A post-pandemic world order

The Hindu     19th May 2020     Save    

Context: A comparison between China, US and India and their dependence on dogma, ideology and notions of power provides a model for post-pandemic world order.

China’s case:

  • Two Civilizational Markers: which shaped the Chinese dogma are : 
  1. The Middle Kingdom syndrome: was built on the glory of Ming Dynasty (14th Cent. to mid-17th cent.)
  2. The Century of Humiliation: it draws on the stripping of China of its honour and resources by multiple colonial powers (Mid-19th Century).
  • Reintroduced Confucianism: Deng pushed for ‘great power’ status and rose hopes for rule abiding China.
  • Abandoned Confucianism:  Xi Jinping has rather relied on notions of Hard power, Neo colonial, mercantile attitude towards vulnerable nations.

US’s Case:

    • Notions of power: USA power hungry game has resulted into strategic oversight and fatigue.
    • State’s incapacity : Incapability and incompetency in handling pandemic has shown its result.
    • Institutional robustness: Robust institutions and intellectual reserves will help in future.

India’s Case: Demonstration of flexibility

    • Resilience and tolerance: India, learnt to let go and embrace the good even after centuries of invasions.
    • Although, societal fissures and serious compliance issues exists, improved public discipline and good leadership can amend those.

Conclusion: India could play an important role in post pandemic world order and its transformation as India is not afflicted by unreasonable expectations of power and ideological dogma.