This book examines the link between sensual austerity and moral leadership-a topic largely neglected in contemporary academic scholarship and public policy-by exploring the comparative cross-cultural perspectives of Plato, Confucius, and Gandhi, on this theme. Despite the diverse cultural contexts that gave rise to their respective philosophical perspectives, they shared similar views on what might constitute a universal and perennial basis for individual moral development in any harmonious political order. They all agreed that sensual austerity is necessary for the realization of a flourishing society and political culture: recognizing that control over sensual desire is both a vehicle for individual moral self-cultivation and social-political progress. Sensual austerity is thus an essential aspect of any morally governed person, institution, state, or society. The book also argues that further examination of this theme may assist scholars and policymakers in developing more peaceful and harmonious national and global communities.

Indian philosopher, poet, mystic and Yogi, Sri Aurobindo, argued that human society has evolved throughout history and is destined to move towards better organization of life. Applying his ideas to problems confronting the world today, this collection presents an in-depth exploration of Aurobindo’s evolutionary philosophy and Integral Yoga. Written by an international team of scholars and practitioners, each chapter takes a theoretical aspect of Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy, positions it alongside policy debates on the individual and the state and explains its practical and educational benefits. Contributors discuss his vision of unity in diversity, shed light on his poetry and offer a comprehensive view of his concept of ethics as well as his metaphysics of consciousness. They examine his contribution to the Indian response to post-Enlightenment modernity and reveal how his philosophy illuminates some of the fundamental problems of our times, offering possible solutions. By presenting the first sustained discourse between Sri Aurobindo and the contemporary world, this collection addresses the relevance of his philosophy for everyday life and highlights the lasting work of this important 20th-century Indian thinker.

This book is an attempt in chronicling and analysing international developments from a non-western perspective. It scrutinises the prevailing discourse in international politics in the light of recent developments. The analysis adopts a descriptive format while factoring India in the entire gamut of national, regional and international politics and arguing that the developments indicate both challenges and opportunities. The challenges from climate change to confronting and managing troubled regions in the world have become daunting tasks and India's role has become prominent in meeting these challenges. Opportunities too are varied and range from collective shaping of the international dynamics to widening international peace and development discourse in the framework of ideal human unity. India with its non-antagonistic foreign policy projections has a significant role towards the realisation of this framework. Coverage of a wide range of issues including the regional dynamics of Central Eurasia and South Asia, the happenings in Afghanistan-Pakistan and the issue of terrorism have made the book timely. This book is an important reading for all those interested in contemporary international developments and their implications.

The issues of conflict and peace are of immense relevance in the post-cold war scenario, which has witnessed an unprecedented rise in violent conflicts locally with global ramifications. Whether it is Asia or Africa or other continents, the conflicts have been protracted with horrendous consequences. This volume looks at some of the conflicts in Asia and Africa, commonly referred to as the third world, and their political and humanitarian dimensions. It aims at exploring causes and changing contours of these conflicts with focus on costs and consequences. By emphasising on these twin aspects, this volume brings into forefront victimisation of common people caught in conflict situations. The subject of conflict being one of the focal areas in international politics, the book would be of interest to a vast readership globally. It would be helpful to researchers, international, governmental as well as non-governmental organisations and policy makers dealing with issues related to conflict, peace, displacement and human rights.

Mohandas K. Gandhi was a sharp critic of the 1947 partition of British India that created two independent states of India and Pakistan, believing that partition politics, rooted in the psychology of othering, would turn South Asia into a near permanent conflict zone. His apprehension was not without basis. The psychology of othering that engendered partition continues to manifest itself in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, interstate wars and communal violence. It permeates not only politics at a higher level but also everyday life. In exploring partition and post-partition developments in South Asia in this interdisciplinary work, Mahapatra and Shekhawat argue for a Gandhian approach to transform the conflict landscape in South Asia. The authors illustrate how Gandhian principles of multicultural belonging and pluralism are key to resolving conflicts, not just in South Asia but across the world. Beyond Othering is a timely and relevant contribution to the discourse on conflict resolution, making it essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in peacebuilding in the region and beyond.

