According to Fareed Zakaria, India’s development is haphazard and uninfluenced. On the other hand, China’s economic growth is controlled by the central government and is not subject to outside influences. Consequently, it is misguided to think that India’s infrastructural development will one day be on par with that of China. The author notes that India’s economic endowments are as a result of thriving and enduring private initiatives.
Furthermore, it is noted that India’s internal economic welfare is still worse than that of most countries around the world. One advantage that China has over India is that the former has managed to control its urbanization. Therefore, the persistent problem of slums in India is not replicated in China because the Chinese government has control over its citizen’s movements.
According to Zakaria, the input of the government in China has had a big impact on the country’s economic prosperity. On the other hand, the reluctance of India’s administration has significantly slowed down India’s development. One advantage India has over China is the fact that the former has closer ties with the western business ties, including a common language.
An interesting observation by the author is that India’s GDP is heavily dependent on service provision even though the country is still a mid-level economy. Also, personal consumption in India is higher than that of China. Zakaria also downplays the role that is played by infrastructure when predicting economic development.
According to the author, a developed infrastructure does not always attract investors and economic development. Another economic advantage enjoyed by India is its ability to produce world-class brands.
Moreover, India’s financial sector embraces enviable transparency. India’s non-industrial exports, such as culture are also finding their niche among global audiences.
The growing national pride among Indians and their ability to offer homegrown solutions in times of disasters is another indicator of India’s economic future. The author concludes a review of India’s economic prospects by noting that the country bears striking similarities to the biggest economy in the world where social interests precede those of the state.
The Necessity for Government
According to the author, India enjoys a formidable political system that dates back to the era of British colonization. Nevertheless, the Indian government system has come under fire in the past for its incorporation of bad elements such as corruption and flawed political institutions. The book notes that democracy remains one of the best tools of India’s future governance.
Blind and Toothless
It is noted that the institution of India’s foreign policy was shaped by the views of both Prime Minister Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. Consequently, India’s foreign policy has, for a long time, advocated for weaker militaries and ideological warfare.
This initial stance in foreign policy matters was soon to change because of its fundamental weaknesses. Although it has taken some time, India has finally been able to articulate its foreign policies to the rest of the world (Zakaria 256)
The Eagle and the Cow versus the Hindu Worldview
According to the author, the relationships between the American and Indian societies are as a result of both government and citizen relationships.
Nevertheless, there are notable differences between the American and the Hindu worldviews. These differences might lead to clashes when formulating foreign policies. According to Zakaria, the most notable aspect of the Hindu worldview is the society’s lack of belief in a single deity. This aspect is similar to China’s Confucianism. However, the British worldview is well manifested within the Hindu-worldview.
Works Cited
Zakaria, Fareed. The post-American world: release 2.0., New York, NY: WW Norton & Company, 2011. Print.