Vineet Thakur Libri

An analysis of the origins of the field of International Relations from a decolonial perspective

Focusing on the Indian tradition of liberalism, the book offers a critical intellectual biography of Valangaiman Sankaranarayana Srinivasa Sastri, a prominent politician, diplomat, and educationist during colonial India. As a founding member of the National Liberal Federation, Sastri played a significant role in shaping liberal thought and politics in the country, making him a key figure in understanding the evolution of Indian liberalism.

Offering a fresh perspective, this book explores the origins of International Relations through an alternative historical lens. It challenges conventional narratives and delves into lesser-known events and figures that shaped the field. By reexamining key moments and ideas, the author reveals how various cultural, political, and social influences contributed to the development of international relations theory. This critical analysis invites readers to reconsider established views and understand the complexities of global interactions.

Though now largely a forgotten figure, V.S. Srinivasa Sastri was a celebrated Indian politician and diplomat in the early 20th Century. This book rehabilitates Sastri and offers a diplomatic biography of his years as India's roving ambassador in the 1920s.