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Delving deep into the history of the Roof of the World, this book introduces us to one of the greatest tragedies of modern times, its principal characters, as well as the forces impelling them, consciously or unconsciously. The year 1950 was certainly one such crucial year in the destinies of India, Tibet, and China. The three nations had the choice of moving toward peace and collaboration, or tension and confrontation. Decisions can be made with all good intentions, as in the case of Nehru who believed in an eternal friendship with China, or with the uncharitable motives of Mao. In strategic terms, Tibet is critical to South Asia and Southeast Asia. Rather, the Tibetan plateau holds the key to the peace, security, and the well-being of Asia and the world. This study of the history of Tibet, a nation sandwiched between two giant neighbors, will enable better understanding of the geopolitics influencing the tumultuous relations between India and China, particularly in the backdrop of border disputes and recent events in Tibet.

Born in France, Claude Arpi has been an enthusiastic student of the history of Tibet, China, and the Indian subcontinent for the past thirty-five years. After graduating from Bordeaux University in 1974, he decided to settle in India, where he continues to stay with his wife Abha and daughter Smiti. He is the author of Tibet, le pays sacrifié (2000), La politique frantaise de Nehru: 19471954, Cachemire, le paradis perdu, Born in Sin: The Panchsheel Agreemen, India and Her Neighbourhood, Tibet: The Lost Frontier, and Dharamsala and Beijing: The Negotiations That Never Were. He writes regularly on China, India, and Europe in Rediff.com, The Pioneer, DNA, Sify.com, The Statesman, and other Indian and French publications. He is also an editorial consultant and a regular contributor to the Indian Defense Review. To follow Claude Arpi, log in to his blog at http://claudearpi.blogspot.com/.