Looking ahead and beyond
As this adolescent century unfolds, competing civilizations will shape it. This new contest of civilizations could determine the balance of power between nations and regions for generations.
"The longer you can look back," Winston Churchill said, "the farther you can look forward." Though in decline, western civilization will continue to influence global policy and culture for some time. The rise of China will establish a powerful Confucian counter-civilizational force with strong roots in history and a sphere of influence arching from the Pacific to Africa. The other major civilization, again deeply rooted in history, will be driven by India's growing hard and soft power.
The west is propelled by American and European values, China by its ethnic homogeneity, India by its ancient religions and philosophy. Each has a clear geographical anchor. How will the competing civilizations engage each other as the 21st century unravels? Consider first their relative economic power.
According to the IMF, Asia (led by China, Japan and India) will account for 34% of global GDP by 2015. By 2030, Asia's GDP will exceed the combined GDP of the United States and Europe. This is not a shift in the balance of global economic power but a restoration of the status quo. Till 1775, China and India accounted for 50% of global economic output.
Each of the civilizations that will shape this century has threads going back thousands of years
India stands out for its diversity and democracy, the two markers that will determine which civilizational strand emerges strongest in an era of contesting but collaborative global values. While we wait and watch Asia moves on
You are late Isobel. India has been propping up the US and UK economy for the post few years
that India is coming forward as an emerging culture.
I hope it does well.
I am now cancelling all my Direct Debits to all charities that support India. I don't need to give anymore, India can now support its' starving, poor and slaves/underclasses and support each state and religion without prejudice.
India is so rich now the 1st World no longer need to give aide or support.
It is so obvious by what has been said in recent weeks; they are going to embrace other sects, religions and casts, that the evil, awful, colonising West need help them no more.
I am sure they can handle this switch of position.
I wish you the best of luck.
The west is propelled by American and European values, China by its ethnic homogeneity, India by its ancient religions and philosophy
How do homogenity, religion and philosophy play a role in propelling a nation forward economically ?
to cut and paste, the least you can do is credit the author. Unless they copied it too.
Full article with different title:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/all-that-matters/Rise-of-the-east-in-a-new-clash-of-civilizations/articleshow/7165562.cms
keep a big one for me
i like weed as well.