Crisis Culture in India's National Security

Abstract

Two major aspects bedevil our approach to national security. In fact, they are not only relevant to national security but almost to all other spheres of our functioning as a nation. Of which, first, is the aspect of being reactive to emerging situations. A peep into history would show that from time to time, series of raiders and marauding hordes have descended on our land, plundered it, occupied it, and ruled over it. Starting from Alexander to Mohammad Ghazani, the Portuguese, the Mughals, the British, and even the Chinese have occupied different parts of India. However, during the same period, we do not find many instances of our indigenous rulers going outwards to capture or rule over distant lands. In fact, even while trying to defend our land against incoming adversaries, India's actions have been reactive in nature rather than proactive or offensive.

NOTE: This article is the revised version of the paper published on the CLAWS Website titled “Crisis Culture in National Security” on 28 August 2020