This Brave New World: India, China, and the United States

by Anja Manuel

“By turns alarming and encouraging…Manuel delineates with clarity [why] the US must attend closely to…harmonious future relations with China and India” ( Kirkus Reviews ) and why our obsession with China (as once with Japan) is shortsighted.

In the next decade and a half, China and India will become two of the world’s indispensable powers—whether they rise peacefully or not. During that time, Asia will surpass the combined strength of North America and Europe in economic might, population size, and military spending. Both India and China will have vetoes over many international decisions, from climate change to global trade, human rights, and business standards.

From her front row view of this colossal shift, first at the State Department and now as an advisor to American business leaders, Anja Manuel escorts the reader on an intimate tour of the corridors of power in Delhi and Beijing. Her encounters with political and business leaders reveal how each country’s history and politics influences their conduct today. Through vibrant stories, she reveals how each country is working to surmount enormous challenges—from the crushing poverty of Indian slum dwellers and Chinese factory workers, to outrageous corruption scandals, rotting rivers, unbreathable air, and managing their citizens’ discontent. “Incisive…lively and accessible…Manual shows us that an optimistic path is we can bring China and India along as partners“ ( San Francisco Chronicle ).

We wring our hands about China, Manuel writes, while we underestimate India, which will be the most important country outside the West to shape China’s rise. Manuel shows us that a different path is possible—we can bring China and India along as partners rather than alienating one or both, and thus extend our own leadership in the world. This Brave New World offers “a thoughtful analysis…and a strategy for keeping it from turning violent” ( The Wall Street Journal ).

Genres: Nonfiction, China, Politics, India, History, Business, International Relations

384 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2017

Reviews

[Dominic · Rating 4 out of 5]

In one sense, the overriding theme of the 2016 presidential election is how should the US deal with change? Part of that is the changing social norms and demographics within our own country. An equally important part of American angst is focused on a changing international order, particularly the rise of China and India. Anja Manuel's book is a useful guide for how we should understand their rise.

Anja Manuel worked at the State Department under Condoleezza Rice. Don't let that scare you. Despite working in the Bush administration, Anja comes across as quite reasonable. Some of the best parts of the book come from her recollections of negotiations with Indian and Chinese officials. These anecdotes provided great insights into the mindsets of government officials in these countries. Part of me wishes Manuel had included more of these (although I understand much of her work at the State Department was probably confidential).

Manuel goes discusses the economic, political, and military implications of China and India's rise. Despite coming from an American perspective, I appreciate that she really tried to convey Indian and Chinese points of view to American readers. She tries to explain what motivates India and China and why. That said, this is very much a book for American readers, especially politicians and businessmen. Manuel frequently includes policy recommendations for how the United States should deal with India and China. Some of these recommendations can feel a bit tacked on because the book isn't really structured as a policy argument. She doesn't really make a systematic case for her policies until the end of the book.

I'd definitely recommend this book for readers, particularly those who don't already know much about India and China. It's a useful introduction to one of the most important developments in the world today. For foreign policy experts and more knowledgeable readers, the book might come across as a bit too basic (for those readers, I'd recommend Parag Khanna's new book "Connectography").

[Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]

[Raghunandan Arava · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an Indian, I find this book a little problematic whilst the whole book has the same old colonial lens when it comes to the idea of India, its people, and how it is the West which needs to help India as it is the white man’s burden to take care of the events happening around the globe. The above three stars rating is for the parts where ideas related to China and its politics were explained in detail, in deed more in detail. I got a feeling that this book was more about China than India and the author seems to be enamoured with the methods China employs to raise up the economic ladder, albeit not directly interpretable in the book but you get the feeling eventually as you read.

