Shooting for a Century: The India-Pakistan Conundrum

Stephen P. Cohen examines the enduring conflict between India and Pakistan in this strategic analysis of South Asian geopolitics. The book tracks the key historical events, policies, and cultural factors that have shaped relations between these nuclear-armed neighbors since their partition in 1947. Through research and first-hand observations, Cohen explores the military, economic and social dimensions of the India-Pakistan rivalry. The text includes detailed assessments of both nations' security doctrines, domestic politics, and attempts at diplomatic engagement over disputed territories. Drawing from decades of scholarship on the region, Cohen evaluates various scenarios for the future of India-Pakistan relations and their implications for global security. His analysis extends beyond conventional diplomatic frameworks to consider the roles of identity, ideology and competing national narratives. The book stands as a comprehensive examination of one of the world's most complex bilateral relationships, raising fundamental questions about nationalism, nuclear deterrence, and the possibilities for conflict resolution in South Asia.

Readers describe this book as a comprehensive analysis of India-Pakistan relations, with detailed historical context and future projections. Readers appreciate: - Clear breakdown of conflict drivers and obstacles to peace - Cohen's expertise and access to policymakers in both countries - Balance in presenting both Indian and Pakistani perspectives - Focus on practical solutions and policy recommendations Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - Some outdated data/analysis (published 2013) - Limited coverage of post-2008 developments - Repetitive points across chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) Sample reader comment from Amazon: "Cohen provides valuable insights into the relationship between these nuclear neighbors, but the writing is sometimes too academic for general readers." Another reader noted on Goodreads: "Good historical analysis but needed more current context for today's tensions."

Inside Pakistan by Stephen P. Cohen Analysis of Pakistan's military, politics, and society through its historical evolution since independence.

The Idea of Pakistan by Stephen P. Philip Examination of Pakistan's founding ideology and its impact on modern regional conflicts and state-building.

Nuclear South Asia by Scott D. Sagan and Kenneth N. Waltz Study of nuclear proliferation in South Asia and its consequences for Indo-Pakistani relations.

Kashmir: Roots of Conflict, Paths to Peace by Sumantra Bose Investigation of the Kashmir dispute's origins and its role in India-Pakistan relations since partition.

War and Peace in Modern India by Srinath Raghavan Assessment of India's strategic culture and its approach to conflict resolution with neighboring states including Pakistan.

🔷 Stephen P. Cohen was known as the "dean of Pakistan studies" in the United States and spent over 50 years studying South Asian security issues before his death in 2019. 🔷 The book's title refers to the possibility that the India-Pakistan conflict could last a century, as it had already persisted for over 60 years at the time of publication in 2013. 🔷 Cohen conducted extensive interviews with military leaders and government officials from both India and Pakistan while researching this book, including conversations with several former heads of state. 🔷 The author proposes that Kashmir is not actually the core issue between India and Pakistan, but rather a symptom of deeper identity conflicts and competing national visions. 🔷 Despite being an American scholar, Cohen had such respected status in South Asia that he served as a member of the Pakistan Army's Faculty of Research and Doctrinal Studies at Quetta and was a visiting scholar at multiple Indian institutions.