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From Idealism to Pragmatism: India and Asian Regional Integration

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2011

RAJENDRA K. JAIN
RAJENDRA K. JAIN*
Affiliation:
Jean Monnet Chair and Professor, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhirkjain13@gmail.com, rkjain@mail.jnu.ac.in
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Abstract

After being at the periphery for decades, India's proactive engagement with East and Southeast Asia has gradually transformed it into an active participant in Asian regional organizations and multilateral processes. This paper examines early Indian attempts at forging pan-Asian unity and assesses the motivations and impact of its Look East Policy. It evaluates India's changing role towards regional cooperation in South Asia and sub-regional groupings, the impact of domestic politics, and discusses how China has influenced Indian perceptions and strategy towards Asian regionalism. After a long gap, India is again contributing ideas on Asian integration and stresses that the broader East Asian integration process should remain open and inclusive.

Type
Research Article
Information
Japanese Journal of Political Science , Volume 12 , Issue 2 , August 2011 , pp. 213 - 231
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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