[Santosh Rana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will reiew the book from an Indian POV.
Page 20 – She wrote the following. "Sufis integrated with other religions and stuff." We all know how true that is. On the same page, she wrote Muslims are a majority almost nowhere. By 2015, Jammu, Kashmir and Lakshadweep had a Muslim majority.
Page 55 – She claimed that Modi was rejected from various ashrams for not having a college degree, which was a standard requirement at that time. I do not know how true that is. Ashrams demanding college degrees?
Page 58 – She wrote about 2002 Gujarat riots. “Whether it was, as Modi insists, a rookie political error, or a willful policy of Hindus retribution, the world will never know.” The courts have cleared Modi twice, yet she uses such words. Seems motivated to paint Modi guilty. She is trying to paint Modi as a criminal even if the courts have cleared his name twice. On the same page, she says, “Despite the best interests of PM Singh and his team, in ten years the Congress Party failed to unshackle the economy, …” How did she know the PM and team had the best interests in mind? She is not a member of the Congress Party. I am not saying PM Singh did not have the best interests in mind. I am just questioning how did Anja figure that out. Actions matter way more than words. She herself wrote that he and his team failed.
Page 77 – She gave a clean chit to British colonizers. Read what she wrote. The British did not intend to impoverish India. Absolute BS. She sounds like a colonial apologist trying to tone down the effects of colonialism and forcibly trying to find noble causes in colonialism.
Page 78 – She glorified Dr. MMS. The inflation during Dr. Singh’s second term was double digits. If he should be given credit for economic boom, he should be held accountable for the events leading to the economic difficulties in 1991. BTW he was in positions such as Member-Secretary of the Planning Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister Chandra Sekhar during 1980 to 1990. These powerful roles had importance in economic policymaking. When he became finance minister, he miraculously saved the economy which he could not in the last ten years.
Page 79 – See how she is deliberately discrediting the economic growth during Modi’s first year as PM as mere luck.
Anja worked for the U.S. Department of State as Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, responsible for Asia policy. The same Department of State denied Modi a visa for ten years. Now, I am not sure whether her portrayal of Modi is objective in this book.
Page 96 – The government schemes sometimes are not offered to Muslims. This is pure propaganda. The schemes in India are not given on the basis of religion.
Page 97 – This page is full of nonsense. She wrote “India’s caste system has kept some groups poor for generations.” Where is the empirical evidence for this? She attributed the caste system to Hindu division of people into pure and less poor. Then why do Muslims have caste system in India too? Poorly researched book on this topic or motivated comments.
Page 99 – She claimed, “The poorest segment of the Indian society has not benefited as much as other groups from the recent economic boom.” I know that’s not entirely true. I have seen poor people’s economic conditions change in a good way.
On the same page notice the tone in the sentence regarding infant mortality. Read how the word “surprising” is used as if we Indians were never meant to achieve this. This reeks of condescension.
Page 100 – How did Anja conclude that government officials argued that without any basis? Has she done a thorough investigation on this?
Page 118 – Too lenient on Dr. MMS giving him the benefit of the doubt. I wonder why. How did she know that most Indians believe that Dr. Singh was innocent? Did she conduct a survey?
Page 148 – She is playing the caste card too much. So if a low-caste woman approaches the court, the court refuses to help her?
Page 158 – Spreading lies that RSS discourages its members from having family ties.
Page 159 – Where is the data for this claim that a woman is raped by her husband’s relatives for failing to pay dowry? What percentage of married women face this? Seems like the author made a sweeping statement.
Page 160 – Anja is casting doubt that the Indian courts are casteist and biased.
Page 162 – Outrageous claim by Anja. Where is the data to support this? We literally have reserved seats for women in political positions. Ex- Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies have reservations for women for years.
Page 201 – Anja claimed Indians used nonviolence to gain independence. I don’t blame her for this one.

Page 205 – The author claimed 150 million workers (15 crores) protested against PM Modi’s proposed labor reforms. Where is the proof for such an inflated number of protesters?

Page 277 – Who appointed them to coach the next great powers? Self-appointed burden?
Repeated usage of the word Hindu Nationalists (Page 58) throughout the book gives an impression of using slurs or stereotypical words and makes me question the depth of her research about India. What exactly has Modi or BJP done that exclusively benefit hindus?
As far as India is concerned, the book is written with a colonial lens resorting to rhetorics and lacks rigorous research. Although couple of chapters (Chapter 6 and 8 are well written) are written well and the author bats for many things that I agree with her. For example, she wrote on page 84 that Chinese and Indian economic growth is entirely in USA’s interest. She argued that both China and India will grow economically and it is in the interest of the USA to work with both countries. Poorly researched book.

[Parikshit · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an Indian, the book did not offer any new significant insights about India or about any of our problems. However, the information about China, especially a very high-level overview of their internal structure, was informative.

[Lisa Hemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly informative and very readable. I learned a lot about the histories of China and India as well as the current events in both countries and how their interaction with each other and the US will shape the world in the next decade.

