and the Indians are freeing up their economy to allow greater growth, the role of India is likely to increase in importance both locally and worldwide. This book is a fine introduction to how and why those chances could take place.

[Anyusha Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unusual amongst foreign policy case studies, in that it is never dull; in fact, Stephen Cohen has produced a skilfully written and engaging book in 'Emerging India'. It is comprehensive, insightful and well-researched.

[Akshat Upadhyay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book