India : The Rise of an Asian Giant

Contents: Preface. Prologue: the Giants ascent. 1. Building a democratic nation. 2. The emergence of national coalitions. 3. The tensions of federalism. 4. A role in world affairs. 5. The argument of power: atom bombs and rockets. 6. Liberalizing a hidebound economy. 7. Sick mills and strong power looms. 8. Diamonds, garments and software. 9. The quest for supercomputers. 10. Agriculture: crisis of promise? 11. The Giants Shackles: water, energy and infrastructure. 12. Caste in a changing society. 13. The boon of a demographic dividend. 14. The demand for education. 15. The new middle class: consumers and savers. 16. The persistence of poverty. 17. The splendour of the media. 18. A dynamic Diaspora. Epilogue: the Giants next steps. Notes. Bibliography. Index.

With growing economic might, new political influence, and changing social dynamics, India has emerged as a major world power in the twenty first century. India, the Rise of an Asian Giant charts the important features of Indias development since its independence in 1947, assessing those forces that have contributed to the nations growth as well as those that have impeded it. Through the lens of Indias past, Dietmar Rothermund offers anew perspective on India today and a fascinating look into the nations future.

Rothermund explores the diverse rots of Indias economic robustness, from agriculture to the export boom. He looks closely at the countrys democratic system, nuclear decisions, and alliance with the US against terror. In this review of social changes Rothermund discusses the institution of caste, the rise of a new middle class, the persistence of poverty, the media and bollywood, and the significance of the global Diaspora of twenty million Indians.

In India, the Rise of an Asian Giant, he offers an impressive profile of India, an Asian Giant whose role in the worlds future will surely be unique and important.