Brasstacks and Beyond: Perception and Management of Crisis in South Asia

Brasstacks and Beyond examines a critical period in South Asian security relations, focusing on the 1986-87 India-Pakistan crisis and its aftermath. The book analyzes the military exercises, diplomatic exchanges, and escalating tensions that brought these nuclear-capable nations to the brink of conflict. The study draws on interviews with key military and political figures from both India and Pakistan, presenting multiple perspectives on the crisis management process. Cohen documents the role of intelligence gathering, military preparations, and back-channel diplomacy during this tense period in regional relations. Through detailed analysis of primary sources and archival materials, the book reconstructs the decision-making processes and perceptions that drove both nations' responses to perceived threats. The research includes previously unpublished materials and firsthand accounts from participants in the crisis. The work stands as an essential case study in crisis management between nuclear powers, offering insights into how misperceptions and military planning can create dangerous escalatory dynamics. Its findings remain relevant to understanding contemporary South Asian security challenges.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Stephen P. Cohen's overall work: Readers value Cohen's academic expertise on South Asian security and politics, particularly his balanced analysis of India-Pakistan relations. His books receive high academic citations and are used in university courses. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex regional dynamics - Historical context and policy implications - Neutral stance on sensitive topics - Strong sourcing and research Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Some outdated information in older works - Limited coverage of certain regional conflicts - Could include more maps and visual aids Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: The India-Pakistan Military Standoff: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) India: Emerging Power: 3.7/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: The Idea of Pakistan: 4.3/5 (28 reviews) Shooting for a Century: 4.1/5 (15 reviews) Multiple readers note Cohen's work serves as standard reading for South Asia policy analysts and diplomats, though some find the material too technical for casual readers.

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🔸 The Brasstacks military exercise of 1986-87, which the book analyzes, brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war and was the largest military exercise conducted by India since independence. 🔸 Author Stephen P. Cohen was known as the "dean of South Asian studies" and served as a member of the Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. State Department from 1985-1987. 🔸 The crisis discussed in the book led to the creation of nuclear risk reduction measures between India and Pakistan, including an agreement to notify each other before conducting large-scale military exercises. 🔸 The book reveals how miscalculation and misperception between nuclear-armed neighbors can escalate tensions rapidly, drawing parallels to Cold War confrontations between the U.S. and Soviet Union. 🔸 Cohen's research for this book included unprecedented access to military and political leaders from both India and Pakistan, offering unique insider perspectives on the crisis.