Conflict Between India and Pakistan: An Encyclopedia (Roots of Modern Conflict) [Hardcover]

Peter Lyon (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1576077128 | ISBN-13: 978-1576077122 | Publication Date: October 2, 2008

Tensions between India and Pakistan are deeply rooted. Many go back to 1947 or earlier, when, with the partitioning of the provinces of Punjab and Bengal, British India was succeeded by two independent countries: a primarily Hindu India and a Muslim Pakistan. Subsequently, the two countries have fought three wars and come close to open war several other times, especially over Kashmir.

Conflict Between India and Pakistan begins with a discussion of the partition of India and those who figured prominently in it, notably: Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Clem Attlee, the last viceroy, Admiral Louis Mountbatten, and Jawaharlal Nehru. Then, in a series of evenhanded, carefully crafted portraits, it describes the people, political parties, foreign and domestic policies, and economic, religious, and cultural pressures that have played a role in the conflicts between these nations from 1947 to the present.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In the latest addition to the ABC-CLIO Roots of Modern Conflict series, author Lyon (Institute of Commonwealth Studies, London) attempts to “trace and account for the principle vicissitudes” in relations between nuclear neighbors India and Pakistan. Lyon takes an unbiased look into the political, military, economic, and cultural dimensions that have shaped relations in this international hotspot, from initial disputes during the partition of British Raj assets in 1947 to the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto in December 2007. Topics of critical global importance ranging from the conflict over the Kashmir region to international terrorism are canvassed in a scholarly yet highly readable manner. Lyon prefaces the alphabetically arranged, extensively cross-referenced entries with an excellent introduction that explores the overall nature of the subject. One of the work’s most valuable features is a far-reaching, 66-page chronology covering the last 60 years of Indo-Pakistani relations. The volume also contains a comprehensive index as well as an extensive bibliography. Included in the appendixes are a list of the presidents and prime ministers of Pakistan and India as well as a copy of the Tashkent Declaration, the official pronouncement emanating from the Tashkent Conference of 1966. Although political leaders, events, and declarations dominate the work, Lyon devotes a good deal of space to cultural and economic issues fundamental to the conflict. Although the book could benefit from improved illustrations and more-detailed maps, the outstanding quality of the entries makes it second to none on a topic of vital importance. This resource serves as a valuable reference tool for students and general audiences alike and is recommended for academic and public libraries. --Brian Odom

Book Description

India and Pakistan confront each other, with opposing ethnic and religious forces threatening far-reaching social and political convulsions. These two nations have a long complex history over the past 60 years. Because both countries now possess nuclear weapons, could the next Indo-Pakistan conflict involve nuclear war?

Product Details

• Hardcover: 277 pages
• Publisher: ABC-CLIO (October 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576077128
• ISBN-13: 978-1576077122
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,489,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Any high school to college library strong in Asian issues and culture needs this, December 14, 2008

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conflict Between India and Pakistan: An Encyclopedia (Roots of Modern Conflict) (Hardcover)

Joining others in the 'Roots of Modern Conflict' titles is this stand-alone encyclopedia covering the history of conflict between India and Pakistan. Entries arranged by person, place and event alike offer much detail - often a page or more - followed by cross-references and bibliographical listings for further readings. Any high school to college library strong in Asian issues and culture needs this.