Author: Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Translator(s)/ Editors(s): General V P Malik
Publisher: Observer Research Foundation
Year: 2012
Language: English
Pages: 368
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9789381904374
Description
Asian inter-state relations are in flux. As Asian states grow richer and more developed, they are accumulating military power as a way of securing themselves. China has one of the most dynamic economies in the world today. But Chinas military power is also growing. Chinese military modernization has had cascading effects not just in Asia but also in global terms. This has serious consequences for Asian stability.
Chinas military modernisation would directly impact on the region, particularly on countries like India, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Similarly, as India modernises its forces, there would be almost simultaneous enhancement of defense capabilities by Pakistan. In addition, there are external powers such as the US whose military power also impacts on the region. This book addresses the increasingly tense strategic situation in Asia as these major powers interact and react to each other.
COMMENTS:
“Clashing Titans” is a valuable interpretation of strategy played by global, regional and local powers in Asia where some fiercely complete and some work hard to gain acceptance but all with a common theme towards serving their respective ‘National Interest.’ Rajeswari points at the possibilities of these ‘interests’ becoming a threat to peace and stability that may lead to military action.
--- Air Chief Marshal Krishnaswamy former Chief of Air Staff, Indian Air force, from 2001to 2004.
It is now widely agreed that Asia has become the core of the emerging global system. Yet, oddly, there have been few efforts to synoptically survey the military capabilities of the major Asian powers. Rajeswari Rajagopalan’s survey of Asian military strategies goes a long way towards filling that gap. It provides a clear and concise survey of one of the key dimensions of military power affecting Asian stability in the future, and its limpid analysis makes it valuable to policymakers, scholars, and laymen alike.
--- Ashley J. Tellis, Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword
1. Introduction : An Awakening Asia
2. Rise of the Dragon : China’s Military Strategy
3. A Compelling Asian Pillar : US Military Strategy
4. Resurgent Bear : Russian Military Strategy
5. Rise of a “Normal” Nation : Japanese Military Strategy
6. Asian Military Strategies : Imperatives and Consequences
Appendices
Notes