[Fadillah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The brave new world was written by US diplomat and official that has travelled throughout many countries and has major experiences in policy making. This book comprised of 12 chapters that are divided into 3 parts - setting the scene, building a brave new world and stepping onto the world stage. This book did provide detailed analysis of the core relationship that United States, China and India has with each other. As someone who taught international environment and business function as one of my core subjects, i would say this book might help my students gained more understanding on the economic, politics and the society strata for both countries, China and India. Sure, it has a sprinkle of ‘United States should do this, United States should intervene, United states should ensure this and so’. I am not surprised as United States rarely keep their hands of other countries. The only criticism i have for this book is the entitlement tone in this book. I took it as maybe it was how diplomat taught to look at other countries problems, that they have the right to overtly criticise or entitled to feel that they can intervene whenever it concerned of other countries. I have to point out that the contrast between China and India is beautifully reflected and analysed in each chapter. They might share almost similar number of human population in this world and severe air pollution that has haunted both Beijing and Delhi this past years but other than that, nothing was similar. While India thriving on democracy, China was not ready to let their citizens rampantly used internet to voice out their dissatisfaction. India and China are toeing the line between their relationship especially when it comes to border disputes but still affirming that they shared good relationship especially when it comes to maintaining the trade. China has ‘Guanxi’ that was rooted in their system for so long making it difficult for an investors and outsiders to establish their business in the country and it led to many of the major corruption scandals. India on the other hand dealth with graft corruption hence making it more severe as the aid or money that was supposed to go to the right people ended up into the pocket of these politicians and government officers. Modi rises to power after a landslide victory in 2014 election while Xi Jinping known as princeling due to his status and connection as a part of CCP and his father’s history. While their upbringing might be different but their vision to let India and China prosper can be seen in their policy making. One of the things that caught my interest is the women’s rights and empowerment and how these 2 countries handled it. China might repressed the women’s voice and will deter any movement that is somewhat outrightly has a westernised value like ‘feminism’ but Alibaba company singlehandedly alleviate many women from the poverty through their entrepreneurial scheme. Indian women, on the other hands, are allowed to voice out their opinion and can use their freedom and rights but their representation in the economy and political field is still somewhat minuscule. I would ecommend this if you are interested to understand the basic history and politics of China and India. It serve its course as understanding our global world and how these 3 countries might shaped the direction in the future. I finished reading this book but my thoughts lingered especially on “If China overtake US, what would happen? I don’t necessarily like US but i would take flawed democracy over draconian law anytime”.

[Madras Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anja is all positive about the prospects of a developed China and India with a well known but not so popular policies but the politicians have a very different system of logic when in comes to International affair. The recent banning of Huawei is one such an incident. It is not only that the USA has banned the telecom giant but also convinced the UK and other countries to follow the same route! It is obvious that in the pyramid shape of hierarchy, there is only one spot at the very top and the USA, having taken it over from the UK, will not want to share it with any other countries.

So this is a good book to have a good feeling and assuming that everything will be fine as long as we do the right thing but Anja herself knows that her points/suggestions have no practical relevance in the fierce competitive world.

Being positive is fine, but Anja has gone a bit too far to refer the UK as a country that has tolerance and has nurtured the growth of the USA. It is ridiculous to see the transfer of 'power' from the UK to the USA as an act of willingness completely ignoring the atrocities of the UK in Asia and Africa. You should read the book by Sashi Tharror Anja!

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a brilliant and nuanced analysis of what the current US-India, US-China and India-China relationships are, can become if we tactfully foster them, and the pitfalls we must avoid. Manuel goes beyond the headlines in explaining the realities of these two countries in everything from internal politics, economic prospects, societal satisfaction and beyond. In each case she explains the constraints the leaders, and entire governing systems, face as well as the challenges that they must overcome for long term prosperity. She spends time fleshing out the lives of the have’s and have-not’s in each country and seeks to articulate the pressures those realities create for the governments involved. Finally, she closes the book with a list of eminently reasonable, feasible and practical steps the US government can take to ensure that these two rising powers do so peacefully and to everyone’s benefit.

[Pat Rolston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informative and efficiently written book resulting in the reader having basic knowledge of the key metrics governing the geopolitical India, China, and US relationship triad. Those metrics include leadership biographies, historical background, economics, internal politics, military status, current relationship status, and recommended behaviors for positive future relationship dynamics. Most of the information is likely in your possession so long as you keep up on current affairs, but there is good analysis provided by the author who served in the Obama State Department. She was largely apolitical while providing well informed and fascinating details in each of the aforementioned categories resulting in entertaining and necessary information to result in added critical thinking ability.

