The dismantling of the Mubarak legacy in the Arab world, with the implied or inevitable [whatever the case maybe] support of the US with the run of the events marks a stunning acceptance of the changed geo-politics. It preceded by the Tunisian change of guard and followed by stiff uprising to the Libyan ‘strongman’ Gadaffi.
Clearly, democracies – led by Mr Obama [I really don’t think this change of stance from USA would have been as unequivocal – albeit a bit delayed – had it been a different President there] are learning that the dichotomy of propping/supporting autocrats outside, while swearing by democracy at home will no longer seem credible. Neither would double diplomacy – one equation with the families/rulers of non-democratic countries and another posturing with the people [of home country, the citizens of countries ruled by autocrats and international community at large], like the one practiced by US governments of the past [incl George Bush Jr, post 9/11] – escape the notice and indictment of media and vote bank.
In that sense, at a geo-political level, the convenient double standards of democracy at home with peace [rather suppressed non-violence] stability of market access and commodity access elsewhere will need to be jettisoned by G7 countries. The current aberration now is China – how will the G7 countries look at China. Will they have the gumption to ignore the large market and the significant productivity gains offered by the country, till they the track record of supposed state backed curbing of people’s voice and rights by following the one party rule. In fact, the same is the case of many Asian tigers including Singapore. The saving grace being that – there is a party in action and there is expected to be certain amount of meritocracy within to party. If that is working for countries – in terms meeting the dual objectives of improving countries prosperity by and large and increasing the global esteem – then so be it. But will we turn these inconsistencies a blind eye, just because of practical economic reasons – and if yes, for how long more.
The notable part being the globally the world has become a better place to live in, in the past few hundred years. Savagery has significantly reduced in most parts [there are pockets though still], slavery has also more or less been eradicated, many other forms of exploitation have significantly come down - if not been eliminated, colonies have been dismantled, many new countries have been formed [and power devolved to locals], democracy is the norm is many countries now; and now centralized/monopolised power in many remaining pockets is being threatened like never before. With communication travelling literally @ speed of thought through telecom and internet, more and more people/pockets will resist cornering of power and conveniences. Not just against central authorities also against societal divides.
What does this mean for us as a union [both its representatives, the government and us, the citizens]. We Indians are known not to be budged by flutter around us as long our ‘roti’ is in place – and if the ‘roti’ is not in place, we will reduce our diet. As a digression - that’s great – as long as it borne out of exalted contentedness but down right shameless, if it because of insensitivity to community/global developments. The same is actually true for many colonized countries [I suspect the same is true for many African countries]. Someone observed earlier – with about a 1000 years of foreign rule – we don’t consider any place outside our homes our own. Therefore the inexplicably poor civic sense and apathy to community property and government dues [like taxes].
Coming back to India not being budged. India didn’t speak much on the global changes. Just about happy to follow. I don’t know, if its because of the government has its hands full, thanks to the parliament being rocked by multiple scams or is it because we do not know where our self interest lies. Is it because we are just happy to flow. With the NAM [Non Aligned Movement] and to a large extent Common Wealth Movement making little noise – India’s international voice is getting feebler.
Well if it is a strategy to keep quiet, as one’s voice is not expected to count. However the problem is this approach is an instinct to be indifferent and not a strategy. Its ramifications are not just limited to global geo-politics but also in one’s own backyard.
India has come a long way in terms of emancipation of underprivileged [because of democracy and context] – but still there are many divides; some of them new and increasing the distance between the haves and have nots. Education, health, corruption, infrastructure, work ethics, respect for others rights/dignities, protection of historical knowledge/culture are areas which need conscious attention. How will be respond to these in this new world. How can we attack them? Who will take the lead, who will be the target, how do we use current imageries?
Can we create a new revolution and can we start another war of freedom. Freedom from sloth and community insensitivity – the sources of corruption, inefficiencies and other inequities like below dignity level existence.
Bhubaneswar
February 27, 2011
Clearly, democracies – led by Mr Obama [I really don’t think this change of stance from USA would have been as unequivocal – albeit a bit delayed – had it been a different President there] are learning that the dichotomy of propping/supporting autocrats outside, while swearing by democracy at home will no longer seem credible. Neither would double diplomacy – one equation with the families/rulers of non-democratic countries and another posturing with the people [of home country, the citizens of countries ruled by autocrats and international community at large], like the one practiced by US governments of the past [incl George Bush Jr, post 9/11] – escape the notice and indictment of media and vote bank.
In that sense, at a geo-political level, the convenient double standards of democracy at home with peace [rather suppressed non-violence] stability of market access and commodity access elsewhere will need to be jettisoned by G7 countries. The current aberration now is China – how will the G7 countries look at China. Will they have the gumption to ignore the large market and the significant productivity gains offered by the country, till they the track record of supposed state backed curbing of people’s voice and rights by following the one party rule. In fact, the same is the case of many Asian tigers including Singapore. The saving grace being that – there is a party in action and there is expected to be certain amount of meritocracy within to party. If that is working for countries – in terms meeting the dual objectives of improving countries prosperity by and large and increasing the global esteem – then so be it. But will we turn these inconsistencies a blind eye, just because of practical economic reasons – and if yes, for how long more.
The notable part being the globally the world has become a better place to live in, in the past few hundred years. Savagery has significantly reduced in most parts [there are pockets though still], slavery has also more or less been eradicated, many other forms of exploitation have significantly come down - if not been eliminated, colonies have been dismantled, many new countries have been formed [and power devolved to locals], democracy is the norm is many countries now; and now centralized/monopolised power in many remaining pockets is being threatened like never before. With communication travelling literally @ speed of thought through telecom and internet, more and more people/pockets will resist cornering of power and conveniences. Not just against central authorities also against societal divides.
What does this mean for us as a union [both its representatives, the government and us, the citizens]. We Indians are known not to be budged by flutter around us as long our ‘roti’ is in place – and if the ‘roti’ is not in place, we will reduce our diet. As a digression - that’s great – as long as it borne out of exalted contentedness but down right shameless, if it because of insensitivity to community/global developments. The same is actually true for many colonized countries [I suspect the same is true for many African countries]. Someone observed earlier – with about a 1000 years of foreign rule – we don’t consider any place outside our homes our own. Therefore the inexplicably poor civic sense and apathy to community property and government dues [like taxes].
Coming back to India not being budged. India didn’t speak much on the global changes. Just about happy to follow. I don’t know, if its because of the government has its hands full, thanks to the parliament being rocked by multiple scams or is it because we do not know where our self interest lies. Is it because we are just happy to flow. With the NAM [Non Aligned Movement] and to a large extent Common Wealth Movement making little noise – India’s international voice is getting feebler.
Well if it is a strategy to keep quiet, as one’s voice is not expected to count. However the problem is this approach is an instinct to be indifferent and not a strategy. Its ramifications are not just limited to global geo-politics but also in one’s own backyard.
India has come a long way in terms of emancipation of underprivileged [because of democracy and context] – but still there are many divides; some of them new and increasing the distance between the haves and have nots. Education, health, corruption, infrastructure, work ethics, respect for others rights/dignities, protection of historical knowledge/culture are areas which need conscious attention. How will be respond to these in this new world. How can we attack them? Who will take the lead, who will be the target, how do we use current imageries?
Can we create a new revolution and can we start another war of freedom. Freedom from sloth and community insensitivity – the sources of corruption, inefficiencies and other inequities like below dignity level existence.
Bhubaneswar
February 27, 2011
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