ABSTRACT
Kautilya’s Arthashastra underlines an interactionist approach, which can be broadly inferred from the operative principles as mentioned and recognizing the characteristic of “minimum solidarity” to which Modelski refers. The emphasis on the characteristic and role of the ally (Mitra) is significant in determining the nature of the ‘other’ or defining the nature of the enemy. The identification of the enemy as someone who was a threat to the order of state is significant. Significant literature has been written on the espionage system of Arthashatra, however the web-based understanding of mandala needs elaboration. Arthashastra offers a useful entry point for a web-based strategy, focusing on surviving well in the system of states. An important insight from Arthashastra relates to the nature of conversation between western IR and non-western IR. The arguments in the book cautions one to refrain from a binary understanding, and in fact perceive Arthashastra as a strategic text.