Article
Just Say No: Explaining the Lack of International Mediation in Kashmir
International Negotiation
(2017)
Abstract
The dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is one of the world’s most protracted and potentially dangerous conflicts. While the international community has strong interest in limiting violent conflagration between the two states, third party action aimed at amelioration has been very limited. This contrasts with overall global mediation efforts, which have increased in the post-Cold War period. Using archival research, this study explores the reasons for the Government of India’s implacable opposition to any external intervention in the conflict. We argue that both strategic and ideational motivations have influenced its decisions. In particular, India’s strict adherence to the principle of strategic autonomy precludes the possibility of accepting external mediation. By exploring how and why strategic and ideational motivations intersect to become a formidable barrier to third party intervention, this article contributes to our understanding of why certain countries develop resistance to mediation.
Keywords
- Kashmir,
- India,
- South Asia,
- International negotiation,
- Mediation,
- Crisis management
Disciplines
Publication Date
October 5, 2017
DOI
10.1163/15718069-23011118
Citation Information
Bidisha Biswas. "Just Say No: Explaining the Lack of International Mediation in Kashmir" International Negotiation Vol. 22 Iss. 3 (2017) p. 499 - 520 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/bidisha-biswas/53/