Abstract
This talk will show how Indian diplomacy enabled Burma and Ceylon to turn down requests by the West to join South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). It will outline how its diplomacy allowed elements in Burma and Ceylon, that favored a non-aligned approach, to hold their own in the face of calls to join SEATO. Contrary to the depiction of Indian diplomacy as being simply idealistic and given to pious invocations, this talk will demonstrate how India used different resources - ideational and material - to strengthen the non-aligned constituency in the region. In doing so, it also shaped the overall balance of power in the region. While many de-colonized states were in favor of non-alignment, threats to their security led some to align themselves with the great powers. Even though Burma and Ceylon did perceive a clear threat from communism, the example set by India in its own foreign policy, its aid policies, and its relationship with China helped them to reduce their fear of communism and stay committed to non-alignment.
Bio
Dr. Nabarun Roy is Assistant Professor at the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, South Asian University, New Delhi. His areas of interest are theories of international relations, Indian foreign policy under Nehru, and the geopolitics of South Asia. He has a doctorate in Political Science from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.