I have always wondered why when it comes to foreign affairs, even otherwise eloquent and knowledgeable India-based writers tend to bring out drab, boring compilations of newspaper clippings rather than give some incisive observations and insights.
Be it C Raja Mohan or J N Dixit. Their books--whatever little I have read--are simply an experts chronicling of past events and nothing more than that.
This is in striking contrast to Indians settled abroad, like Fareed Zakaria or Parag Khanna, who could be easily some of the best writers on geopolitical matters in the world. Perhaps I have missed to many of India-based writers books on the subject.
I picked up Sumit Ganguly's book looking to change my perception. But I failed. While the book comprehensively covers the geopolitical issues of South Asia, with their history and present status, that's about it. No insights, no analysis, no learned speculation.
Conclusion: Boring, but damn helpful for reference.
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