[Haoyan Do · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning is a little slow, but as it progresses, it gets more interesting as it compares India with China in many aspects--economics, politics, a little bit religion and women's rights. I wish it is more in-depth, but due to the purpose and the scope of the book, it cannot focus on just one thing too much. The most fascinating of all is the Pink Gang in India who wore pinks to visit villages and talk with men to forcefully persuade them. I would like to know more stories about this. Why aren't there more books about them? After reading the whining of a poet for so long, I was practically rejuvenated by the Pink Gang. I wish there are Pink Gangs everywhere in the world.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative read that should be required for anyone interested in international relations. Manuel establishes that the rise of India and China need to be addressed in the same conversations. She takes a very methodical look into every aspect of these rising powers in relation to the U.S. and to each other. The Pacific Pivot will be a continuous effort of the U.S. no matter who's in the White House and this book is a great starting guide for the future.

[Dan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Opened the book and closed after reading a couple of pages as the author’s view of the plausible future caused by two countries, China and India, emerging is not conclusive, and heavily pessimistic of how America would react. Geopolitical point of view, the two countries’ position has beeen incorrectly reflected and as a result of it conclusion comes out insignificantly out of control, like a fiction.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The back stories she writes about for China & India and, almost more importantly, their leaders is fascinating & illuminating, though I felt she might have some self interest in promoting friendlier relations with China. I wionder how her stance may have changed snce this book was published in 2016.
Her analysis of challenges for both China & India in getting services and modernization for their respective people was excellent.

[Chirag Jha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to understand the dynamics of the emerging political order with the rise of Asia. It may be noted that this is very Western centric and is a book on how USA views this kind of power shift/rebalance, not a neutralist point of view.

A more neutral perspective as a book may be a better first read if not exposed to a primer on foreign relations between countries.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book, which worked out well. What I liked was how the author took you back to understand why each geography's inhabitants act and think the way they do. I did find some of the content tedious and unnecessary.

[Adi Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very good.

[Madhav Sekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

takes a look at these 3 countries through a variety of different lenses and discusses how they can work together in the future, interesting book - highly rec.

[Jeff 竇 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone interested in the US-China-India tripartite relations. It is easy to read and is not packed with so much information which is typical of IR books.

[Anjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read with great info.

[Adrian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anja Manuel, a former State Dept Official and now a founding partner of a Strategic Consulting Firm, sets out a cautious, yet surprisingly optimistic, overview of great power relations in the decades to come, with the added dimension that India's rise is given less attention than it is rightfully due, and that more attention should be given toward India's role in the world. This is not to say that the book is India-centric, nor China-centric, rather it is evenly balanced on both China and India.
A central message of the book is to not view power relations in zero sum terms, and try to increase co-operation between China and India.
Although India, as the book points out, has an economy only 1/5 that of China, it is still too geographically and demographically important to be left out of great power relations. China and India have much distrust, owing to an unresolved border dispute and economic competitiveness, but can be co-opted into power relations for a more harmonious world.
An important message one takes away is the importance of military relations, and how there is much need to begin managing military contact and dialogue among the powers.
It is clear that civilian control over the Chinese military is not anywhere near as firm as Zhongnanhai would like to believe. Among incidents pointing toward such a reality were the unveiling of a new Fighter Jet during the US Defense Secretary's China visit, unbeknownst to China's then President Hu Jintao, and Chinese soldiers crossing the line of actual control into India during a bilateral summit between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi.
An important point one takes home is that the Chinese military is sworn by loyalty to the Communist Party, not the Constitution like in India and the US, and they are regularly fed a historically tailored view of the world with outside powers seeking to contain and divide China. Despite it's loyalty to the party, the PLA has frequently functioned with great autonomy throughout it's history.
Anja Manuel provides a few instances of incidents that led to misunderstanding, and has proposed greater intra military contact and dialogue to prevent such misunderstanding.
While the book takes a more benign view of India and it's intentions and temperament, Manuel is still cautious of viewing India as a reliable ally, pointing out that India has an incredibly erratic and obstructive voting record at the UN.
However, while China, and to a lesser extent, India, may have their unease about a Western crafted world order, they don't necessarily wish to overturn it, rather they simply seek to amend it. Manuel points out that important agreements have been achieved, such as agreements on cyber security and intellectual property protection, which while inadequate, point that co-operation and negotiation are headed in the right direction.
Anja Manuel's book is a message of the importance of co-operation. It is not pessimistic, nor is it naive, rather it addresses how a better world order can be achieved through co-operation and understanding between the three countries who are destined to be the key players in the world order that is to come.

