Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science, Sree Narayana College, Chempazhanthy, (affiliated to the University of Kerala) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, India

Series: Political Science and History
BISAC: POL035000
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52305/AAHD6684

The book describes the contemporary history of Tibet and analyzes the implications of autonomy especially in the context of geostrategic significance of Tibet to India and China. The response of the PRC and India towards Tibetan autonomy is very important in order to understand the undercurrents of international relations in the Himalayas. Concomitantly in the 21st century, the international response is also significant in helping the move towards autonomy to  groups of people that have a common cultural identity. The relative significance of the right of a modern state to territorial integrity and people’s right of self-determination are discussed in detail. Though people’s right to self-determination has been an internationally recognized principle, its implementation depends on the persistence of the struggle for autonomy/independence, the means adopted, and the international response toward it. The interplay of international politics with national interests of major players in the era of globalization is also dealt with. Thus, in the era of human security and human rights, the Tibetan quest for autonomy has solicited great significance.