Nuclear Deterrence In Southern Asia: China, India And Pakistan

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Since the time both India and Pakistan conducted their nuclear tests in 1998, anew strategic scenario has emerged in Southern Asia involving not just these two countries but also China. This has altered the security architecture of Asia as a whole, and has given rise to a unique triangular relationship. This 'triangularisation' of nuclear power calls for new understanding which go beyond the bilateral dialogues of the erstwhile Cold War era.

In this important and topical book, Arpit Rajain examines the triangular relationship of China, India and Pakistan through the prism of nuclear deterrence. He highlights the interplay and role of strategic culture, nuclear weaponisation and deployment, command and control, arms control, non-state actors and foreign policy issues which affect relations between the three countries.

With two main purposes - a conceptual investigation into the notion of deterrence, and a study of the theory and practice of limited war - this book
o addresses the strategic, political and military dimensions of the role of nuclear weapons through examples of the only cases of nuclear weapon states having gone into armed conflict - the Cuban missile crisis, the Ussuri river clashes and the Kargil conflict;
o discusses the various pressures exerted on decision makers in the context of the notions of deterrence, the rational deterrence model, and a limited war under a nuclear umbrella;
o evaluates all three countries with regard to their strategic culture, the role of nuclear weapons in their military strategy, the nature of public opinion and political rhetoric, responses to the various arms control treaties, and foreign policy choices.

Based on a variety of sources, including interviews with key individuals in various sectors, this is the first book-length study of the triangular relationship between China, India and Pakistan. It will attract the attention of all those interested in security issues, arms control and disarmament, foreign policy and international relations.

About the Author:

Arpit Rajain is Senior Policy Analyst at the New Delhi office of the Centre for Global Studies, Mumbai.