Power Shift in West

Here are the key points from "Power Shift in the West" for your UPSC CSE preparation:

Background of Power Shift in the West

  • The concept of power shift refers to the transition of global dominance from one region or nation to another.
  • Historically, Western Europe held power due to colonization, industrialization, and economic growth.
  • In the modern era, the power shift is moving towards Asia, particularly China and India.

Factors Contributing to Power Shift

  • Economic Changes
    • Decline of Western economies due to financial crises (2008 recession, Eurozone crisis).
    • Rise of Asian economies with manufacturing and technological advancements.
    • Shift of global trade hubs from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
  • Political & Strategic Shifts
    • Weakening of Western alliances (e.g., tensions in NATO, Brexit affecting EU unity).
    • Rise of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a counter to Western influence.
    • Declining influence of Western-led institutions like the World Bank and IMF .
  • Military Aspects
    • Growing military budgets in China and India.
    • Expansion of Russia’s influence (Ukraine conflict, Arctic expansion).
    • Reduced Western military interventions due to domestic economic constraints.
  • Technological & Soft Power
    • China leading in AI, 5G, and green energy.
    • India emerging as a major IT and space power.
    • Declining Western soft power due to cultural and social challenges.
Power Shift in West

Implications of the Power Shift

  • Global Governance
    • Rise of multipolar world order with India, China, and Russia challenging Western dominance.
    • Strengthening of regional groups like BRICS, SCO, ASEAN .
    • Declining Western-led interventions in global conflicts.
  • Economic & Trade Impact
    • Shift of supply chains towards Asia.
    • Decline of Western influence in Africa and Latin America.
    • Growth of trade agreements without Western participation (e.g., RCEP).
  • Geopolitical Challenges
    • US-China tensions (trade war, Taiwan issue).
    • Russia-West conflict (Ukraine war, NATO expansion).
    • India balancing ties between the US, Russia, and China.

India's Role in the Power Shift

  • India's Act East Policy strengthening ties with ASEAN.
  • India's Self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) initiative reducing Western dependency. India's role in QUAD, G20 Presidency, and Indo-Pacific strategy .

Future Outlook

  • Likely continued decline of Western global hegemony.
  • Strengthening of Asian-led economic and political alliances.
  • More competition for global leadership among emerging powers.