1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh | Srinath Raghavan

1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh by Srinath Raghavan – A Comprehensive Account of a Critical Year

Introduction: The Worldwide Theater of Bangladesh’s Liberation

Srinath Raghavan’s 1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh is an exceptional geopolitical chronicle that transcends traditional war narratives, unveiling how global powers influenced South Asia’s most brutal and transformative conflict. Diverging from earlier accounts that concentrated solely on military tactics or regional politics, this narrative exposes the Cold War strategies, diplomatic betrayals, and humanitarian disasters that characterized Bangladesh’s violent emergence.

Why This Book is Unique

• Global Insight – Investigates the roles of the US, Soviet Union, China, and India in the crisis.
• Innovative Archival Examination – Draws on declassified records to uncover obscured discussions.
• Equitable Critique – Evaluates all factions: the brutality of Pakistan, India's pragmatic policies, and worldwide neglect.
• Gripping Narration – Engages like a political thriller rather than a mere scholarly examination.

Key Themes & Revelations

1. The Crisis Develops: From Election to Repression

• How the 1970 elections in Pakistan, wherein Sheikh Mujib’s Awami League secured a majority, resulted in the military’s refusal to relinquish power.
• Operation Searchlight (March 1971): The organized slaughter of Bengali intellectuals, students, and citizens by the Pakistani military.
• The emergence of the Mukti Bahini (liberation forces) and a refugee crisis that saw 10 million people flee to India.

2. Cold War Dynamics

• Nixon & Kissinger’s Support for Pakistan – In spite of reports detailing genocide, the United States chose to back Islamabad out of fear of a potential Soviet-Indian alliance.
• The Role of China – How Mao’s government supported Pakistan to counterbalance India and the USSR.
• Soviet-Indian Alliance – The Indo-Soviet Treaty (August 1971) which guaranteed military support for India.

3. India's Military Engagement & the Formation of Bangladesh

• December 3-16, 1971 – India’s rapid military operation leading to Pakistan's capitulation.
• The Shimla Agreement (1972) – How India’s victory altered the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.
• Failure of the US 7th Fleet to Intervene – The bluff that thwarted direct military escalation between the US and Pakistan.

Why This Book is Relevant Today

Insights into Contemporary India-Pakistan Relations – The 1971 conflict continues to affect diplomacy regarding Kashmir, terrorism, and water disputes.
Insights into Humanitarian Interventions – The global community's inability to halt genocide reflects present crises (Syria, Myanmar).
Ongoing US-China-India Rivalry – The same geopolitical chess match persists in the current landscape.

Who Should Engage With This Work?

Students of History & Political Science – The finest single-volume exploration of the conflict.
Diplomats & Policy Advisors – Valuable lessons in the realpolitik of the Cold War.
Journalists & Authors – Essential context for coverage of contemporary South Asia.
General Audience – An engrossing narrative of warfare, treachery, and freedom.

Critiques (Minor Concerns)

• Could Benefit from More Bengali Perspectives – While exceptional in geopolitics, some readers may desire deeper grassroots insights.
• Occasionally Complex – The intricate diplomatic exchanges might be challenging for casual readers.

Final Evaluation: The Authoritative Global History of 1971

Raghavan’s work stands as the most exhaustive, thoroughly researched, and captivating account of Bangladesh’s liberation. It not only recounts military engagementsit reveals the concealed international narrative that influenced the destiny of a nation.