Amit's Blog

India’s Position in a Multipolar World India, with a $86.1 billion defense budget (2.4% of GDP, 2024) and a $3.9 trillion economy (nominal GDP, 2024), is a pivotal player in a multipolar world shaped by the Russian-Chinese axis and U.S. security dynamics. Benefiting from U.S. alignment through QUAD, India balances China’s $314 billion (1.7% GDP) and Russia’s $149 billion (7.1% GDP) military spending, while navigating economic ties with both (China: $136 billion trade; Russia: $65 billion). Its strategic autonomy, bolstered by Russian arms (30% of arsenal) and U.S. partnerships, positions India as a regional counterweight in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Indian Ocean. However, China’s economic leverage ($200 billion in regional trade) and Russia’s energy deals challenge India’s neutrality. This analysis explores India’s economic and geopolitical role across multiple theaters, its vulnerabilities to the axis, and implications for a U.S. North American alliance doctrine, concluding w...

The Revolutionary Impact of Household Appliances: India, China, ASEAN, and Africa The rise of refrigerators, air conditioners (ACs), and washing machines has profoundly reshaped lives across India, China, ASEAN, and Africa, evolving from symbols of affluence to cornerstones of modern living. Spanning four distinct eras—1960–1990, 1990–2005, 2005–2020, and post-2020—these appliances have driven social and economic progress, empowering individuals, transforming households, and fueling industries. This essay delves into their impact, highlighting inflection points for mass consumption, regional disparities, and the unique trajectories of countries like Singapore, which led adoption, and others like China, which rapidly scaled access. Backed by data, statistics, and insights from observers, it explores how these technologies enhanced health, productivity, and gender equity while posing environmental challenges. By examining their influence at individual, societal, and workplace levels, thi...

The Russian-Chinese Axis   The Russian-Chinese axis, solidified by their 2022 “no-limits” partnership, poses a multifaceted threat to U.S. interests across the Arctic, East Asia, South China Sea, Middle East, Europe, Indian Ocean, Africa, and South America. Russia’s $149 billion defense budget (7.1% GDP, 2024) and China’s $314 billion (1.7% GDP) amplify their challenge to the U.S.-led order, exploiting allies’ low defense spending—Japan (1.4%, $55.3 billion), Germany (1.8%, $86 billion), Australia (~2.1%, $34 billion), Canada (~1.5%, $29 billion). Their cooperation, from Arctic patrols to Middle East investments, pressures U.S. allies like India ($86.1 billion, 2.4% GDP) and Australia, leveraging economic and diplomatic ties. This analysis delves into strategic, economic, political, and geopolitical dimensions across seven theaters, emphasizing China’s influence on U.S. allies and implications for a U.S. North American alliance doctrine. The reflection evaluates whether this axis t...

  Two Wheels, Transformative Power: The Social and Economic Impact of Motorized Bikes and Scooters Motorized bikes and scooters have reshaped India, China, ASEAN, and Africa across four eras. From 1960–1990, they enabled social mobility and economic growth, with India’s Bajaj Chetak and China’s motorcycle boom empowering millions. The 1990–2005 period saw liberalization fuel accessibility, empowering women and youth, with India’s market growing at 8% CAGR and ASEAN’s 106 million motorcycles by 2019. Between 2005–2020, urbanization and ride-sharing platforms like Gojek transformed commuting, though safety and pollution concerns emerged; China led electric vehicle production, holding 65% of the global market. Post-2020, EVs surged, with Asia-Pacific dominating the USD 70.26 billion scooter market, driven by digital integration and green policies. Africa lags due to affordability issues. “Two-wheelers are essential yet chaotic,” notes urban planner Geetam Tiwari. Backed by data and ...

Is the U.S. Justified in Considering a North American Alliance Doctrine? Since World War II, the U.S. has been the backbone of global security through NATO and other alliances, spending 3.4–3.7% of GDP ($778–968 billion annually, 2020–2024), enabling allies like Japan (1.4% GDP) and Germany (1.8%) to prioritize economic growth. Frustration over NATO allies’ underfunding—only 11 of 31 met the 2% GDP target in 2023—has spurred interest in a North American alliance with Canada, Greenland, Mexico, and Central American states. This doctrine could secure the Arctic, counter drug cartels, and reduce U.S. defense costs ($150 billion annually for 700 overseas bases). Canada benefits from low spending (1.5% GDP), Greenland leverages strategic relevance, and Mexico strengthens USMCA trade. However, reducing NATO commitments risks weakening global deterrence, emboldening Russia (7.1% GDP, $149 billion) and China (1.7%, $314 billion), and disrupting $18 trillion in U.S. exports, potentially cedin...