China, India and Global Change: Power Shifting

Historically speaking, power shifts between states or regions are rare, and where they have occurred they have seldom been peaceful. Look no further than Europe for ample evidence of this. It is thus to be feared that the power shifts underway in the international system may not remain peaceful, since they require a balance between interests and politico-cultural traditions that could scarcely differ more. This is primarily because the populous states of Asia – China and India – that are now demanding a greater role in global politics, have started challenging the existing international order dominated by the Euro-American ‘west’.