Why nations should pursue "soft" power | Shashi Tharoor

Concerns About India's Global Aspirations

The Notion of World Leadership

• The speaker expresses skepticism about the hype surrounding India as a potential world leader or superpower, questioning the validity of such claims.

• He finds the concept of world leadership outdated, likening it to themes from James Bond movies and colonial literature.

Criteria for World Leadership

• The speaker discusses various metrics that could define a world leader: population size, military strength (India's fourth-largest army), nuclear capacity, and economic status (fifth-largest economy by purchasing power parity).

• Despite these achievements, he feels they do not encapsulate what India should aspire to contribute in the 21st century.

The Concept of Soft Power

Defining Soft Power

• Introduced by Joseph Nye, soft power refers to a country's ability to attract others through culture, political values, and foreign policies.

• Examples include cultural institutions like Alliance Francaise and British Council; even events like the Beijing Olympics serve as exercises in soft power.

Influence Beyond Government Actions

• The speaker notes that much of America's soft power stems from cultural exports like Hollywood rather than direct government initiatives.

• In today's information age, countries are judged by global public opinion shaped by diverse communication channels.

India's Communication Landscape

Connectivity Growth

• India has an extensive network of all-news TV channels and is noted for its rapid growth in telecommunications.

• With 509 million cellphones in use and sales reaching 15 million per month, India leads globally in mobile connectivity.

Historical Context

• Reflecting on past challenges with telecommunication access highlights how far India has come; previously, phones were rare luxuries allocated selectively.

• Anecdotes illustrate the difficulties faced when trying to make calls decades ago—emphasizing significant advancements made since then.

Modernization vs. Tradition

Contrasting Past with Present

• A humorous anecdote about waiting for phone connections underscores how antiquated systems have been replaced by modern technology.

• The juxtaposition of traditional occupations with modern technology illustrates India's rapid modernization while retaining elements of its historical identity.

The Impact of Connectivity on Indian Society

Empowerment through Technology

• The use of cell phones has transformed communication and business practices in rural India, allowing individuals to receive orders and manage logistics efficiently.

• A personal anecdote illustrates how a local toddy tapper uses his cell phone to deliver fresh coconut water, showcasing the blend of tradition and modern technology.

• Fishermen now utilize their phones to check market prices, significantly reducing the time spent on laborious tasks that previously required sending children to gather information.

• This connectivity empowers marginalized communities by providing them with immediate access to vital market information, thus enhancing their economic opportunities.

Cultural Influence of Bollywood

• Bollywood serves as a cultural ambassador for India, spreading aspects of Indian culture globally, even reaching audiences who may not understand the language or context.

• An example is shared about an illiterate woman in Senegal who travels monthly just to watch Bollywood films, highlighting the universal appeal of its storytelling and entertainment value.

• The popularity of Indian television shows in Afghanistan demonstrates India's soft power; people prioritize watching these programs over other activities, affecting social dynamics significantly.

Soft Power and Global Perception

• India's entertainment industry contributes to its soft power by creating narratives that resonate across cultures, influencing perceptions positively around the world.

• The proliferation of Indian restaurants abroad signifies a growing appreciation for Indian cuisine and culture; they employ more people than traditional industries in Britain today.

Changing Stereotypes

• There has been a significant shift in how India is perceived internationally—from stereotypes associated with poverty and mysticism to recognition as a hub for technological innovation and education (e.g., IIT).

• Anecdotes illustrate this transformation: an individual at an airport assumes an Indian can fix his laptop due to new stereotypes surrounding technical expertise rather than outdated ones related to fakirs or snake charmers.

Political Pluralism as Foundation

• The narrative surrounding India's global image rests on its long-standing tradition of political pluralism and openness as a society throughout history. This civilizational story enhances its standing on the world stage amidst changing global dynamics.

India's Unique Tapestry of Diversity and Democracy

Historical Context of Jewish Refuge in India

• India has a historical legacy of providing refuge to Jews fleeing persecution, dating back to the destruction of the first temple by Babylonians and later by Romans.

• Legend states that when Saint Thomas arrived in Kerala around 52 A.D., he was greeted by a flute-playing Jewish girl, symbolizing early cultural integration.

Pluralism and Democratic Values

• The Indian Jewish diaspora is noted for never having faced anti-Semitism, highlighting India's unique acceptance of diverse religions.

• The political landscape showcases diversity with Sonia Gandhi, an Italian-origin Roman Catholic woman, leading to a Sikh Prime Minister sworn in by a Muslim President in a predominantly Hindu nation (81%).

Comparison with Global Democracies

• India's democratic elections are celebrated as significant; contrastingly, the U.S. took over 220 years to elect non-white male leaders.

• This comparison emphasizes that India's electoral outcomes reflect its intrinsic values rather than mere propaganda.

National Identity Beyond Ethnicity

• Modern Indian nationalism transcends ethnicity or religion; it embodies an idea rooted in ancient civilization and pluralist democracy.

• Despite geographical divisions from partitioning and linguistic diversity (23 official languages), India’s unity stems from shared history and democratic principles.

Consensus Amidst Diversity

• Indian nationalism promotes enduring differences while rallying around common ground rules for disagreement—essential for maintaining harmony in a diverse society.

• The success story lies in India's ability to survive without consensus on every issue, fostering resilience amidst challenges.

Challenges Ahead for Development

• Celebrating India involves recognizing both military strength and economic power while acknowledging persistent poverty issues.

• Development requires addressing infrastructural needs alongside human capital development—ensuring basic necessities like food security and education are met for all citizens.