Dragon on Our Doorstep: Managing China Through Military Power by Pravin Sawhney and Ghazala Wahab, published by Aleph in 2017, is a critical examination of India’s strategic and military posture in relation to its two most significant neighbors: China and Pakistan. The book, spanning over 450 pages and divided into nine sections with 22 chapters, delves into the historical, geopolitical, and military dynamics that have shaped India’s security environment since independence. The authors, both respected defense analysts and editors at FORCE magazine, present a hard-hitting analysis, arguing that India’s longstanding focus on expanding military force rather than building genuine military power has left it vulnerable in the face of regional threats, especially from China.

Dragon on Our Doorstep is significant for several reasons:Unflinching Critique: The book challenges prevailing narratives about India’s military might and strategic competence, urging policymakers and the public to confront uncomfortable truths about the country’s vulnerabilities.Timely Analysis: Published amid rising tensions on the India-China border and ongoing instability with Pakistan, the book’s arguments remain relevant to contemporary debates on national security.Comprehensive Scope: By connecting India’s internal and external security challenges, the book offers a holistic view of the country’s strategic predicament.

1. Military Power vs. Military ForceA central theme is the distinction between “military force” and “military power.” The authors contend that while India has invested heavily in building a large military force, it has failed to convert this into effective military power through strategic planning, technological advancement, and doctrinal innovation. This shortcoming, they argue, places India at a disadvantage, especially when compared to China’s integrated and modernized military capabilities.2. India’s Strategic MyopiaSawhney and Wahab critique India’s strategic culture, describing it as reactive and lacking in long-term vision. They trace this deficiency through a critical analysis of Indian leadership since independence, highlighting missed opportunities, indecisive responses to crises, and a failure to learn from past conflicts such as the 1962 war with China, the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, Kargil, and Operation Parakram.3. The China ChallengeThe book provides a detailed account of China’s military modernization, organizational reforms, and technological advancements, including in cyber warfare and anti-satellite capabilities. The authors argue that China’s approach to military power is holistic, integrating intelligence, technology, and strategic doctrine, which contrasts sharply with India’s piecemeal efforts.4. Pakistan and the Two-Front ThreatThe authors assert that India’s security challenge from Pakistan cannot be separated from the China problem. They argue that Pakistan’s military is optimized for its objectives and that India’s inability to resolve issues with Pakistan—particularly over Kashmir—weakens its position against China. The book controversially claims that India is currently not prepared to win a war even against Pakistan, let alone China.5. Internal Security and InsurgenciesThe book also examines how India’s internal security challenges, such as insurgencies in Kashmir and the Maoist belt, sap military resources and attention, further undermining India’s ability to project power externally.6. Geopolitics and DiplomacyWhile the title foregrounds China, much of the book critiques India’s overall geopolitical approach. The authors argue that India’s aspirations to be a regional or global power are hampered by its inability to resolve neighborhood conflicts and by its inconsistent foreign policy, which often changes with each new government.

The book’s cultural significance lies in its willingness to question national myths and encourage a more realistic appraisal of India’s position in the world. Its provocative opening—“Let alone China, India cannot even win a war against Pakistan”—sparked debate and discomfort among readers accustomed to more optimistic assessments of India’s military capabilities. By highlighting the gap between perception and reality, the book has contributed to a more nuanced public discourse on defense and strategy.

Dragon on Our Doorstep has had a notable impact on policy circles, the strategic community, and the broader public:Stimulating Debate: The book’s critical perspective has fueled discussions in think tanks, media, and among policymakers about the need for military reform, technological modernization, and strategic clarity.Challenging Complacency: By exposing weaknesses in India’s defense preparedness and strategic culture, the book has challenged complacency and encouraged calls for deeper reforms in defense planning and civil-military relations.Public Awareness: Its accessible style has brought complex issues of national security to a wider audience, fostering greater awareness of the stakes involved in India’s relationships with China and Pakistan.

Dragon on Our Doorstep: Managing China Through Military Power is a landmark work that offers a sobering assessment of India’s strategic vulnerabilities. Pravin Sawhney and Ghazala Wahab argue that India’s failure to build genuine military power, its strategic myopia, and its inability to resolve conflicts with its neighbors have left it ill-prepared to face the twin challenges of China and Pakistan. The book’s insistence on the need for comprehensive military reform, technological modernization, and a coherent strategic vision makes it essential reading for anyone concerned with India’s security and its future as a regional or global power.Ultimately, the book’s greatest contribution is its call for India to move beyond illusions of power and to confront the hard realities of its security environment. By doing so, it hopes to spur the country towards the reforms and strategic clarity necessary to secure its interests in an increasingly complex and dangerous neighborhood.