C. Raja Mohan

C. Raja Mohan is an Indian academic, journalist and foreign policy analyst who specializes in South Asian politics, India's foreign policy, and broader Asian strategic issues. He serves as Director of the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore and has held positions at prominent institutions including Carnegie India and the Observer Research Foundation. Throughout his career, Mohan has written extensively on India's strategic relationships, nuclear policy, and maritime security. His influential books include "Crossing the Rubicon: The Shaping of India's New Foreign Policy" and "Samudra Manthan: Sino-Indian Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific," which have become essential references in the study of Indian foreign relations. As a regular columnist for leading newspapers like The Indian Express, Mohan has shaped public discourse on international affairs and strategic policy. His analysis frequently focuses on India's evolving role in global politics, relations with major powers like the United States and China, and regional security dynamics in South Asia. Mohan's work bridges academic research and policy analysis, with particular attention to India's emergence as a significant power in the Indo-Pacific region. His expertise is regularly sought by governments and international organizations, and he has served on various strategic advisory boards related to foreign policy and security matters.

Readers consistently highlight Mohan's clear analysis of complex geopolitical issues, particularly in books like "Crossing the Rubicon" and "Samudra Manthan." What readers liked: - Detailed research and data-driven arguments - Accessible explanations of India's foreign policy evolution - Balanced perspective on India-China relations - Strong historical context for current strategic issues What readers disliked: - Technical language can be dense for non-specialists - Some sections become repetitive - Limited coverage of certain regional actors - Older works contain outdated policy references Ratings: - Goodreads: "Crossing the Rubicon" averages 4.1/5 from 89 ratings - Amazon India: Most books maintain 4+ star ratings - Google Books reviews emphasize value for academic research One reader on Goodreads notes: "Offers clear frameworks for understanding India's strategic choices." Another comments: "Required reading for South Asian foreign policy, though the academic tone takes adjustment."

Crossing the Rubicon: The Shaping of India's New Foreign Policy (2004) Examines India's shift from non-alignment to strategic partnerships in the post-Cold War era.

Impossible Allies: Nuclear India, United States and the Global Order (2006) Analyzes the evolution of India-US relations with focus on nuclear policy and strategic cooperation.

Samudra Manthan: Sino-Indian Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific (2012) Details the maritime competition between China and India in the Indo-Pacific region.

Modi's World: Expanding India's Sphere of Influence (2015) Studies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy initiatives and India's global engagement.

India and the Balance of Power (2006) Explores India's emerging role in the international system and its relationships with major powers.

India's Naval Strategy and Asian Security (2016) Discusses India's maritime doctrine and naval capabilities in the context of Asian security dynamics.

Brahma Chellaney focuses on Asian geopolitics and strategic affairs with emphasis on India's role in the Indo-Pacific region. His analysis of water security and territorial disputes parallels Mohan's work on regional power dynamics.

Ashley Tellis writes extensively about India's nuclear strategy and relations with major powers including the US and China. His research at Carnegie covers similar ground to Mohan's work on India's strategic partnerships and defense policy.

Harsh V. Pant examines India's foreign policy evolution and changing relationships with global powers. His analysis of India's maritime strategy and engagement with the Indian Ocean region complements Mohan's strategic perspectives.

Shivshankar Menon provides insider accounts of Indian diplomacy and strategic decision-making from his experience as National Security Advisor. His work on India's foreign policy choices and nuclear strategy intersects with themes in Mohan's writings.

Daniel Markey analyzes South Asian security issues with focus on US-India relations and China's regional influence. His examination of India's strategic culture and great power relations covers similar territory to Mohan's research.