Clausewitz termed war ‘continuation of politics’ by other means, but in case of the post-Pulwama war-like conditions that Modi’s India had created, it looked more like the ‘continuation of party politics’ driven by ‘party objectives’ for winning the elections rather than the continuation of politics. Tempering with the scope, methods, tempo and strategies of conducting wars, many politicians extracted personal political benefits in the past. The Vietnam War, the war in the Balkans and in Iraq have often been regarded as policy failures. In today’s world not the Clausewitz’s policy objectives but ‘domestic politics’ (Modi’s elections) determines the purpose of war. The present politico-military homogeneity in Pakistan and Modi’s fresh start in Indian politics are the two most import factors that dictate the possibility of beginning of a renewed relationship between India and Pakistan.

Source: The Express Tribune May 26, 2019 03:33 UTC