Department of Political Science

Prashant's research interests include the study of international conflicts in the context of how strategic rivalries evolve. This encompasses studying escalation, maintenance and termination of strategic rivalries. Some of the questions that are of interest include: Why are some resistant to termination while others are not? What role do structural factors such as alliances and inter-connected rivalriesin the international system play in prolonging rivalries, especially in the presence of asymmetric power capacity between states. How do spatial disputes contribute to the chances of rivalry duration, termination and conflicts? Do structural factors affect spatial rivalries differently than other rivalries? If so why? Additionally, Prashant has a strong interest in Asian rivalries with a specific interest in the role of US involvement in South Asia and the Asian region.