National Security Tactics of India And China: A Tri-Guna Theory Perception

Abstract

There are various approaches to understanding and explaining the dimensions of human nature. Tri-guna theory is an integral part of Indian philosophy that explains the three dimensions of human nature, Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. These gunas act together and never exist in isolation. They interact and compete with each other resulting in the preponderance of one over the others. The degree of predominance of one guna determines the individual’s personality type. Based on the above understanding, personalities are categorized into three, sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic. Thus, Indian philosophy has conceptualised and practised three forms of positive, neutral and negative characteristics of an individual in the form of tri-guna. It appears that the national security approaches are framed based on an assessment of threat perceptions. Though there are institutional mechanisms and set practices in the formulation of national security policy, it also reflects the traits of the individuals involved in the decision-making process. In other words, the personality of the officials involved in the decision-making is very significant in shaping the outcome. This paper is an attempt to understand the national security policy of India and China, which is rooted in their civilizational connection, cherished practices, and the decision-makers perceptions. The tri-guna theory helps us to comprehend and explain the perceptions of the decision-makers involved in the formulation of national security strategies.