The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
About the Monograph
| This monograph explores China's strategic culture and its impact on the People's Liberation Army (PLA), shaped by history, philosophy, and geopolitical factors. Drawing from Confucianism, Sun Tzu's The Art of War, Maoist doctrine, and modern strategic thought, China's military approach emphasises deception, psychological warfare, and strategic patience. The PLA's operational history-from the Korean War to border conflicts with India, the Soviet Union, and Vietnam-reveals a pattern of calculated aggression under the guise of Defensive Counterattacks' Key tenets of China's strategic culture include the Middle Kingdom' ideology, a preference for asymmetry, the use of surprise, and strict central control over military decision-making. The concept of 'Active Defence' justifies offensive actions framed as defensive measures, reinforcing China's pursuit of regional dominance. The monograph also examines China's contemporary military strategy, including its emphasis on non-contact warfare, space-based surveillance, and cyber warfare. Understanding China's strategic culture provides crucial insights into its long-term geopolitical ambitions and military manoeuvres, particularly in the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific. India, as a key regional player, must navigate China's assertive posture with strategic foresight, ensuring readiness in diplomacy, defence, and regional cooperation to effectively counterbalance Chinese influence. |