8 months ago
Book Review: Power Plays in Global Politics
Vikram Sood, a former intelligence chief, has written a book about how big countries like the United States try to control other nations.
He says that as India grows stronger, it will become an important player in world affairs.
However, India will have to be careful because big countries often act in their own interest, not always being fair to others.
The book talks about how India needs to balance its relationships with the United States and China, especially because the United States supports Pakistan, which has been a problem for India.
Sood believes India has a chance to become a great power but warns that if India doesn't handle its opportunities well, it might fall behind again.
Vikram Sood's book discusses how great powers, particularly the West, have historically imposed policies that suit their interests, often at the expense of India's strategic objectives.
The book highlights the decline of American global power and the rise of a multipolar world where India is becoming a significant player.
Sood emphasizes the challenges India faces in balancing its relationships with the United States and China, especially due to the United States' support for Pakistan.
The author warns that India is at a critical juncture and must seize the opportunity to become a great power, or risk falling behind.
The book argues that the current world order is maintained by Western narratives, economic levers, and military power, but this dominance is gradually declining.
- Who
- Vikram Sood, former R&AW chief and author of the book.
- What
- A book review discussing the geopolitical challenges India faces as it rises as a global power.
- Where
- The book focuses on global politics with a particular emphasis on India's strategic position.
- When
- The review discusses historical and current geopolitical dynamics.
- Why
- To analyze India's role in global politics and the challenges it faces from great powers, particularly the United States.
Key facts
- Author
- Vikram Sood
- Book Title
- Great Power Games: From Western Decline to Eastern Ascent
- Publisher
- Juggernaut
- Pages
- 336
- Price
- Rs 899
Quotes
Vikram Sood
Former chief of India's Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and author of 'Great Power Games: From Western Decline to Eastern Ascent'
“A superpower has no friends, yet every country wants to be its friend. A superpower has only its interests in sight; no one else’s interests’ matter. No wonder Henry Kissinger had remarked, ‘It may be dangerous to be America’s enemy, but to be America’s friend is fatal.’ India will be no exception to this rule.”
deccanchronicle.com
“The dollar, for long the symbol of American power, is losing ground as countries switch to dealing bilaterally with other countries in their own currencies. Quite clearly the US has entered, as all empires eventually do, a period of imperial overstretch. Decline sets in when its abilities to have its way do not match its self-described goal and total domination becomes near impossible.”
deccanchronicle.com
Noam Chomsky
Linguist, philosopher, and political commentator
“The current ‘world order’ is one that has been created by the United States and its allies, and is upheld by Western narratives, economic levers and raw military power. All US foreign policy aims are geared towards maintaining this ‘world order’ or system. Problem is real US global power peaked some time ago and has been steadily declining since then.”
deccanchronicle.com
