International Relations in the Indian Ocean Region

Paper Code: 
MIR 424- A
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Learning Objectives: This paper explores the Indian Ocean basin as an arena of historical continuity and change, examining the conflicting interests of major maritime powers and the security and cooperation initiatives taken in the region. This paper has been specifically designed to address the needs and interests of students of international studies and seeks to help students to:

  • Develop  an overall understanding of the dynamics of the Indian Ocean;
  • Familiarise students with the strategic importance of Indian Ocean region; and
  • Gain the understanding of the key contemporary challenges and prospects  in the region
  • Evaluate the development and impact of International actors  on the region

Learning Outcomes: On completion of this course, students should be able to:

  •  Analyse the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region , think critically and engage in comprehensive  reasoning.
  • Understand the ongoing trends in the contemporary times and of the substantial challenges present in the area. The students shall be able to reflect their understanding in written way and also express their views orally.
  •  Identify competing interests in the region and develop their own views on the latest shifts in policy making behaviour of various actors.
  • Coherently understand research questions of changing nature of security issues in a particular territory and how this leads to a change in the approach of nations towards each other. 

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Unit- I

Mapping the region- States on the rim/littoral, hinterland states, extra regional; Natural Resources and Growth Potential ; Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs)

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Unit- II

Maritime policies of major powers in the region- US, France, Australia, Sri Lanka , Maldives

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Unit- III

Competing interests of India and China in the region and escalation of tension

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Unit- IV

Disputes and potential threats - Maritime dimensions, Exclusive Economic Zone, Threat of piracy and terrorist activities

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Unit- V

Initiatives for security and cooperation - Maritime Peacekeeping, Cooperative Maritime Security; Regional Security Initiatives

 

Essential Readings: 

Essential Readings:

  • Hensel, H.M., & Gupta, A., (eds), (2018), Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific: Heritage and Contemporary Challenges, New York, Routledge
  • Kumar, S., Ghosh, A.K.& Dwivedi, D., (2017), Indian Ocean - Geo-Strategic Importance , New Delhi, G.B. Books
  • Patel, B.N.,Malik, A.K., & Nunes, W., (ed),(2016), Indian Ocean and Maritime Security- Competition, Cooperation and Threat, India, Routledge
  • Kaushiva, P., & Singh, A., (2013), Indian Ocean Challenges: A Quest for Cooperative Solutions, New Delhi, K W Publishers
  • Churchill, R.R., (2000), The Law of the Sea, Manchester, Manchester University Press
  • Nicholas, M., Michael, (2008), Maritime Security: An Introduction, Burlington, Butterworth-Heinemann

 

References: 

Reference Books:

  • Kim, W.C., & Mauborgne, R., (2015), Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant, Brighton, Havard Bussiness Press
  • Kim, W.C., & Mauborgne, R.,(2017),Blue Ocean Leadership, Brighton, Havard Bussiness Press
  • Alpers, Edward A. The Indian Ocean in World History. New York: Oxford University Press, 2013
  • Forbes,A., (2008), Managing International Shipping ,New Delhi, K M   Publishers with National Maritime Foundation
  • Prakash,A., (2008), Commonality of Maritime Challenges, New Delhi, K W Publishers with National Maritime Foundation
  • Bose,S., (2006 ), A Hundred Horizons: The Indian Ocean in the Age of Global Empire, Harvard ,Harvard University Press,
  • Rao,P.V.,ed. (2003), India and Indian  Ocean: In the Twilight of the Millenium, New Delhi, South Asian Publishers

 

Academic Year: 
2019-20
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