India….

 Our theme for this blogging assignment is the affect which India has on the global scene, both politically and economically. India is one of the most exciting countries in the world today, and after only gaining its independence sixty years ago after World War II, it has made great strides to attempt to become a world power. The country itself seems to follow a very constructivist attitude towards international relations, and seems to strive to keep itself out of most of the conflicts in the world.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2_mountain_units_to_counter_Pak_China/articleshow/2762650.cms

A very interesting article about the buildup of troops on the Indian border with China, a very interesting move by a country far more worried about the disputes with Pakistan over their borders. It seems that India is beginning, albeit very slowly, to embrace its role as an up and coming politcal and economic power.

http://www-wds.worldbank.org/servlet/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2007/02/05/000016406_20070205094817/Rendered/PDF/wps4132.pdf

again, following the theme of India’s effect on international relations, this world bank document discusses the financial underpinnings of both China and India, mentioning both as “Net Borrowers, shot on equity and long on debt.”  Obviously, this would have a dire effect on the global economy should either begin to lose prominenece in the global economy. with so much trade flowing through India, and so much capitol being poured into the markets there, it would be a disaster should India have an economic crisis. It is also interesting, something that we didn’t know at all, that India holds almost 140 billion dollars worth of U.S reserves. That seems to be a staggering amount of foreign output for a country which is struggling to keep many parts of its country in consistent power.

In regard to the different theories of international relations, India presents many harsh realities for the international system today.

Firstly, India is a rising economic power, which makes it a potential threat for hegemons, like the United States and the rising China. While India is not nearly powerful enough to present an imminent threat to the security of these countries, realists would definitely address the possibility. In an international system where state actors are constantly working to augment their relative power, major powers today will surely be keeping their eye, and their military clout, focused on India.

Radicalists would look at India as a periphery country rising into the semiperiphery. While change is slow, and capitalist powers almost never switch positions in the hierarchy of states, shifts are possible. Radical theory would assert that India is a living example. For instance, it is changing from a proletariat country in which its labor was exploited for the benefit of the bourgeousie states to a state that is OUTSOURCING its labor. To this effect, India has sold into the capitalist market and is doing unto others exactly what was once done to itself. India is slowly emerging as a powerful capitalist state that seeks to exploit weaker states; however, it is not nearly formidable enough to enter the core.

Constructivists would look at India and try to see how internal forces, such as culture or history, have shaped India’s actions. What are the effects of the caste system, of Gandhi, and of overpopulation on the country’s world interactions and relationships? They would also say to realists that the major powers do not need to build up arms against India, for right now, they have a common interest in trade. Peace is beneficial to both sides.

Lastly, liberals would look at India and say that it is a democracy, a “Federal Republic,” and therefore would surely not foster strained relations with other democratic powers (according to the Democratic Peace Theory).

Still, there is always the question of what is in store for India in relation with China, two very similar powers-on-the-rise. Will these two states compete for international attention and prestige? Is it possible for both to enter the core system? With time, we will see.