3 Comments
Oct 23Liked by Manoj Kewalramani

You really provide a great service to the world. I hope India can avoid past mistakes and promote a free, democratic Asia and world. At some point Xi will decide that India "has always been part of China," just like every other neighboring country. China and Russia have big plans to bring imperialism back, "with Chinese characteristics," and India is probably the only country that can stop them in the long run.

The US and Europe are in decline. I imagine the US will return to its isolationist ways sooner rather than later, especially if Asians stop taking our IOU's. India must build a coalition of other countries to stand up to Chinese bullying, or there will be yet another era of imperialism. The West foolishly believed Chinese lies and let them into the WTO. That was a mistake. China's exploitation of Western openness will end this era of trade and openness, but we are in a a Sudetenland moment. I so desperately hope Narendra has learned from Chamberlain's mistakes. The last thing the world needs is another world war.

Expand full comment

I have a complete different read. I believe India under Modi is on the path of becoming more like China or an America under Trump leadership. They like to play each side to their advantages without committing to any of the western so-called democratic values. Modi's political aspirations are closer to Trump, Xi, Putin than more libertarian leaders like Western Europeans' leaders or Biden.

Expand full comment

I am unaware of any Libertarians in power in Europe, at least in the last few decades, excluding Switzerland. Also, in what parallel universe do you see Biden's administration as "libertarian?" I wish that were true, but his administration has been anything but. I have zero positive expectations from Trump, but I think India will hopefully do what is in their best interests. Facing a menacing China, their best option would be to team up with neighboring countries who fear China. It would be foolish for India to attempt to go it alone, and I really hope that this time India follows a more rational path.

The country has been making good economic decisions since the 1990's, after decades of moronic policies that frankly make no sense. It may be wishful thinking to imagine that they would make better foreign policy decisions (never their strongest attribute), but you may be right in that they will follow Trumpian mindless decision making.

I still cannot tell what would be worse for the US, four years of the idiot Trump or another four years of whatever secret group is controlling the government now. This is the first time in US history where I think if a general siezed power in a coup, the country would support him. Gods save us.

Expand full comment