The absent dialogue: politicians, bureaucrats, and the military in India

Civilian control over the military is widely hailed as among the biggest successes of India's democracy. This is a rarity, especially among postcolonial states, and is rightfully celebrated. But has this come at a cost? 'The Absent Dialogue' argues that the pattern of civil-military relations in India has hampered its military effectiveness.

Introduction: Democratic civilian control -- Forging the sword : civil-military relations and military effectiveness -- Convenient narratives : historical evolution of civil-military relations -- The false promise of self-reliance : the weapons procurement process -- The coordinators : India's unique approach to jointness -- An "in-house" affair : India's system of professional military education -- Simply the best? officer promotion and selection policies -- The best of intentions : defense planning in India -- Tumultuous times : the contemporary discourse on civil-military relations -- Conclusion: Civilian control and military effectiveness.

In The Absent Dialogue, Anit Mukherjee examines the relations between politicians, bureaucrats, and the military in India and argues that the pattern of civil-military relations in India hampers the effectiveness of the Indian military. Informed by more than a hundred and fifty interviews with high ranking officials, as well as archival material, this book sheds new light on both India's political and military history, as well as democratic civilian control and military effectiveness more generally.