This brave new world

"In the next decade and a half, China and India will become two of the world's indispensable powers--whether they rise peacefully or not. During that time, Asia will surpass the combined strength of North America and Europe in economic might, population size, and military spending. Both India and China will have vetoes over many international decisions, from climate change to global trade, human rights, and business standards. From her front row view of this colossal shift, first at the State Department and now as an advisor to American business leaders, Anja Manuel escorts the reader on an intimate tour of the corridors of power in Delhi and Beijing. Her encounters with political and business leaders reveal how each country's history and politics influences their conduct today. Through vibrant stories, she reveals how each country is working to surmount enormous challenges--from the crushing poverty of Indian slum dwellers and Chinese factory workers, to outrageous corruption scandals, rotting rivers, unbreathable air, and managing their citizens' discontent. We wring our hands about China, Manuel writes, while we underestimate India, which will be the most important country outside the West to shape China's rise. Manuel shows us that a different path is possible--we can bring China and India along as partners rather than alienating one or both, and thus extend our own leadership in the world"--

"The US has the power to shape the geopolitical future of this century. We must stop obsessing about China alone and actively encourage India's enormous potential to balance China's power. India, China, and the US will be the twenty-first century's dynamic triumvirate. The axial shift of world power from the United States and Europe to China and India is unrelenting. By 2030, intelligence agencies estimate that Asia will surpass the combined power of North America and Europe in economic might, population size, and military spending. From a front row seat Anja Manuel arg