The Schools of Indian Foreign Policy (1947-2019)
Identity, Power and Pragmatism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46553/colec.36.1.2025.p105-147Keywords:
India, Foreign Policy, Foreign Policy Design, History, International PositionsAbstract
This article explores India's foreign policy evolution from its independence to the present, analyzing the influence of historical, ideological, and domestic factors on its international relations. The central question is how India's foreign policy schools—Gandhianism, non-alignment, Hindu nationalism, and neoliberal globalism—have shaped its role in the global arena. The research adopts a historical-analytical methodology, examining primary sources such as government documents, speeches, and treaties, combined with secondary literature. The focus is on India's balancing act between its moral-driven non-violent roots and its pragmatic need for economic and military strength. The study reveals that India's international behavior is shaped by its quest for global leadership, regional security, and economic development, with each foreign policy school contributing distinct strategies. This article proposes a nuanced understanding of how India negotiates its identity and power in a multipolar world.
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