Subcontinental Drift

How domestic constraints hamper Indias foreign policy and its potential as a superpowerOne of the most important developments in todays changing international system is the emergence of India as a rising power. However, Rajesh Basrur finds that India is hobbled by serious domestic constraints. Subcontinental Drift explains why Indias foreign policy is often characterized by multiple hesitations, delays, and diversions that may ultimately hamper its rise. Basrur analyzes the concept of policy drift through the lens of neoclassical realist theory to reveal why this drift occurs so regularly in Indian foreign policy and how it affects Indias quest for major power status. Using four casesthe India-US strategic partnership, India-Sri Lanka relations, Indias nuclear strategy, and crossborder terrorismBasrur identifies two basic explanations for Indias indecision on critical issues. The first, involuntary drift, is related to the distribution of domestic material power, while the second, voluntary drift, is produced by a responsibility deficit. Basrur develops a fresh theoretical basis for understanding the relationship between Indias foreign and domestic policies and introduces a series of theoretical refinements to neoclassical realism. Subcontinental Drift also provides advice on how policy makers might lower the costs of policy drift. This innovative analysis is essential to understanding the constraints around Indias foreign and domestic security decisions and how they will affect its rise.