Some very interesting analysis. He has quoted extensively from works by other authors (which I have already read) so there is a strong sense of deja vu. In several places he has given a really one sided opinion, especially in page 79. He states with some sense of wonder (I wonder why) that western nations are now totally incapable of waging war on each other, the possibility of war between them is nil.

He should have added a couple of points to this. Only two devastating world wars that cost the world 76 million lives (16m WWI, 60m, WWII) did they realize that slaughtering each other at this industrial scale is not a very good idea. The second point, like members of an old boys club the erstwhile cronies have decided to band together and export war to be waged by proxies and less developed countries by creating vast military industrial complexes that now manufacture these implements of death and export them and encourage their purchase in the name of deterrence and defense.

The author seems to be very partial to China (he is probably in their pay). He even goes to the extent of saying that they will take over the mantle of leader of the world from USA (I sincerely hope not). While he is waxing eloquent about China's successes on the economic front, he conveniently forgets to mention it's obvious chinks in the armor such as territorial disputes with every country it borders, encouragement of rogue regimes in Sudan and Zimbabwe, continued supression of Tibet and it's unwarranted and viscreal hatred of the Dalai Lama etc.

One interesting and right observation he has made is with regarding to a bridge between the East and West and which country is best suited to play that role. He has rightly identified India as the country that can play that role. Only an India who has drunk from the deep well of Indian Spirituality can make that statement. Even a few sips are enough to be imbued by the mystical and all encompassing spiritual experience whether you actually choose to live by these principles is another matter but the fact remains that anyone who has lived his childhood in India, these experiences are inescapable. So the foundation is laid for you to try and achieve this spiritual place and at the same time experience the material comforts this world has to offer without compromising on your basic principles.

Some very interesting analysis. He has quoted extensively from works by other authors (which I have already read) so there is a strong sense of deja vu. In several places he has given a really one sided opinion, especially in page 79. He states with some sense of wonder (I wonder why) that western nations are now totally incapable of waging war on each other, the possibility of war between them is nil.

He should have added a couple of points to this. Only two devastating world wars that cost the world 76 million lives (16m WWI, 60m, WWII) did they realize that slaughtering each other at this industrial scale is not a very good idea. The second point, like members of an old boys club the erstwhile cronies have decided to band together and export war to be waged by proxies and less developed countries by creating vast military industrial complexes that now manufacture these implements of death and export them and encourage their purchase in the name of deterrence and defense.

The author seems to be very partial to China (he is probably in their pay). He even goes to the extent of saying that they will take over the mantle of leader of the world from USA (I sincerely hope not). While he is waxing eloquent about China's successes on the economic front, he conveniently forgets to mention it's obvious chinks in the armor such as territorial disputes with every country it borders, encouragement of rogue regimes in Sudan and Zimbabwe, continued supression of Tibet and it's unwarranted and viscreal hatred of the Dalai Lama etc.

One interesting and right observation he has made is with regarding to a bridge between the East and West and which country is best suited to play that role. He has rightly identified India as the country that can play that role. Only an India who has drunk from the deep well of Indian Spirituality can make that statement. Even a few sips are enough to be imbued by the mystical and all encompassing spiritual experience whether you actually choose to live by these principles is another matter but the fact remains that anyone who has lived his childhood in India, these experiences are inescapable. So the foundation is laid for you to try and achieve this spiritual place and at the same time experience the material comforts this world has to offer without compromising on your basic principles.

Goede beschouwing over de economische ontwikkelingen, interessant om het een keer van een "andere" kant belicht te zien. De vergelijking tussen China en Rusland is een interessant waar ik niet eerder bij stil had gestaan. Al met al zeker de moeite van het lezen waard! ( )

In de wereld van vandaag speelt zich waarschijnlijk geen grotere verandering af dan de economische en politieke opkomst van de Aziatische landen. Honderden miljoenen mensen zullen worden gered uit de klauwen van de armoede en de wereld zal vreedzamer en stabieler worden. Dit proces zal helaas niet zonder slag of stoot gaan. De renaissance van Azië zal immers het einde betekenen van de werelddominantie van het Westen.
Lees verder: http://minervaria.wordpress.com/2010/06/10/de-eeuw-van-azie/

goede invalshoeken, zet je aan het denken, leuk model om het broeikaseffect aan te pakken!? ( )