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Diplomatic Theory of Kautilya and Sun Tzu

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  • Anusmita Dutta
  • Manish S. Dabhade

Abstract

In the changing sphere of world politics, or more specifically in a multi-polar world, there has been a process of re-territorialization of the theory and practice of diplomacy. The discipline attempts to move away from the dominant Western influences and revive the non-Western understanding. The reading of Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War in this context seems relevant, as these two ancient texts reinforce this understanding in an extensive manner. This article in its first part deals with the aspect of the diplomatic theory of international relations (IR) and traces its shift. The second part deals with the non-Western understanding of the diplomatic theory. Since this viewpoint is read with respect to the two ancient texts, the third part attempts to give justification of how the historical texts can be approached at without committing the fallacy attached to the study of old historical texts. The fourth and fifth parts of the article deal extensively with the diplomacy enunciated in the texts of Kautilya and Sun Tzu, respectively. The relevance of these two texts in the contemporary period is also evaluated. Thus, the study of the texts further reinforces the view of the presence of alternative understanding to the dominant Eurocentric perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Anusmita Dutta & Manish S. Dabhade, 2014. "Diplomatic Theory of Kautilya and Sun Tzu," International Studies, , vol. 51(1-4), pages 162-179, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:intstu:v:51:y:2014:i:1-4:p:162-179
    DOI: 10.1177/0020881717721758
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Modelski, George, 1964. "Kautilya: Foreign Policy and International System in the Ancient Hindu World," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 58(3), pages 549-560, September.
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