Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the 'higher-than-normal' probability of war in a protracted conflict region encourages states to search for a deterrent capability that ultimately leads to nuclear proliferation. It presents a review of the state of the proliferation literature. The book examines the utility of the scholarly work for a theoretical understanding of proliferation in protracted conflict regions. It provides the conceptual and analytical framework for the empirical study of protracted conflicts in South Asia and the Middle East. The book also examines Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons acquisition. It focuses on non-traditional nuclear deterrence within the context of the India-Pakistan protracted conflict. The book investigates India's security concerns against the backdrop of the Sino-Indian protracted conflict and also incorporates an understanding of the Sino-Indian nuclear deterrent relationship.