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

1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh by Srinath Raghavan is a sweeping account of the Bangladesh Liberation War, placing it within a broader international context. Moving beyond a purely regional lens, the book shows how the war was deeply intertwined with Cold War politics, superpower rivalries, and global diplomatic maneuvering. Synopsis Raghavan traces the causes and consequences of the 1971 conflict, beginning with political crises in Pakistan, the brutal crackdown in East Pakistan, and the humanitarian catastrophe that followed. He situates these events within a global framework, highlighting how India, Pakistan, the United States, China, and the Soviet Union all played crucial roles in shaping the war’s outcome. Drawing on archival sources and diplomatic records, the book uncovers how international politics and regional struggles combined to create the world’s newest nation: Bangladesh. Key Features & Themes

• Global Dimension: How Cold War powers influenced and responded to the 1971 war.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The refugee exodus and international reaction to mass atrocities.
• India’s Role: Military strategy, intervention, and diplomatic challenges.
• Superpower Rivalry: The U.S.-China-Pakistan axis versus Soviet-Indian alignment.
• Birth of a Nation: The war’s legacy for Bangladesh, South Asia, and the world order.

Why Read It?

• Offers a fresh global perspective on a conflict often seen only regionally.
• Provides meticulously researched insights using international archives.
• Essential for understanding how Cold War geopolitics shaped South Asia.
• Combines political analysis with human stories of war and liberation.

1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh is a landmark study that reframes the Liberation War as both a national struggle and a pivotal moment in international history.