This book examines the role of identity in the context of international relations and national policies. It analyses national identity conceptions and state behaviour, examining whether identities (seen in terms of self/other relations) constitute a crucial element of state interest, both in terms of end goals and strategies. Primarily, it discusses the effects of secular and religious-cultural discourses of identity on domestic and foreign affairs in the context of India.

The book focuses on events from 1990 to 2003 and seeks to unravel how narratives of self and other influence the engagement of the Indian state in Jammu and Kashmir, and with Pakistan and China. In this process, it reveals several surprising insights along with the challenges that confront the country.



Table of Contents:

Prologue Identity and the Politics of Security National Identity Narratives in India: Religious-Cultural and Secular National Identity Narratives and the Politics of Securing Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan: Significant Patterns in Relations with the Most Important External ‘Other’ Relations with China: ‘Hindi Chini Bhai-Bhai’? Conclusion: Identity Matters, But … Bibliography Index