| Publication |
2009.
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| Summary/Abstract |
This article examines selected crises that have arisen between India and Pakistan in the post-independence period and asks if communications between the two sides, whether direct or indirect, have made a difference in whether the crisis has escalated to war or been settled short of it. It finds that both kinds of communication have succeeded in building trust during escalating crises and that this may have led to settlements short of war. It also suggests that the content of communication is important and that positive messages sent through either channel have led to successful outcomes. It calls for the maintenance of sustained and dedicated communication channels that will remain in place and continue to build trust after crises are settled, rather than the ad hoc ways in which the two countries have communicated during crises thus far.
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