International relations in the future.

I believe, that international relations will enter a new epoch making age of cooperation, in the future. Like I have mentioned, the world is a global village. The current tensions in the present, between militancy, and the authorities in the various nations, is in fact not unwelcome, because it gives the authorities a chance to understand the basis of militancy, and what are it's root causes. In my opinion, the causes of militancy are not religion, nor diverse beliefs, however secular that they may be. The cause of militancy is the seemingly irreversible differences between those in authority, and those who are the subjects to that authority. In India, for example, there has been a history of unhappiness, which has been mitigated to a certain extent, but which needs to be eradicated totally. Why the naxalites in the heartland of India, bear arms against the state, is a matter for pondering. Perhaps, the powers that are in the seat of authority, must be more considerate to the subjects under authority. Since India is a state, the individual and the state, are equally important. In my humble opinion, the individual must help himself, to the extent, that he/she helps the state equally. Presently, the individual is not in the position to help himself/herself, to the extent that the individual can also help the state.
On the subject of religious militancy, it can be observed, also, that the differences are between those who are in authority, and the subjects under that authority. Where there is religious militancy, there is conflict within the particular religion, firstly and primarily. The European powers were the victims of religious militancy, in the past. I mean, militancy in the name of Christianity. Now the people who follow Christianity are more or less at peace with each other. The various authorities are content, because the common citizen is at peace, and there is less conflict between the Protestant, and the Catholic, for example. The Protestant and Catholic authorities welcome the peace, between the people. In India, in the past, there were differences between the Hindu sects, but the differences were not expressed violently. Now, India has to understand the various religions that are a part of her identity. There are a number of Jews, who reside in India. Hopefully, India will be a beacon of hope to the other nations, in this regard.

The Rise of China and the future of the West.

I was reading a piece, with the heading of my post as the title, on foreignaffairs.org. The piece was written by G.John Ikenberry. It occurs to me, that China is very passive, in it's foreign affairs relations with the West, because she is dealing with the Western Powers as a single entity, or at least, that she is dealing with institutions created by the Western Powers, and she is broadly in acquiescence with the Western Powers in the mechanism of foreign policy interaction, and international diplomacy. What I mean to infer, is that China is following the rules which were institutionalised by the Western Powers, in foreign affairs, which is the culmination of the long journey of the Western Powers in the realm of foreign affairs, which they practiced among, and between themselves. To proceed further, much further, China will have to gain the confidence of the Western Powers, to become a world power, which the world depends upon. The Chinese economy is very dependent on the western markets. The situation may arise, where China becomes the major manufacturing nation, of consumer goods, or in other words, the main manufacturing hub of consumer goods. In such a situation, she will have to be in the confidence of her business associates. There must not be a clash of interests, between affairs of state, and affairs of business. Also, if China is following the rules, which have been institutionalised in the west, of administration and diplomacy, then I am sure, that she is changing the institution, which she is following, too. Is the United States helping to change the way, in which she herself is very relevant in world affairs? If China had not been ascendant, then would the present economic situation, have been in it's current form? Perhaps, the situation may have been a lot worse. I believe, that for China to be a positive force in the globe, it will have to be accepted as a positive force, by the majority of the major political international powers.

Role of The Indian Navy.

I believe, that The Indian Navy should be a strong Navy, not out of necessity, but out of choice. The Indian Navy must closely cooperate with the other maritime powers, so that India, and the maritime interests of other sea faring nations are best served. Perhaps, the services of the Navy, in military engagement, would never be required, if we follow such a path. The Indian Navy must seamlessly adapt to the different operations, and capabilities of the other maritime powers. That the United States is a close associate, there is no doubt. But, there should be no need for cooperation, between the two maritime powers. India, as I have mentioned before, does not need a strong Navy, as much as do other maritime nations. All the defense requirements of land, sea, and air, are however to be given equal consideration, when considering what their apparently equitable operation, and requirements are to be. Since, the navy is to operate on the high seas, and also, since land and air engagements are not of the same nature, due to the scope of the corresponding medium of engagement, in combat, in very tangible terms, The Indian Armed Forces must maintain an equitable balance, of the three military forces, as is deemed fit. All the three military forces are but different arms of the same military.
How should India operate her powerful Navy? India must, foremost, protect her maritime commercial interests, and as a consequence, protect the commercial interests, of others. India has trading relations with many nations, due to her very varied and complex business interests. The many nations who trade with India, would want to continue, their vibrant economic activity with India, and would be eager to do so. The Indian Navy may, if they so see fit, continue with naval exercises, so that the other nations are not unnecessarily diverted in attention, by the exercises. I hope, that the Indian Navy is not required to project her force, on any maritime power for an unnecessary cause in the future.

The Book Moby Dick.

I have the book by Herman Melville which is Moby Dick, in my M. A. Final Year syllabus. The book is among the most important works of American literature. The book was first published in England on 18 October, 1851, and on the following month in the United States. The writer was a popular author, but Moby Dick gained in popularity, after the First World War. The work was deemed important, and a great American contribution to the arts, much later after it was published. I believe, like some great American icons, this book too, is an icon in American literature. Modern Library has an Hardcover Edition, like it does of Mr Gibbons' 'The Decline and Fall of The Roman Empire'. There are many subtle psychological meanings in the book, pertaining to the writer. The Captain Ahab, leaves on his voyage, on Christmas Day. This could mean, that the day was auspicious, or that the good Captain did not observe Christmas. If Mr Melville had been captain, of the Pequod, then, how would this event have been interpreted? The Captain is said to be magnanimous, and of great intellect. But, he disregards these qualities of his own, and embarks on a very strange voyage.