How has the valley of Kashmir, famed for its beauty and tranquility, become the focus of a dispute with the potential for nuclear conflict? How does the Kashmir separatist movement challenge the integrity of the Indian state and threaten the stability of a region of tremendous strategic importance? As Pakistan and India square up for what may become a major regional conflict, Victoria Schofield's timely book examines the Kashmir question, from the period when the valley was an independent kingdom to its current status as a battleground for two of the world's newest nuclear powers: India and Pakistan. Schofield now traces the origins of the conflict in the 19th century and explains the serious issues that divide India and Pakistan and assesses the military positions of both states as their troops mass along the border.

'A brilliantley detailed journey through the complex history of Jammu and Kashmir.' - Literary Review; 'Schofield succeeds admirably by keeping the plight of ordinary Kashmiris to the fore. Her account of a decade-long, still unfinished insurgency is scrupulous.' - The Independent; '[O]ne of the best general introductions to what a well briefed Bill Clinton described as the most dangerous place on earth.' - New Statesman; 'Anyone concerned with the future of South Asia will find that Ms Schofield's book will enrich their understanding of what is at stake.' - Asia Affairs

Victoria Schofield is a writer and broadcaster. She is the author of: 'The United Nations'; 'Every Rock, Every Hill'; 'The North-West Frontier and Afghanistan'; 'Bhutto: Trial and Execution'.