Indian International Relations Theory

[monty.b]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a 2nd year Ph.D student at the University of Alberta in Canada. I'm currently in the process of preparing for my comprehensive exam for international relations, a part of which involves writing a paper on the state of IR. The angle I've decided to take is that the IR that we have been taught in Western academic institutions is only a part of what the global IR theory should be. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to track down much literature, at the formal level at least, on what type of IR exists outside the West. What I have found is basically a rehash of Western oriented realist/liberal/marxist theory. Basically, what I'm trying to get at it is that Indian and Chinese IR theory should some what different than Western theory because I think it would be based on the foundations of Hinduism/Buddhism/Confucianism, which I think have a slightly different set of value foundations than the Greeks/Christian/Enlightenment thinking that has been the basis of Western political thought. This would especially be the case when looking at the relation between community vs. the individual. It also seems to me that when countries become great powers as India and China are on the way of becoming, they often look back to a "golden age", from which they base their current values. So, my question is can anyone help lead me to resources (scholars, periods of Indian history) etc., who might be helpful in constructing this argument. I want to either find something that can be considered uniquely Indian in terms of IR theory, or sources which would serve as the foundation of an Indian IR theory as it develops. Even though I'm Indian, my understanding of Indian history is very limited and the stuff that I know is basically limited to Northern India (Punjab). Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[pgbhat]

Welcome to BRF.
Check here.
http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 81&start=0
There are plenty of threads to lurk here and find out..... so IB4TL.

Smiley attacks will begin shortly.
Edit: are you PhD in Technology Strategy?

[KrishG]

I believe this would be the appropriate thread for your queries and info.

[monty.b]

Awesome, that should be helpful. It's a bit frustrating when you look for stuff on these issues but are limited to Western journals, there was pretty much nothing I could find there.

As for the PhD bit, I did it a bit for context and a bit because I thought I would be taken more seriously if I did. Your link doesn't fit my context because I'm not claiming to know anything more than anyone. Actually, I'm coming here saying I don't know much of anything on the issue and am asking for help. So, I don't really see why you would have that reaction.

[pgbhat]

^ Dont take my post seriously, no offence intended.

I see predators have not zeroed in....yet.

Post count up.

[SSridhar]

monty.b, welcome to BRf. There are plenty of threads that may help you. Among a load of books, I suggest the following two:

1. Diplomatic Journey: Emerging India by Harish Kapur, Manas Publication, ISBN 81-7049-188-6. This book is slightly dated but gives an excellent overview.
2. Makers of India's Foreign Policy, by J.N.Dixit, Harper Collins India

Dr. Harish Kapur is a Professor Emeritus at Graduate Instt. of International Studies, Geneva.
J.N.Dixit was a Foreign Secreatry and later National Security Advisor

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