ASIAN JUGGERNAUT BY BRAHMA CHELLANEY

BOOK REVIEW

ASIAN JUGGERNAUT BY BRAHMA CHELLANEY

1.         Basic Data

a.         Book                           -           Asian Juggernaut

b.         Author                                    -           Brahma Chellaney

c.         Pages                         -           348

d.         Chapters                    -           5

e.         Published By                        -           Harper Collins Publishers, New Delhi, India

f.          Published In                         -           2006

2.         Asian Juggernaut accounts resurgence of Asia in the face of global order. The major geo-political changes underway in the world are most conspicuous in relation to Asia and thus granting the status of global pivot. The rising importance of Asia at a time of ongoing shifts in global economic and political power foreshadows a much different world – a world characterized by greater distribution of power as well as new opportunities and uncertainties. But the shifts in world geopolitics will also test Asia’s ability to assume a leadership role in international relations. With inter state competition sharpening; Asia faces complex security, energy and developmental challenges. Globalization implies that the region must move beyond historical legacies and tap its dynamism for greater prosperity and well being. The colossal shift in global geo-politics provides new opportunities to Asia and tests its ability to assume a bigger role in international relations.

3.         The book examines the ascent of Asia by focussing essentially on three main powers; China, India and Japan. Emerging geo-political trends in Asia are challenging strategic stability and affecting equation between these powers. Constituting a strategic triangle, these powers are Asia’s largest economies. Their interests are getting so intertwined that the pursuit of unilateral solutions by any one of them will disturb the peaceful environment on which their continued growth and security depends. The author analyzes the global ramifications of the emerging Chinese colossus. He also highlights the fact that Japan’s quiet and undeclared transition from pacifism to a normal state will help shape the future of Asian and global geo-politics. The third major Asian player, India, is coming of age by displaying greater realism in economic and foreign policies and moving towards geo-political pragmatism. India now recognizes that it can wield international powers only by building up its economic and military strength. Strong China, India and Japan, need to find ways to reconcile their interests in Asia so that they can peacefully co-exist and prosper. Given that these powers have not all been strong, at the same time before in history, stable political relationship between them is central to Asian security.

4.         The book highlights the fundamental and qualitative reordering of power in Asian Continent characterised by tectonic shifts, which is already challenging strategic stability and affecting equations among the continent’s three major powers that hold the key to a cooperative security environment. As they manoeuvre for strategic advantage, China, India and Japan are transforming relations between and among themselves in a way that portends closer strategic engagement between New Delhi and Tokyo, and sharper competition between China on one side and Japan and India on the other. Given the fact that India and China point across the mighty Himalayas in very different geopolitical directions and that Japan and China are separated by sea, they need not pose a threat to each other, especially if they were to abstain from hostile actions against one another and strive to avoid confrontation.

5.         Emergence of China as a global player is transforming geo-political landscape like no other development.  However, as history testifies, the rise of a new world power usually creates volatility in the international system, especially when the concerned power is not a democracy. Economic powerhouse Japan is determined to shore up its security and, despite its concerns over fraying ties with Beijing wishes to ensure that China does not call the shots in East Asia. Japan has started to shed decades of pacifism and reassert itself in world affairs. India’s continued economic rise, coupled with its political realism and growing self-confidence, has made it a key factor in Asian geo-politics. It will be unwilling to cede its leadership role in Southern Asia. In the emerging Asia, the two major non-Western democracies, India and Japan, look like natural allies as China drives them close together. An India-Japan strategic partnership, involving naval cooperation to protect vital sea lines of communication, could help adjust balance-of-power equation in Asia, helping to build long-term stability and equilibrium.

6.         Asian Juggernaut is a much awaited publication of international relations, which encompasses the strategic triangle of Asian Resurgence in the global order. The book sets out how all states in Asia can benefit from cooperative approaches in which China, India and Japan takes the lead. The author has articulated the book methodically, which leads its reader to sound conclusions in logical manner. He initiated his work with the realization of Asian Renaissance and then drew comparison between Asian and European dynamics. He has also deliberated upon the energy dimension of the Asian politics, which leads to the strategic equations existing between the stake holders. The book however, possesses a flavour of nationalism, as the author has portrayed China and Pakistan asserting negative influence on the region. In the end a methodology has been proffered to avert any strategic conflict in the Asia. The language of the book is simple, yet attractive and the subject matter thoroughly engulfs its reader into the power politics in Asia.  Expression of the author is clear and concise and the subject has been dealt in entirety. It is a must read book for individuals having interest in geo-politics of Asia.