THE CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE OF KAUTILYA’S DEFENSE STRATEGY AND POLICIES OF WAR

ABSTRACT Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, was an ancient Indian strategist and political philosopher whose seminal work, the Arthashastra, remains influential in contemporary political thought. This paper explores Kautilya’s defence strategy and war policies and their relevance in the modern world. It examines the theoretical underpinnings of Kautilya’s approach, including deterrence, diplomacy, intelligence gathering, and the use of force. By analysing case studies of modern conflicts, conducting a comparative analysis with contemporary defence doctrines, and exploring the relevance of Kautilya’s ideas in addressing current security challenges, this paper elucidates the enduring significance of Kautilyan principles in shaping strategic thinking and defence policies. Keywords: Kautilya, Arthashastra, defence strategy, deterrence, diplomacy, intelligence gathering, modern conflicts, contemporary defence doctrines, security challenges