Prepare or Perish : a study of national security

The Indian Sub-Continent had been invaded several times and subjugated and ruled for long periods by alien conquerors. Why, and how did this happen? What lessons can be learnt from the eventful history of the country?

Even after the attainment of Independence, India has had to fight four major wars to safeguard the nation's honour and integrity. Who won these wars and who lost? What lessons can be gleaned from these victories and defeats? External threats apart, India has had to contend with serious insurgency and internal security problems. How have they been tackled and what lessons can be learnt from these

threats to the nation? India also played an active role in a number of peace keeping operations under the United Nations flag. What lessons can be drawn from these?

What are India's national aims and national vital interests? What kind of international environment is she likely to find herself in and what threats can occur to these vital interests in the future? Are these only of an external nature? And what strategy should the country adopt to meet these challenges?

Whose responsibility is national security? The Armed Forces' alone? Is India fully prepared to safeguard its integrity? And what does preparedness involve? What is the country's objective in the global context? What should be done to

achieve this?

These are some of the aspects of national security covered in this book. This is meant to serve not only the military, but also all those with an interest in national security - which. after all, should be everyone's concern.