Whither Pax Indica and Pax Sinica?

Abstract

Today’s foreign policy formulae need soft power as an essential dimension. On one hand, China has institutionalized soft power, recognizing its potential to counter American global influence. Meanwhile, India is continuing to follow its long tradition of cultural engagement with the rest of the world, as it has down the ages, with some greater governmental inputs and initiatives. Indian culture has a ‘visa’ since olden days that permeates willing borders. Regardless of intentions, Indian and Chinese soft power will play a significant role in shaping foreign policies of the two countries set to lead the ‘changing world order’. It is also interesting to observe that the world since ancient times innately desires knowledge about Indian traditions. On the Chinese front, the globe rather has an added business dimension of interest in getting to know about the world’s largest economy. In an era of rising nationalism, it remains to be seen if political foreign policy will affect the sending out and receiving of soft power schemes. However, the ‘changing world order’ cannot be governed by economic and strategic elements alone. It will be studied, whether in an age of technology and visual gratification, if India and China can balance political imperatives with cultural contours. The above factors will be analyzed to infer the impact of Indian and Chinese soft power and whether both countries are achieving their desired outcomes via soft power channels.