K. Subrahmanyam and Indian Strategic Thought

摘要

In the end an intellectual's life is judged not only by those who mourn his passing, but also by those who challenged his ideas. K. Subrahmanyam, the undisputed doyen of India's strategic community, had his share of both, and his death at the age of 82 on 2 February 2011 leaves behind an immeasurable void. In his professional career, K. Subrahmanyam faced much criticism for his views, at various times, from within the military and among civil servants, the academic community and foreign observers. The criticism - a badge of honour of sorts - was primarily because he had the courage to challenge conventional wisdom and speak truth to power in a passionate desire to influence policy. Over time, however, most of his detractors came to grudgingly respect him and his ideas. This comes across clearly in the large number of personal tributes and recollections written by his colleagues and followers in India and abroad.Arguably no other public intellectual in India has had such a domineering influence in his chosen field of policy. Though ironically it was his largest ambition - to change India's attitude towards national security - he only partially succeeded and obsessed about it in the twilight of his life. Indian policy makers will do well to pay attention, even if belatedly, to his arguments and to honour him appropriately. However, first it might be instructive to briefly examine his influence on Indian strategic thinking and recognize some of the principles by which he lived.