C Vinodan

The beginning of the new millennium marked the meteoric rise of China in a decades-old world order dominated by the United States of America. This book explores the intricacies of China’s political, economic and diplomatic relationship with the US and its consequences on international politics. It looks at the historical evolution of the US–China relationship, their struggle for strategic power in various regions of the world, as well as their bilateral involvement. The volume focuses on the need for greater Sino-American political and strategic partnerships in order to address global concerns such as non-proliferation of arms and nuclear weapons, climate change, energy security and international terrorism. It also looks at China’s growing influence, the Belt and Road initiative and areas of conflicts and mutual interest. The authors unravel the major conflicts and political developments between the two countries offering a deeper insight into the challenges and strategies for greater co-operation and resolution of differences in the coming decades. This book will be of great interest for researchers and scholars of international relations, China studies, comparative politics, development studies and public policy. It will also be useful for think tanks, policy makers and general readers interested in the USA–China relationship.

India is a federal parliamentary democratic republic. Political parties represent different sections and regions, and they play a major role in the politics of India. Through the electoral process, the people of India choose their representatives to run the government. There is a widespread perception in the country that disparities amongst states, regions within states, urban and rural areas, and between various sections of the community have been steadily increasing in the past few years. The gains of rapid growth witnessed in the recent past have not reached all parts of the country and all sections of the people in an equitable manner. That this perception is well-founded is borne by available statistics on a number of indicators. Widening income differentials between more developed and relatively poorer states is a matter of serious concern. Livelihood options in rural areas are also limited as agriculture does not provide adequate returns and industry is virtually absent, leading to limited trade and services. People seeking employment in low skill, and hence low paying jobs, is a common manifestation of these constraints in many rural areas. In short, the pattern of economic development over the years has left in its trail a variety of inequalities which have caused socio-politico tensions. The present volume contains eleven papers authored by scholars in the field which provide an in-depth analysis of various issues confronting the Indian economy, and how these issues can be resolved within the democratic framework of the country. Subject: Politics, Public Policy, Sociology, Economic Development, South Asian Studies]

After India gained Independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, it strongly supported independence movements in other colonies. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, was the architect of India's foreign policy. During the Cold War, India adopted a foreign policy of not aligning itself with any major power bloc. However, India developed close ties with the Soviet Union and received extensive military support from it. The end of the Cold War significantly affected India's foreign policy, as it did for much of the world. In the post-Cold War era, a significant aspect of India's foreign policy is the 'Look East Policy' launched in 1992. India's growing economy, strategic location, and a large and vibrant Diaspora have won it more allies and partners. The foreign policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicates a shift towards focusing on the Asian region and, more broadly, trade deals. This volume contains 9 research articles, authored by scholars in the field of political science, international relations, comparative politics, economics, security studies, and political economy. These contributions provide useful material to understand contemporary dynamics of India's foreign policy and diplomacy. Subject: South Asian Studies, Politics, International Relations, History]

With over 1.3 million active personnel, India is the world's third largest military force. India was the largest importer of defense equipment in 2014. The Government of India has launched the 'Make-in-India' initiative to indigenize manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports, including defense imports and procurement. The beginning of the 21st century saw a reorientation of India on the global stage, from a regional role in the sub-continent to a major role in the Indian Ocean region, stretching from the Gulf of Aden to the Malacca Strait. Contemporary criticisms of the Indian military have drawn attention to several issues, such as obsolete equipment, lack of adequate ammunition, and inadequate research and development due to over-reliance on foreign imports. In the context of defense preparedness, national security means that the government should protect the state and its citizens against all kind of national crises through a variety of power projections, including political power, diplomacy, economic power, military might, and more. Elements of national security discussed here include: military security, political security, economic security, environmental security, security of energy and natural resources, and cyber security. This volume contains ten research articles authored by experts in the field, which will provide insights into the defense and national security preparedness and concerns of India. Subject: Politics, Security Studies, South Asian Studies]

The availability of a cheap, abundant, and regular power supply is an essential condition for development. If India is to move to a higher growth rate, it must ensure a reliable availability of energy - particularly electric power and petroleum products. India cannot compete effectively in world markets unless critical energy inputs are available in adequate quantities and at appropriate prices. The country needs economic growth for human development, which in turn requires access to energy for all. Achieving an efficient configuration of the various forms of energy requires consistency in the policies governing each sector and consistency in the pricing of different types of energy. There is also a need for clarity in the direction in which India wants to move in respect of energy security, energy conservation, and environmental concerns. The energy security issues that the country must confront are examined in this book. Subject: India Studies, Energy Studies]