Mohandas K. Gandhi was a sharp critic of the 1947 partition of British India that created two independent states of India and Pakistan, believing that partition politics, rooted in the psychology of othering, would turn South Asia into a near permanent conflict zone. His apprehension was not without basis. The psychology of othering that engendered partition continues to manifest itself in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, interstate wars and communal violence. It permeates not only politics at a higher level but also everyday life. In exploring partition and post-partition developments in South Asia in this interdisciplinary work, Mahapatra and Shekhawat argue for a Gandhian approach to transform the conflict landscape in South Asia. The authors illustrate how Gandhian principles of multicultural belonging and pluralism are key to resolving conflicts, not just in South Asia but across the world. Beyond Othering is a timely and relevant contribution to the discourse on conflict resolution, making it essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in peacebuilding in the region and beyond.

Keeping in view the Cold War period, the Indo-Russian relations were marked by indifference initially but later those were called special. The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the emergence of Russia as its successor led to a saga of drastic changes not only in the domestic arena but also in foreign policy. Written in a communicative style, the book attempts to highlight and trace various aspects of Indo-Russian relations since their evolution, including the major developments that have happened in this area. The focus has been on convergence of interests in post-Cold War period. Keeping in view the global process of change and development, the Kashmir-Chechnya comparison and the areas of convergence between the two countries, the book touches a subject of topical interest.

This book examines the link between sensual austerity and moral leadership-a topic largely neglected in contemporary academic scholarship and public policy-by exploring the comparative cross-cultural perspectives of Plato, Confucius, and Gandhi, on this theme. Despite the diverse cultural contexts that gave rise to their respective philosophical perspectives, they shared similar views on what might constitute a universal and perennial basis for individual moral development in any harmonious political order. They all agreed that sensual austerity is necessary for the realization of a flourishing society and political culture: recognizing that control over sensual desire is both a vehicle for individual moral self-cultivation and social-political progress. Sensual austerity is thus an essential aspect of any morally governed person, institution, state, or society. The book also argues that further examination of this theme may assist scholars and policymakers in developing more peaceful and harmonious national and global communities.

Indian philosopher, poet, mystic and Yogi, Sri Aurobindo, argued that human society has evolved throughout history and is destined to move towards better organization of life. Applying his ideas to problems confronting the world today, this collection presents an in-depth exploration of Aurobindo's evolutionary philosophy and Integral Yoga. Written by an international team of scholars and practitioners, each chapter takes a theoretical aspect of Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, positions it alongside policy debates on the individual and the state and explains its practical and educational benefits. Contributors discuss his vision of unity in diversity, shed light on his poetry and offer a comprehensive view of his concept of ethics as well as his metaphysics of consciousness. They examine his contribution to the Indian response to post-Enlightenment modernity and reveal how his philosophy illuminates some of the fundamental problems of our times, offering possible solutions. By presenting the first sustained discourse between Sri Aurobindo and the contemporary world, this collection addresses the relevance of his philosophy for everyday life and highlights the lasting work of this important 20th-century Indian thinker.

The book revisits Gandhi in this era of turbulence. As rigidly held notions and practices fall to pieces, and as mechanisms of violence and politicking fail, Gandhi comes to picture. If Gandhi could change the course of history, there must be elements in his thought and action, which need re-examination for the benefit of human society. This collection of essays seeks to address the question: Is it possible to generate Gandhian optimism and faith in truth and nonviolence in the contemporary world? It argues that there is a need for sustained efforts to make an in-depth study of Gandhian principles to address global problems. The book is a useful addition to the literature in political science and international relations, economics, history, sociology, conflict and peace studies, and a guide for the advocates of peaceful means of conflict resolution.