KAUTILYA's Arthshastra: POLITICS, ETHICS AND STATECRAFT
If we compare statesman on the four dimension framework of: War & Peace, Human Rights, International Economic Justice and World Order Kautilya had a strong opinion on all the four aspects. In fact people like Bismark and Woodrow Wilson in recent history had been able to demonstrate their views only on two of the four dimensions.
Kautilya on Justice
Kautilya believed that for the prosperity of a state, the state must be devoid of internal conflict and the King should be in control of the state. To maintain this internal peace he believed in a just and realistic rule of law. His definition of a state was one which had power and wealth and hence he put property rights and protection of wealth as one of the important themes in his jurisprudence. In fact he advocated that one could get rid of corporeal punishment by paying off fines.
On Human Rights
Surprisingly, for a harsh and realist man like Kautilya he shows mercy towards the people defeated in a war and recommends humanity and justice towards them. He thinks that this important to preserve the mandala structure of war and peace.
On Punishment
Kautilya’s view on crime and justice is very elaborate and goes on to differentiate between various crimes. He advocates different punishments depending if they were crimes committed while in public office, civil crimes, sexual crimes, religious crimes etc.
On Diplomacy
Kautilya described three types of political system namely rule making, rule application and rule adjudication and has been recognized for his contributions to bringing diplomacy at the helm of state’s affairs. In his words he defines diplomacy as, “A King who understands the true implication of diplomacy conquers the whole world”
Six forms of Diplomacy
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Sandhi: This means accommodation, which means that kings seek to accommodate the each other and does not resolve to hostile means.
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Vigraha: This means hostility shown to neighbor or a state.
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Asana: This means indifference and he chooses this policy for states which are neutral.
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Dvaidhibhava: This means double policy which was very well practiced by Bismarck.
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Samsarya: This policy of protection is followed where a stronger state intervenes and shelters a weak state
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Yana: This policy is to attack. Kautilya does mention that peace and stability in a state makes the state even powerful but never shies away from attacking the weak and unjust king.
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