Noting the inadequacies of existing IR theories to explain the security policies of states in the
global south and the frequent intra-state conflicts there, this research demonstrates the
analytical capacity of the insecurity dilemma as an alternative framework. The research
develops the insecurity dilemma first and then applies it on the Chinese-Tibetan conflict.
Over sixty years of violence and dialogue has brought the Chinese and the Tibetans no closer
to a resolution of their conflict. The insecurity dilemma provides a nuanced understanding of
the underlying reasons for this protracted conflict. This research argues that, conscious of its
weakness as a state, which has implications for state, regime and ‘national’ security, China
has pursued state-building through its policies on religion, language, education and economy
in Tibet. Beijing has also denied the existence of a ‘Tibet Issue’ and rejected a number of
Tibetan proposals for autonomy out of fears that they threaten their state-building project in
Tibet. Conversely, Tibetan identity insecurity, generated by the Chinese policies, migration
and cultural influences inside Tibet, explains both the Dalai Lama’s unpopular decision to
give up his erstwhile aspiration for Tibetan independence as well as his steadfast demands for
autonomy and unification of all Tibetans under one administration. Identity insecurity also
drives the multi-faceted Tibetan resistance both inside Tibet and in the diaspora. Although the
intentions of both Beijing and the Tibetans are to increase their respective securities
identified above, the outcome is greater insecurity for both, plunging them into dilemmatic
cycles of state-building and hardening of policies on the Chinese side and strengthening of
identity and resistance on the Tibetan side. This study gives play to a multiplicity of actors,
objectives and strategies on both sides and examines the feed-back effect that exists between
the Sino-Tibetan conflict and the regional and global political strategic and ideological
competitions