Strategic Culture refers to the set of shared beliefs, values, norms, historical experiences, and assumptions that shape how a nation or group of actors approaches issues of security, strategy, and the use of force. It influences decision-making at the highest levels of government and military leadership, shaping how a country perceives threats, formulates strategy, and interacts with other states. Strategic culture helps explain why states respond differently to similar strategic challenges. It also helps to understand a country's insights into how it might act in future crises. India's strategic culture is deeply rooted in its rich historical legacy. With a growing economy and military capabilities, India seeks to be more assertive in shaping international norms and institutions. By blending theory with practice, "India's Strategic Culture Tracing the Roots" provides invaluable insights for scholars, policymakers, and military strategists. By blending history, culture, and modern geopolitics, it provides a comprehensive lens into one of the world's most enigmatic strategic actors.
This book is a compilation of papers presented at the two-day national seminar sponsored by the ICSSR, New Delhi emphasizing the need for greater application of research on India's Strategic Culture. The seminar explored how India's strategic culture, which is shaped by its unique historical, cultural, and geographical context, can be better understood and applied in policy and diplomatic practices. Prof Swaran Singh, School of International Studies Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, delivered the Keynote Address, where he stressed the need to be more conscious of our traditions and that much more work needs to be done in our traditional strategic culture. He further stated that One of the pioneering works on India's strategic culture is by George K. Tanham (1992) essay "India's Strategic Thought: An Interpretive Essay". Tanham argues that there is little evidence suggesting that Indian elites have consistently engaged with the concept of national strategy. He attributes this absence of coherent strategic thought to four primary factors: geography, history, culture, and the British Raj. These elements, according to Tanham, have conditioned the Indian strategic community's approach and hindered the development of a unified strategic framework. However, this view is contested by Shiv Shankar Menon, former Foreign Secretary and National Security Advisor, who argues that India indeed possesses a strategic culture. Menon asserts that this strategic culture has been consistently applied in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, contradicting Tanham's claim of its absence. Menon's intervention highlights the importance of understanding India's strategic thought as a dynamic and active component of its foreign policy and security approach.
In the valedictory address, Professor Shanthesh Kumar Singh, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, highlighted that India's strategic culture is a complex, dynamic phenomenon shaped by centuries of diverse civilizations, invasions, and socio-political changes. He emphasized that India's strategic approach is a unique blend of continuity and adaptation. Understanding the foundations of this strategic culture is crucial for comprehending India's foreign policy, military doctrines, and its role in regional dynamics. This deeper understanding can help clarify India's approach to global and security issues in the modern world.
Strategic culture refers to the set of shared beliefs, values, norms, historical experiences, and assumptions that shape how a nation or group of actors approaches issues of security, strategy, and the use of force. It influences decision-making at the highest levels of government and military leadership, shaping how a country perceives threats, formulates strategy, and interacts with other states. Strategic culture helps explain why states respond differently to similar strategic challenges. It also helps to understand a country's insights into how it might act in future crises. Furthermore, Strategic cultures contribute to the dynamics of international relations, cooperation, and conflict.
A nation's past conflicts, victories, defeats, and historical events contribute significantly to its strategic outlook. India's strategic culture is deeply embedded in its rich historical legacy, shaped by diverse empires, kingdoms, and civilizations. From the Mauryan Empire and the Gupta and Chola dynasties to the Mughal era and British colonization, these historical experiences have profoundly influenced India's approach to security and diplomacy. For instance, the concept of non-alignment, emerging after India's independence, reflects a strategic mindset born out of historical subjugation.
Additionally, India's strategic culture is informed by its pluralistic society and the concept of "Dharma," which emphasizes righteous duty, particularly within Hindu philosophy. This ethical framework plays a significant role in India's strategic decision-making. Geography also influences India's strategy, with its proximity to neighboring countries like Pakistan and China shaping defense priorities. The unresolved territorial disputes and India's role in regional stability further inform its strategic objectives. India's "Act East" policy highlights the recognition of the changing global order and the nation's proactive engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The emphasis on maintaining regional stability and fostering economic cooperation aligns with India's vision of being a responsible regional power. India's democratic political structure, with its diversity, encourages a nuanced approach to both domestic and international challenges. Moreover, the development of military doctrines and the institutional culture within the armed forces reflects the broader strategic culture, influenced by both political elites and public opinion.
The foundation of India's strategic ethos lies in its civilizational heritage, where ancient texts such as the Arthashastra, Nitishastra, and Mahabharata offer timeless insights into governance, diplomacy, and military strategy. These texts, written over two millennia ago, provide a framework for understanding power, statecraft, and international relations that remains remarkably relevant today. For instance, Arthashastra by Kautilya (Chanakya) is a treatise on statecraft and military strategy, highlighting realpolitik and the pursuit of national interest, while the Mahabharata offers deep philosophical reflections on duty, ethics, and conflict resolution.
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