Pax indica- PB

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a thorough understanding of world politics. This is not your typical book about politics. Shashi Tharoor combines his knowledge of world politics with his passion for literature to create a book that is both educational and entertaining. This is a book that will keep you on your toes and eager to keep reading.

Tharoor, to say without exaggeration, could easily be identified as one of the first politicians to have a vocal presence on the Internet. From extending his views on the geopolitical issues in India and the World to having been a controversial figure, he has carved an audience for him.The book is a brilliant collection of Tharoor's researches, experiences , observations and his futuristic optimistic approach towards making India better equipped in a relentlessly globalizing world. He, from his rich years as a diplomat, begins with India as a country that has exponentially developed from being a tattered economy in 1947 to being a force to reckon with for the 21st century world. He delves into India's ancient history and from there, recounts her journey to being India of this day - the gains and losses she made in the journey so far.He, in great detail, addresses the threats and opportunities, the globalizing world offers to India. He assesses India's position as the member of SAARC - her relations with her neighboring countries - ranging from a terror infested Pakistan to a warm cordial Bhutan. He sees what opportunities the SAARC offers to India. He stretches his vision beyond India's neighborhood to a competitive (and in ways "capitalist") China , a China occupied Tibet,opportunities in the ASEAN - reiterating P.V. Rao's 'Look East' Policy. In the West, a battered Afghanistan, further to the gulf, where India has had fine relations with the Arabs since time immemorial,India's relations with Israel for her defense assistance, her stand on the issue of Palestine, her diplomacy in handling Iran (when US strongly opposes this) to further West, where India has been a generous aiding partner to an Africa, she sees a brethren in, India's position in the IOR-ARC, her relations with EU as a conglomerate and the individual nations comprising the EU, India's ever friendly relations with Russia. Tharoor proceeds further to NATO , India''s relations with the US- not just a market for her highly regarded Information Technology, but also a house to a large population of Indians, simultaneously addressing the rough edges in these relations.He makes an in depth analysis on how India's global partners offer her opportunities that she should look forward to, without hampering her domestic interests and her decision to do so not an external influence but her own taking.Tharoor then gets into the more sensitive issues in India's Govt. - particularly the Ministry of External Affairs - that is still a largely reactive body than a proactive body, mostly following the PMO than advocating what it thinks should be done. India's highly prestigious yet understaffed IFS wing. He makes a strong emphasis on administering India's 'soft power', which lies in her culture, literature, her diversity, art forms & also interestingly in Bollywood, without neglecting her hard powers.Never for once, does he sound pessimistic but makes his opinions in a very Govt.friendly, India friendly ways and yet addresses what needs to be done, how to make optimal uses of the resources and asks India not to be complacent with her recent global advances but to aim for a more sustainable inclusive development,how India plays an important member state to the United Nations and how well it deserves a permanent seat at the UN Security Council.A grand read!

A MUST book that every indian should read..! If it was not Mr.Shashi Tharoor, no one else could have done justice to the context of this book. My Sincere respects and Heartfelt thanks to Mr.Shashi Tharoor.One cant put this book down. This book is elucidates:1. India and its relationship with its neighbour countries (SAARC countries)2. India's contribution to all its neighbour countries and what it expects from its neighbors3. What India should do to establish itself as a Global Leader and a balancing power in Asia4. What stops Pakistan from maintaining better relations with India5. What are the factors that needs to be considered by India while framing its foreign policy.I am just 25% through this book and the contents of this book are very very informative. I will publish my complete review as soon as I hit the last page.

Book Content: You'll get an overall idea about the evolution of India's Foreign Policy from Midnight to the Millenium, insights into the workings at the South Block and in the UN, and so on. Love his way of presentation and wit!Page Quality is average. 5 stars for the content of the book

one of the best books on Indian foreign policy. a must read for every Indian student and especially for the one preparing for CSE. this book is the story of evolution of Indian FP since the time of independence till now. Dr. Tharoor adds his personal experience while writing from the point of view of someone who has not only saw India shaping and reshaping its approach towards various nations but also helped making it from inside the government. Book is totally unbiased politically. Tharoor idolizes Nehru but does not unnecessarily defends him where he went wrong. book is complete package even for a layman of Indian FP. it is simply breathtaking .JUST GO FOR IT.

Since the book was written in 2012 and though the book is written while keeping the future in mind rather than the present of 2012, a few concepts like relations with Afghanistan etc are outdated. But most of them are still relevant. His solutions and strategies for good relations among neighbour countries are still aplty relevant. Overall it's an amazing book oozing with knowledge about foreign affairs that the great Shashi Tharoor is an expert at!