Dabbling in Diplomacy

IN THE PURSUIT OF HIS academic career, the author was pulled, accidently or purposefully, into many of the sensitive aspects of domestic politics in the neighbouring countries, and also, the relations of these countries with India.

In his one-time formal assignment as Ambassador and Special Envoy for the extended neighbourhood countries in Southeast Asia, the author learnt about the intricacies of practical diplomacy and the dynamics of India’s foreign policy conduct. His close contacts with the key leaders of these countries enabled him to have a ringside view and insightful understanding of some of the major developments in the region.

This book is an attempt to share his diverse experiences and deep learning of the region around India, gained in the process.

S.D. MUNI IS PROFESSOR Emeritus at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He was an elected former member of the Executive Council of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, (IDSA) New Delhi. He served as India’s Special Envoy to Southeast Asian countries on UNSC Reforms (2005) and represented India’s Minister of State for External Affairs at the 15th Anniversary celebrations of Cambodia’s Paris Peace Accord, held in capital Phnom Penh, in October 2006. He also served as India’s Ambassador to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (1997-99).

For nearly 40 years, Prof. Muni taught, conducted and supervised research in International Relations and South Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (1974-2006), National University of Singapore (2008-2013), Banaras Hindu University (1985-86), and University of Rajasthan (1972-73). Prof. Muni was nominated to the first-ever constituted National Security Advisory Board of India during 1990-91. He was the founding Executive Member of the Regional Centre of Strategic Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka. In 2005, he was bestowed with the ‘Sri Lanka Ratna’, Sri Lanka’s highest national honour for a foreign national.