Decolonizing International Relations: Tracing the Genealogy of IR in India

International Relations (IR) as a discipline has long been dominated by Eurocentric narratives, shaping our understanding of global politics through the lens of Western scholars. But what about the perspectives of once-colonized nations like India? How has the discipline evolved in our country, and why is it important to reclaim and redefine it in our own terms? And since we talk about the peace of Westphalia and Myth of 1919 for western IR, how did IR as a discipline actually develop in India?

These are the very questions that intrigued me while studying the paper IR in my second semester, particularly when I came across the genealogy of IR in India. Though I had originally prepared a presentation on this topic, I never got to present it due to unforeseen circumstances. However, my interest in this subject only grew stronger, compelling me to finally put my thoughts into words. Firstly, as someone deeply interested in global affairs, I find these topics incredibly relevant and thought-provoking. Moreover, as the proud citizen of a country that had been previously colonized, I wanted to challenge the inherent Eurocentric bias in this discipline and trace the evolution of IR in my own country which has been ignored by so many scholars.

The Eurocentrism of IR and the Need for Decolonization

Think about the foundational thinkers we study in IR—Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Kant—all of whom have shaped mainstream theories like realism and liberalism. But what about Kautilya, who articulated realpolitik and balance of power centuries before Morgenthau? Or Sun Tzu, who laid the groundwork for strategic thinking, soft power, and risk assessment?

For far too long, non-Western perspectives have been dismissed as secondary or non-existent. To cite one example, a recent publication titled, 'Fifty Key Thinkers in International Relations' reveals a tall list of all the theorists who matter in IR. none of the theorists listed is of a non-Western origin. Out of fifty so-called ‘key thinkers’ in IR, not even one African, South American or Asian scholar is cited. This is certainly not due to mere forgetfulness.

However, scholars today increasingly recognize that IR must be inclusive and pluralistic. By introducing non-Western IR theories, we move away from the dominance of Western-centric narratives that have historically shaped global discourse. This is where decolonial accounts play a vital role.

Decolonial approaches to IR emphasize the role of colonial legacies in shaping modern nation-states, highlighting how these histories continue to affect global power structures. They allow us to reimagine IR—not as a universal Western construct, but as a diverse field that acknowledges multiple histories, experiences, and epistemologies.

Some examples of such decolonial approaches include:

• Subaltern Studies – Examining how marginalized voices have shaped international relations.

• Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) – Challenging the Western-centric legal frameworks governing global affairs.

• Feminist and Critical Race Theories – Exploring how gender and race influence international power dynamics.

By integrating these perspectives, IR becomes more representative of global realities, rather than just an extension of Western political thought.

The Genealogy of IR in India: A Forgotten Legacy?

Now, shifting the focus to India’s own IR tradition—how was it perceived historically, and how did it evolve? Have you noticed the importance that today our nation has gained in terms of global affairs? Earlier, our nation and its contributions, it’s unique perspective on international relations had mostly been overlooked, but not today in the 21st century. Personally, it really inspired me while i was preparing for this presentation and made me wonder how IR as a discipline was perceived in our country in the beginning.

Indian IR is often portrayed as a derivative child of Western disciplinary traditions, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The only thing missing is a systematically written chronology. If we look back, India’s engagement with international politics goes as far back as the Mauryan, Gupta, and Chola dynasties - even the Harappan civilization! If you count the trade with Oman and Mesopotamia, that is.

Unlike the Westphalian model that emphasizes state sovereignty and power struggles, ancient Indian IR was deeply cultural and trade-oriented, focused on diplomacy rather than militaristic expansionism. Kautilya’s Arthashastra remains a landmark text in this regard, discussing power, diplomacy, statecraft, and foreign policy in a remarkably sophisticated manner. His fourfold approach to diplomacy—Sama, Dama, Danda, Bheda (conciliation, gifts, force, and division)—still holds relevance in modern diplomatic strategies, and is one I personally admire.

While ancient Indian IR revolved around Niti (policy) and Nyaya (justice), modern India operates within the frameworks of democracy, diplomacy, and rights-based governance. However, one thing remains constant—India’s influence on global politics, which is now stronger than ever in the 21st century.

Key Thinkers and Modern IR in India

In modern times, the intellectual contributions of Indian scholars to IR have often been overshadowed, but they remain crucial in shaping how we understand diplomacy, international law, and global governance.

One of the earliest figures in modern Indian IR was Benoy Sarkar, a Bengali sociologist and political theorist who explored international politics from a distinctly Indian perspective. M.N. Chatterjee, another key thinker, predicted the failure of imperial powers in preventing World War II, arguing that denying independence to colonies would only lead to larger conflicts.

Contemporary scholars continue to shape the field:

• Amitav Acharya and Barry Buzan – Advocates of non-Western IR theory, pushing for a broader, more inclusive discipline.

• Datta Ray – Known for his work The Making of Indian Diplomacy, analyzing the cultural and strategic evolution of Indian foreign policy.

• Dr. Nivedita Behra (Delhi University) – A distinguished professor researching the historical foundations and evolution of IR in India.

These scholars challenge traditional IR paradigms, urging the field to expand beyond Eurocentric realism and liberalism and incorporate perspectives that truly reflect the global south.

Reclaiming Our Place in Global IR

The genealogy of IR in India is a testament to our intellectual heritage, unique worldview, and growing role in global affairs. As India asserts itself as a major player in international diplomacy, it is crucial to acknowledge and integrate our own contributions into mainstream IR discourse.

By decolonizing IR, we are not just revisiting history; we are actively shaping the future of global political thought. The question is—are we ready to reclaim our place in this evolving discipline?