It was reported at the start of this year that around half the world would be voting in elections around the world in 2024! While this is in itself an interesting fact, I think even more fascinating would be the long journey that democracy has made over the past many centuries and decades across many… Continue reading What Election Year 2024 Tells Us About the State of Democracy
In just a couple of months perhaps, the world’s largest democracy goes to the polls. The ruling party, BJP, is so confident of returning to power for a third successive term that it has even forecast the number of seats it will win. Prime minister Modi said during his speech in Parliament just a few… Continue reading Change or Continuity, It’s Horse-trading Season
The world’s largest economy and super-power par none. Bastion of laissez faire capitalism, where millions are made and lost each day. And a country that has taught the world all about brands and the art and science of building them. But why is America so terrible at building luxury brands? A Californian White Wine; Image:… Continue reading Why is America So Lousy at Luxury?
America is one country I have not visited yet, which might surprise many. Well, it just so happens that I was never inclined to visit the US, even though I have friends there, both from college in Delhi and those known to my family. I told myself that if I ever do visit the United… Continue reading American Democracy According to Tocqueville
I am back to reading non-fiction now, as you can tell. My father bought The Hidden History of Burma early this year and I thought it’s time I read it. Thant Myint-U, the author, being the grandson of U Thant, former UN Secretary General, was an important draw, of course. It’s a country I first… Continue reading History of Burma, But Which One?
With the phenomenal growth of China over the past three decades and its adoption of capitalism and private enterprise, albeit with Chinese characteristics, we have to question many of our assumptions about capitalism, communism, free market economies and state control. Not only are some Chinese companies beginning to enjoy high market shares and market valuations,… Continue reading Brands and Democracy: Freedom of Choice Helps Brands Thrive
Over a year ago, I had written a post on identity politics as it exists around the world, including in India, and in it I had referred to an excerpt from Francis Fukuyama’s new book, Identity, that I happened to read online on Quillette. I had then said that I would like to read the… Continue reading A Paean to Thymos
If MK Gandhi were alive today, he might have a difficult time recognizing the country he helped win freedom for, 72 years ago. For not only have his ideals been forgotten, India has chosen to go in quite the opposite direction, especially in this millennium. Still, the country is commemorating his 150th birth anniversary and… Continue reading If Gandhi Were Alive Today
A plea for greater civil liberties and dialogue
If you happen to own Arendt’s books and read them a long time ago, it’s time to dust them off your bookshelves and read her all over again. I regret I did not read her earlier, but I am glad I have discovered her wonderfully sharp intellect and detailed expositions of totalitarian regimes now. Why… Continue reading The Relevance of Hannah Arendt
Peripatetic Perch 