Logo

Synopsis The end of the Cold War brought change in the international scenario. However, tensions generated by the cross-currents of conflicting interests continue to affect the lives of people all over the world. This fermentation is more intense in the Asian countries which, after attainment of freedom, are still struggling to establish their national identities. There has been continuing discussion on how political, economic and securitys aspects influence the evolution of societies and inter-state relations. Not enough attention has been devoted to study the extent to which cross cultural and civilisational factors impact national policies and in turn, the relations between countries. In December 1997 the India International Centre, New Delhi, organised an international seminar to focus on the historical, cultural, civilisational and intellectual under-currents influencing socio-economic developments and political processes and policies and to study how far the social and civilisational impulses have determined the value systems and attitudes of the Asian countries in their relations with each other. This volume, which contains the papers presented at the seminar and a rapid summing up of the discussions which took place, is expected to serve as a useful resource for all those interested in fostering peace, harmony and productive relations among the countries in the region.