[Fmartija · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “This Brave New World”, Anja Manuel lays out the argument for why it is in the United States, China’s, and India’s best interests to build a relationship of cooperation together in order to better serve each of their respective countries. Anja Manuel explores this history and the challenges facing both India and China that must be understood and appreciated in order to understand their perspective. This understanding would help go a long way in understanding how to move forward in a manner of cooperation.

“This Brave New World” is written in a way that is understandable to an individual with no prior background of China or India. Likewise, it is in depth enough to provide new insight to the individual who has done prior research and reading on either country. This ability to educate both ends of the spectrum demonstrates Anja Manuel’s knowledge of these two countries.

Although India and China may be seen in a similar light as far as significant population bases and rising economies, the similarities end there. Their cultures, governance, demographics, and even the way their economies are structured could not be more on the opposite side of the spectrum. While the goal of cooperation should be the same for both nations, the ways in which cooperation is achieved with each individual country will be very different.

I highly recommend “This Brave New World” if you are interested in understanding China or India but have never done any prior research. Additionally, if you have done extensive reading on either nation, this book provides information that can continue to reframe your understanding of either nation in the current perspective of 2017. Anja Manuel is well thought out, clear, and conversational in her writing style.

[Kristen Heimerl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author served as an official at the US Department of State from 2005-2007, responsible for South Asia policy. She traveled extensively across China and India and this book is a collection of her observations, insights, and knowledge of two great and increasingly powerful economies.
The book is a joy to read--Manuel has a conversational, approachable style. While there is some redundancy in content across chapters, her reporting and storytelling are nonetheless fascinating and engaging.

The coverage of each country is comprehensive--history, leaders' perspectives and influencers, social and economic challenges, demographics, policies, macro environmental forces and more. This is a cool read for anyone who sees the magnificence of China and India, anyone who is interested in their past and future role, and anyone who wants to understand U.S. interdependencies in the global landscape.

Manuel advocates harmonious relations between the U.S., China and India and sees our positive relationship with both countries as a precursor to a vibrant, thriving world.

I loved this book and I may have to read it again to make sure I captured all the goodness. But reading it scares me too: where are we going, America? And will our actions—now and in the future--align for our collective good?

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This Brave New World" is a must read, especially in light of the current presidential election. Manuel, a former State Department official under Secretary Rice, explores the relationship between United States and two of the world's fastest growing powers, China and India. Manuel's book is thought-provoking as she discusses China and India's economies and their internal politics. She makes the critically important, and well-argued, case for supporting the responsible development of these two growing global players.

[Alfons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anja Manuel does an excellent job by referencing historical facts in helping to explain how and why both the Chinese and Indian governments operate. I also enjoyed and appreciate insight she provided from her experiences in working with government officials from both countries. Impression I got is that all three countries would be wise to continue using diplomacy to help solve existing and future problems. We're heavily dependent on one another. I strongly recommend this book and especially if you're interested in 2 of Asia's most important economies.

[Prashanthi Chennupati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. Author gives an honest perspective on the current facts about India and China. Author tried to qualify both India and China from both strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats perspective and tried to establish an optimistic reasoning on how both booming nations can become next super powers. Author combines history, geography, economics to establish possible futures for US, India and China.

[Bredo Erichsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a very good understanding of China and India with clear advices to US how to handle them on different issues. The chapter on energy could have been longer. (I work with that in India so I may be subjective) The book is best when it is not focused on singel persons. We have plenty of that in the newspapers. But, a good read!
@anjamanuel1

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting review of where India and China are in their developments and details on the major differences between their societies and political structure. However the author seems to be anxious that the USA not confront China on a range of hot button issues! The explanations given didn't convince me that accommodation is an appropriate strategy!

[Hunter Marston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anja Manuel's This Brave New World is an insightful call to arms for global cooperation on a variety of issues, bridging the dominant superpower US, and rising powers India and China. It's a timely analysis and a well-rounded work tempered with moderation and backed up with experience and depth. A worthwhile read for any student of IR as well as practitioners/policymakers with an Asia focus.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading several books on China, I was glad to read this one which contrasts and compares China and India, the two rising economic and political entities of the 21st century. Good information, excellent to think about.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent !