Book Summary of Pax Indica: India and the World in the 21st Century
A definitive account of Indias international relations from an expert in the field.
Indian diplomacy, a veteran told Shashi Tharoor many years ago, is like the love-making of an elephant: it is conducted at a very high level, accompanied by much bellowing, and the results are not known for two years. In this lively, informative and insightful work, the award-winning author and parliamentarian brilliantly demonstrates how Indian diplomacy has become sprightlier since then and where it needs to focus in the world of the 21st century. Explaining why foreign policy matters to an India focused on its own domestic transformation, Tharoor surveys Indias major international relationships in detail, evokes the countrys soft power and its global responsibilities, analyses the workings of the Ministry of External Affairs, Parliament and public opinion on the shaping of policy, and offers his thoughts on a contemporary new grand strategy for the nation, arguing that India must move beyond non-alignment to multi-alignment. His book offers a clear-eyed vision of an India now ready to assume new global responsibility in the contemporary world. Pax Indica is another substantial achievement from one of the finest Indian authors of our times.
About the Author
An elected Member of Parliament, former Minister of State for External Affairs and former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Shashi Tharoor is the prize-winning author of twelve previous books, both fiction and non-fiction. A widely-published critic, commentator and columnist, he served the United Nations during a twenty-nine-year career in refugee work and peace-keeping, at the Secretary-Generals office and heading communications and public information. In 2006 he was Indias candidate to succeed Kofi Annan as UN Secretary-General, and emerged a strong second out of seven contenders. He has won Indias highest honour for overseas Indians, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, and numerous literary awards, including a Commonwealth Writers Prize.
Book Review
A straight from the heart, logical and blunt book
A book that challenges long-held assumptions, enables an in-depth understanding of our various neighbours and our response to them; Witty in parts - which makes for fun reading; blunt in its honesty as regards acknowledging Indian mistakes, equally blunt and straight in praising India's good points... and brutally blunt in response to western misconceptions and dual standards on India
This is a book which analyses our Foreign policy challenges threadbare in a very easy-to-read format. The language is simple, the content deceptively simple while being comprehensive. It hits you in the gut when it analyses each country with which we have a relationship, as it looks at current issues giving both perspectives of the coin; clarifying the Indian position and looking at alternatives to take the relationship forward... This book is a must read for every Indian; if for no other reason - then just for its Pakistan section. A must read for every educated Indian!
---Says Vishal kale
From the cover of the book till the end it is an extremely interesting read. This is by far the best book I've read on Foreign Policy till date. The book is fast moving contrary to the popular belief that Foreign Policy can be boring. Shashi Tharoor sure justifies his ability as a writer as well as one of the most competent people to write on such an important area. It gives an in depth understanding of Foreign Policy and how important it is for any nation especially for an emerging power like India and how it can benefit the nation and its citizens at large. The chapter wise coverage giving a brilliant analysis both from India's perspective and how India's relations with the World has changed over the years has been summed up beautifully. For all those aspiring to become Career Diplomats and all those who are Foreign Policy enthusiasts it makes for an excellent read. You will not regret reading it. Take a bow Shashi Tharoor!!!
- Says Sridhar Ramaswamy
Details of Book: Pax Indica: India and the World in the 21st Century
| Book: | Pax Indica: India and the World in the 21st Century |
| Author: | Shashi Tharoor |
| ISBN: | 067008574X |
| ISBN-13: | 9780670085743,978-0670085743 |
| Binding: | Hardcover |
| Publishing Date: | 2012 |
| Publisher: | Allen Lane |
| Number of Pages: | 456 |
| Language: | English |