Abstract
Stephen P. Cohen in his latest book Shooting for a Century: The India-Pakistan Conundrum, explores the main conflict between India and Pakistan. In order to understand the causes of the rivalry between these two South Asian neighbors he discusses various developments in their relations in the historical context. He further expands the discussions by including specific developments and likely future scenarios that may affect relations between the two states. The purpose of the study according to the author is to explore the possibilities of cooperation between the two states. He also compares India-Pakistan rivalry with IsrealPalestinian conflict by relating similarities between them.
Cohen has developed a comprehensive theory based on the norm of ‘normalization.’ By its application on Pakistan-India relations he concludes why the disputes between India and Pakistan are likely to continue for the next century also. Cohen uses the tools of cooperation conflict spectrum as criteria by which he analyses different variables like social integration, economic development, security relations and diplomatic cooperation which can bring about normalization of relations between states. The book’s major thrust is on identifying causes of mistrust between India and Pakistan. At the end the author also gives his recommendations for reducing mistrust between them, and steps that may enhance stability in the region.