Drawing on a wide body of literature on international rivalries, this comprehensive and theoretically grounded work explains the origins and evolution of the Sino-Indian rivalry. Contrary to popular belief, the authors argue that the Sino-Indian rivalry started almost immediately after the emergence of the two countries in the global arena. They demonstrate how the rivalry has systemic implications for both Asia and the global order, intertwining the positional and spatial dimensions that lie at the heart of the Sino-Indian relationship. Showing how this rivalry has evolved from the late 1940s to the present day, the essays in this collection underscore its significance for global politics and highlight how the asymmetries between India and China have the potential to escalate conflict in the future.

‘This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the Sino-Indian strategic rivalry. It demonstrates that the rivalry is rooted not simply in a territorial dispute, but also in a larger struggle for influence in the Asia-Pacific region. As the authors explain, this rivalry, though regional in nature, could trigger systemic war.'

S. Paul Kapur - US Naval Postgraduate School

‘Here is an impressive book explaining the positional dimensions of the China-India rivalry, a topic that hitherto has been neglected in the literature. As such the book is a must read for all interested in the larger causes of this enduring rivalry, its implications for theory and policy, especially for balance of power and status competition.'

T.V. Paul - McGill University

‘Ganguly, Pardesi and Thompson have written a timely and thorough analysis of one of the most significant yet understudied rivalries in contemporary international relations. Highly recommended.'

Andrew Scobell - United States Institute of Peace