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Tarun Goyal Politics & World Affairs
Est. 2026

The Sovereign
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An Independent Journal on Statecraft, Technology, and Macro Policy.

Tarun Goyal ◆ New Delhi


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Category: Statecraft

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    Why Negotiation From Weakness Sometimes Wins | The Underdog Playbook of Statecraft

    TARUN GOYAL

    The article discusses strategies utilized by weaker powers to effectively negotiate and prevail against stronger adversaries throughout history. It outlines techniques such as imposing costs on stronger sides, forming strategic alliances, and leveraging broader legitimacy to enhance their positions. The core principle emphasizes that stakes often outweigh raw strength in determining outcomes.

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    Kautilya’s Mandala Theory Explained

    TARUN GOYAL

    Kautilya’s Mandala Theory, rooted in ancient Indian political thought, presents a framework for understanding relationships among states based on geography. Defined in the Arthashastra around the fourth century BCE, it suggests that neighboring rulers are natural enemies (Ari), while distant rulers can be natural allies (Mitra). This theory facilitates predictions about alliances and hostilities, emphasizing…

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    Chanakya’s Spycraft

    TARUN GOYAL

    Kautilya, known as Chanakya, established the first formal intelligence service in ancient India through his treatise, the Arthashastra. It outlined a comprehensive espionage system consisting of nine types of spies, loyalty tests, and covert operations. His methods emphasized systematic information gathering and verification, influencing modern intelligence strategies.

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    The Art of the Controlled Enemy

    TARUN GOYAL

    The goal was never to win completely; it was to ensure the game never ends. True statecraft doesn’t destroy a rival—it manages it for permanent advantage. Discover the six hidden techniques behind why smart power, dominant corporations, and global institutions quietly preserve their enemies to maintain internal control and funding.

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