Book Discussion | Kautilya’s Arthashastra: Philosophy of Strategy

About the book:

This book examines in detail the strategic relevance of the Arthashastra. Attributed to the fourth century BC, this classical treatise on state and statecraft rests at the intersection of political theory and international relations.

Adopting a hermeneutic approach, the book discusses certain homologies related to concepts such as power, order, and morality. Underlining the conceptual value of the Arthashastra and classical texts such as Hitopdesha and Panchatantra, 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.

Moderator: Harsh V. Pant, Director, Studies; Head, Strategic Studies Programme, ORF

Speakers:

Medha Bisht, Assistant Professor, South Asian University; author — ‘Kautilya’s Arthashastra: Philosophy of Strategy’

Kajari Kamal, Faculty, Takshashila Institution

Col. P.K. Gautam, Honorary Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies, United Services Institution

#Arthashastra #Kautilya #Statecraft