Amit's Blog

India’s Position Amid the Russian-Chinese Axis and U.S. Security Dynamics   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 note explores India’s economic and geopolitical role across multiple theaters, its vulnerabilities to the axis, and implications for a U.S. North...

Is the U.S. Justified in Considering a North American Alliance Doctrine? The United States’ colossal defense spending (3.4–3.7% of GDP, $778–968 billion from 2020–2024) has bankrolled global security, enabling allies like Japan, Germany, South Korea, Canada, and Australia to prosper with lean defense budgets (1.4–2.5% of GDP) while forcing rivals like Russia (7.1%, $149 billion in 2024) to overspend. Frustration with European NATO allies—only 11 of 31 met the 2% GDP target in 2023—spurs interest in a North American alliance doctrine with Canada, Greenland, Mexico, and Central American states to secure the region while reducing NATO reliance. This note explores the strategic, economic, political, and geopolitical dimensions of this shift, including benefits to Canada and Greenland, and the roles of Mexico and Central America. While a regional focus could enhance security and economic ties, it risks weakening global influence. The reflection assesses whether this doctrine is a strategi...

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...

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...

China’s Economic Triumph: Navigating Geopolitical Undercurrents China’s rise to a $17 trillion economy by 2023 defied geopolitical barriers that constrain the Global South. Through 80% strategic design and 20% serendipity, China overcame colonial legacies with land reforms and SEZs, neutralized dollar dominance with $3.4 trillion in reserves and yuan trade, and bridged the tech divide via “Made in China 2025.” It led in renewables, countering environmental exploitation, and built military strength to balance U.S. dominance. Cultural revival and global governance engagement, via AIIB and RCEP, challenged Western hegemony. The BRI secured global influence. Grassroots currents—300 million SEZ migrants and 10 million tech workers—amplified state policies. Amartya Sen notes, “China’s political strategy unlocked economic freedom” (Development as Freedom, 1999), offering a blueprint for navigating geopolitical undercurrents. Imagine a global economic arena where the rules promise fairness...