Hindu Nuclear Politics and the Logic of Realism

Abstract

Two variants of Hindu political thought proved decisive in determining the timing and rational behind India’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. Despite the realist logic of deterrence that dominates the discourse around nuclear proliferation, both Gandhian and Hindu nationalist actors subverted the logic of realism in India’s armament—in opposite directions. Whereas Gandhian moral inspiration drove India to avoid armament when it was strategically advantageous from a realist perspective, Hindu nationalist impulses proved decisive in pushing India to arm under far less strategic circumstances. This essay examines the history of Hindu nuclear politics, and its implications for nuclear proliferation, the logic of realism, and the future of religio-political movements.