A Shift to a Multipolar World

In his latest book, “The New World: 21st Century Global Order and India,” Ram Madhav, a prominent ideologue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, explores the evolving global landscape. He argues that the 21st century will witness a shift from a bipolar to a multipolar world, characterized by multiple influential nations rather than just two dominant powers. This transformation will bring about new global institutions and non-state actors that challenge traditional power structures.

China’s Rise and Western Influence

Madhav highlights the significant rise of China as a global power, which coincides with a relative decline in the influence of Western nations, particularly the United States. However, he clarifies that this does not imply the disappearance of American power but rather a redistribution of influence across various regions. Other nations, including India, are also emerging as key players in this new world order.

Emergence of Non-State Actors

The book delves into the role of non-state actors, such as religious organizations, media entities, and tech giants, which are becoming influential enough to impact sovereign nations. Madhav cites examples like George Soros and tech leaders like Elon Musk as individuals who can pose challenges to national sovereignty. He emphasizes that these entities, while not countries with armies, can still exert significant influence on global affairs.

India’s Strategic Autonomy

To navigate this changing landscape, Madhav advocates for India to adopt a pragmatic approach. He stresses the importance of advancing education, research, and development to remain competitive. The Indian government has already implemented strategic autonomy policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, allowing India to maintain independence in its foreign policy decisions amidst pressures from both America and China.

New Global Institutions

Madhav also points out the emergence of new global institutions that reflect this multipolar reality. For instance, China’s establishment of an arbitration center in Hong Kong challenges existing bodies like the International Court of Justice. These developments indicate a shift towards multilateralism in international relations.