Hailing from Jawaharlal Nehru University, and President of the Association of Asia Scholars, Visiting Professor Swaran Singh brings his wisdom and experiences to the UBC Political Science department.
We spoke to him about his upcoming talk at UBC Political Science, his teaching, and his thoughts on coming to Vancouver.
Dr. Swaran Singh
Dr. Swaran Singh
You will be giving a talk titled, “The Essential Nature of China-India Relations” at our upcoming International Relations Colloquium on September 20. Could you give us a preview about what research you’ll be discussing at the talk?
Two ways one can look at the ‘essential’ nature: Inevitable and quintessential. World two largest populations with baggage of millennium old history are all set to return to once again becoming world’s largest economies that already possess nuclear weapons and largest armed forces but also world’s longest (space wise) disputed border. Their bilateral equations have implications way beyond these two nations which makes in important to familiarise with what are these two up to in terms of their mutual equations?
What are you looking forward to about your time in Vancouver and at UBC?
Experience; wholesome experience. My first visit to Vancouver (and UBC) is opening my eyes to so much more. The calibre at UBC stands out and I wish to learn and share as much possible.
Where do you hope your research will go while at UBC?
My focus is largely on Asia (lately Indo-Pacific), especially on China which is India’s largest and most engaging neighbour. My physical shift to UBC (from New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University) is making me look at several things afresh. For example, Canada and India have so much similar, both in their domestic milieu and worldview and yet some of their bilateral irritants have endured dwarfing their potential cooperation.
Could you describe your teaching style?
Friendly. With twenty-plus years of teaching in multiple locations around the world I am flexible to learn new skills and formats as long as these are within the rules and expectations of the institution. The aim always is to ensure both my students and I learn from our interactions.
