Foreword

After the World War II, the literature on Conflict and Peace studies was dominated by the mutual relationship between the United States and Soviet Union, and also with matters indirectly related through East European countries. Although there was no direct confrontation between the United States and China, the relationship was unfriendly particularly at that time of Korean and Vietnam Wars. But basically it was a period of super power competition between the United States and the Soviet Union.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the scenario changed. Since then, the world has become multipolar. The world is now dominated by two new super power nations namely the United States and China. India is a major factor in this equation, but mainly it is a two power competition. Although the United States is much stronger militarily, China will catch up in the end.

However, a number of factors have come up to influence this competition. Some of them are: (1) globalization and economic interdependence, (2) environmental degradations, (3) terrorism, and (4) competition for resources particularly in Africa. In some sense, these factors could restrict the magnitude of escalation of conflict between these two countries. India’s good relationship with the United States and sometimes adversary competition with China could also dampen this possible escalation. The key to avoid this confrontation and possible conflict is cooperation principally related to the four factors mentioned before and mutual reduction of military spending.

Some of the chapters in this volume address the subjects of military spending, terrorism, environmental conditions, and competition for resource availability. This book highlights the need of a nonviolent Gandhian way of cooperation for a peaceful and sustainable world.

Manas Chatterji

Series Editor