Kautilya's Arthashastra

<p>This book examines in detail the strategic relevance of the <i>Arthashastra</i>. Attributed to the fourth century B.C., this classical treatise on state and statecraft rests at the intersection of political theory and international relations.</p><p>Adopting a hermeneutic approach, the book discusses certain homologies related to concepts such as power, order, and morality. Underlining the conceptual value of the <i>Arthashastra </i>and classical texts such as <i>Hitopdesha </i>and <i>Pancatantra</i>, this volume highlights the non-western perspectives related to diplomacy and statecraft. It shows how a comparative analysis of these texts reveals a continuity rather than a change in the styles, tactics, and political strategies. The book also showcases the value these ancient texts can bring to the study of contemporary international relations and political theory.</p><p>This volume will be of interest to students, scholars and teachers of political studies, Indian political thought, and philosophy, South Asian studies, political theory and international relations.</p>