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VOL. 27, NO. 46, August 01 , 2008 (Shrawan 17 2065 B.S.)
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The Post American World
Renowned American author Fareed Zakaria's book highlights how the world is evolving under western constitutional principle
By KESHAB POUDEL
Till one and a half decade ago, it was very difficult to find books written by renowned writers in the markets here. Nowadays, the situation has changed. All kinds of latest books are easily available in the market.
In case, the book is marketed for India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the price is also very much affordable to the people living in the area. As the world becomes more globalized, it also applies to knowledge business.
Renowned American writer Zakaria's recent book is also available in the market soon after its publication in India. In the words of Henry Kissinger, "Fareed Zakaria, one of the most brilliant writers, has produced a fascinating and thought-provoking book on the impact of western constitutional principles on the global order."
This is the book where Zakaria tries to link the one country's general political trends and its implications to the global order. In his book , Zakaria describes how in the Post American World the growth of countries like China, India, Russia, South Africa and Kenya has been making change.
Post American World
By: Fareed Zakaria
Published by: The Penguin Group, Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd, Community Center, Pachsheel Park, New Delhi India
Pages: 292
Price: IC Rs. 499.00
Available In Kathmandu at Paradise Book, Ranipokhari Kathmandu Nepal |
As this power rise, the power is shifting and wealth and innovation are bubbling up in unexpected places. By building the tallest buildings, biggest dams, top selling movies and most advanced mobile phones outside the USA, countries have been showing their own pride. Through all these development countries are finding national political confidence and national pride.
Author Zakaria argues that as these trends continue, the great engine of globalization will increasingly be powered by nationalism setting the world on a course that is likely to define next decades, which it is not yet equipped to tackle.
Zakaria outlines the contemporary diffusion of power throughout the world. "There have been three tectonic shifts over the last five hundred years, fundamental changes in the distribution of power that have reshaped international life- its politics, economy and culture," writes Zakaria. Divided into nine different chapters, the book starts from the Rise of the Rest. In another chapter, the author discusses the Cup Runneth Over. The third chapter is about the non-western world.
In this chapter, Zakaria discusses about the rise of China and India in contemporary world and their growing economic and political might. In this chapter, author Zakaria discusses the culture and values of these countries and experiences of colonization. The writer also discusses the process of westernization and modernization of these two countries.
The changing global order is a matter of concern to smaller countries like Nepal, which, sandwiched between Asia's two major powers India and China, has been suffering from a series of uncertain period due to tensions between these two powers. The past experiences have shown that Nepal's peace and stability is very much dependant on the kind of relations existing between these two countries.
Zakaria's book gives a ray of hope that Nepal will see good period in future. "Despite a growing sense of competition, India is actually moving closer to China in a certain respect, one that relates to the countries entries onto the global stage. India has moved away from the self-righteousness of the Nehru era as well as the combativeness of Indira Gandhi's year."
Writing about India, Zakaria argues," Its society is open, eager and confident to take on the world. But its state –ruling class - is hesitant, cautious and suspicious of the changing realities around it. After winning its independence, India was eager to play a large role on the world stage. This ambition was inherited from Britain which ran a great deal of its empire from New Delhi."
Zakaria also observes the Chinese role. "China has been more skilful and used better diplomacy and soft power in Asia, the region where Beijing devotes the most time, energy and attention," writes Zakaria.
This book is very important to read as it helps Nepalese scholars understand how the world is changing and power is shifting.
