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High Noon in the Himalayas

Andersson, Johan LU (2023) STVM25 20231
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This master’s thesis examines the escalation of the Sino-Indian border conflict in the summer of 2020. Using a modified version of Graham Allison’s multi-lens model, variants of realism, institutionalism and constructivism are applied to the case in order to find explanatory factors. The different theoretical schools also serve to clearly delineate what assumptions the identified aspects are based on and why they are important. The study finds that a broad range of factors can be identified as playing a role in the escalation. Longer term ones such as the increased assertiveness of Chinese foreign policy, the slow but steady Indian pivot towards the United States and the changing views of the Indian public coincided with short term factors... (More)
This master’s thesis examines the escalation of the Sino-Indian border conflict in the summer of 2020. Using a modified version of Graham Allison’s multi-lens model, variants of realism, institutionalism and constructivism are applied to the case in order to find explanatory factors. The different theoretical schools also serve to clearly delineate what assumptions the identified aspects are based on and why they are important. The study finds that a broad range of factors can be identified as playing a role in the escalation. Longer term ones such as the increased assertiveness of Chinese foreign policy, the slow but steady Indian pivot towards the United States and the changing views of the Indian public coincided with short term factors like the Covid-19 pandemic, the internal pressures on the PLA and the proclamation of the Ladakh Union Territory. It also shows that some factors were stabilizing forces preventing even further escalation, such as the language games in place and the consultations and agreements in existence. This study can help shed light on other Chinese actions, the relationship between China and India, and in extension future prospects on the Sino-Indian border. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Andersson, Johan LU
supervisor
organization
course
STVM25 20231
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
China, India, Border conflict, Galwan, escalation
language
English
id
9115215
date added to LUP
2023-09-07 16:43:56
date last changed
2023-09-07 16:43:56
@misc{9115215,
  abstract     = {{This master’s thesis examines the escalation of the Sino-Indian border conflict in the summer of 2020. Using a modified version of Graham Allison’s multi-lens model, variants of realism, institutionalism and constructivism are applied to the case in order to find explanatory factors. The different theoretical schools also serve to clearly delineate what assumptions the identified aspects are based on and why they are important. The study finds that a broad range of factors can be identified as playing a role in the escalation. Longer term ones such as the increased assertiveness of Chinese foreign policy, the slow but steady Indian pivot towards the United States and the changing views of the Indian public coincided with short term factors like the Covid-19 pandemic, the internal pressures on the PLA and the proclamation of the Ladakh Union Territory. It also shows that some factors were stabilizing forces preventing even further escalation, such as the language games in place and the consultations and agreements in existence. This study can help shed light on other Chinese actions, the relationship between China and India, and in extension future prospects on the Sino-Indian border.}},
  author       = {{Andersson, Johan}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{High Noon in the Himalayas}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}