The Geopsychology Theory of International Relations in the 21st Century: Escaping the Ignorance Trap

Description

This book introduces an innovative theoretical construct of geopsychology to navigate the complex dynamics of international politics in the 21st century. It explains how geopsychology is different from mainstream international relations theories in terms of primary actors, human behavior, spatial application, instruments, and key issues. It argues that peace and stability in the troubled parts of the world warrants an imperative need for understanding psychological dispositions of non-state actors and authoritarian regimes. In The Primacy of Geopsychology, B.M.Jain unfolds that neither a global hegemon nor a cohort of powers could weaken their resolve and break their morale, as proven in the cases of Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Korea. Importantly, the regional case studies India and Pakistan in South Asia; North Korea and China in Northeast Asia; and the U.S. involvement in the Middle East reveal how the psyche and thought processes of national and regional actors have been the driving force in triggering interstate conflicts and civil wars. The book brilliantly illuminates how America became a conscious victim of the ignorance trap in Asia s volatile regions. This must book offers easy solutions to complex conflicts to induce a peaceful change in world politics. Cover The Geopsychology Theory of International Relations in the 21st Century The Geopsychology Theory of International Relations in the 21st Century: Escaping the Ignorance Trap Copyright Contents List of Tables and Figures Preface Acknowledgments Acronyms Chapter 1 Geopsychology Theory Building A Critical Overview of Mainstream IR Theories Introducing Geopsychology Why Geopsychology Matters Key Elements of Geopsychology Conclusion Notes References Chapter 2 South Asian Geopsychology The Profile of South Asia Background Historical Legacy Religious and Cultural Sources Kashmir Issue: A Case Study in Geopsychology Nuclear Psychology: A Case Study Conclusion Notes Chapter 3 India-Pakistan Engagement with the Greater Middle East1 Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, and Geopsychology The Greater Middle East The Iran-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline The India-Iran Nuclear Row Clash of Strategic Interests in CAS The Afghanistan Imbroglio Conclusion Notes Chapter 4 China’s Foreign Policy Behavior Components of China’s Geopsychology Conclusion Notes Chapter 5 The Nuclear Conundrum on the Korean Peninsula The North Korean Nuclear Crisis Insecurity Syndrome Ethno-Nationalism The Anti-U.S. Psychology Kim Jong-un’s Personality The Olympic Games: “Charm Offensive” Trump’s Counter-Offensive Strategy China’s Role Conclusions Notes Chapter 6 U.S. Strategic Misadventures in the Middle East Afghanistan Iraq: A Sordid Story Iran’s Conundrum Conclusion Notes Conclusion Appendix A Interview with Madhukar S. J. B. Rana Note Bibliography Index About the Author