Constructivist aspects in US-India relations

Аннотация

The purpose of this article is to examine the contemporary dynamics of US-Indian relations through the lens of constructivist theory. The article claims that India is becoming the main defense partner of the United States, the values of democracy are the basis of US-Indian relations, India is pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy, etc. Keywords: South Asia, India, USA, constructivism, perceptions, democracy. According to the theory of constructivism, international relations depend more on ideological, cultural and social factors than on material ones. Its rules and regulations are not clear, complete, eternal and immutable. They exist temporarily in a certain period and space and are not permanent. Rules in international relations are temporary and flexible[1]. In modern international relations, there is a discernible shift in the approach of the United States towards South Asia, specifically the Republic of India, from a constructivist perspective. This transition is evident in the elevation of India’s status to that of a Major Defense Partner, marking a departure from their historically neutral relationship. India has now emerged as the United States’ primary ally in the South Asian region. According to A.Wendt, anarchy reigns in international relations, however, even in this, countries can unite into various unions [2]. The introduction of the concept of the Indo-Pacific region in Western political discourse since 2017 carries significant constructivist implications [3]. This new geopolitical construct not only reflects the deliberate introduction of regions in a constructivist manner but also underscores the United States' diplomatic overture to India by incorporating its name into the newly defined region. Consequently, this 119 transformation has diminished the strategic importance of the traditional South Asian region for the United States in contemporary times. Constructivists often cite that “5 North Korean nuclear weapons are more dangerous to the United States than the United Kingdom's 500 nuclear weapons”. It takes into account that Great Britain is a “friend” of the United States, while North Korea is not [4]. If we look at the situation from the point of view of realism, each country is a rival of the other [5]. From a security point of view, the UK's nuclear weapons are a threat to any country. The existence of such a large number of nuclear weapons is a real danger. But the Americans and their leadership do not think so. They see their friends and allies in Great Britain. That is, the state establishment and the people’s perceptions are positive towards the British. The same formula applies to other US allies. That is, the country is not excited by the nuclear arsenal of France and Israel. In turn, there is a threat to the United States from the nuclear weapons of countries such as the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, and Pakistan. At one time, India was also concerned, but as the two countries became close allies, US concerns about India's nuclear program subsided. And today, when it talks about denuclearizing South Asia, the US mostly refers to Pakistan [6]. Why is this so? Constructivism asserts that international relations and foreign policy depend on the identity of the state, as well as on the perception of political institutions, elites, and the people. Nuclear weapons of countries considered “friends” are not considered as a threat. One nuclear weapon of countries considered as “enemy” or a nuclear program that is still being developed (for example, Iran) also causes great panic. The image of “friend” and “enemy” is an imaginary formation that depends on the time, place and situation. For example, the nuclear programs of North Korea and Iran are not perceived as a threat by Russia or China. That's why the USacknowledges only India’s nuclear program, which is not a member of nuclear club states (USA, Russia, China, France and 120 Great Britain). At the same time, it does not recognize Pakistan's nuclear program. The main reason for this is shared beliefs and values. India is a democratic country just like the US when Pakistan is not. Therefore, the US trusts India more than Pakistan. The US establishment thinks that Pakistan's nuclear program can lead to unpredictable consequences. The development of such a scenario in South Asia indicates a constructivist US foreign policy in the region. The US is taking a constructivist approach to the policy of deterring China. In this regard, the India-Russia alliance is also given a positive assessment. Because strengthening India-Russia ties will reduce Russia's dependence on Beijing. As a result, there will be a estrangement between the two competitors of the United States, such as Russia and China. In turn, this idea is acceptable to New Delhi [7]. It is in foreign political interests to weaken the Sino-Russian tandem by bringing closer relations with Russia. In addition, the United States is pursuing not only a neorealist