ABSTRACT
The global security environment as determined by relations among major powers has tended to deteriorate in the past few years. The threat perceptions of three major powers, that is the US, China and Russia vis-à-vis each other, have sharpened. There is stiff competition between them to dominate the strategic space in global hotspots like the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific. This competition among them has led to the formulation of national security strategies which are more assertive, aggressive and competitive. It has also resulted in a lack of consensus and consequent delay in the resolution of conflicts in Afghanistan and Syria. There is also no concerted effort in meeting the challenge of the Islamic State (IS). This kind of security environment imposes constraints on a country like India, which is struggling to carve out its rightful place in the world and needs the cooperation and support of all major powers. In the first section of the book, which begins with the chapter on ‘Global Security Trends’, an attempt has been made to examine the strategic thinking of major powers and the situation with regard to continuing international conflicts and crises in order to assess their impact on national security concerns of upcoming powers like India.
