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Traditionally, the geopolitical focus of the United States has been on the regions that are surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Over the past few centuries, even the maps used in America have reflected this focus, with America in the center surrounded by Europe and the countries of East Asia.
Their political strategies in the past have also reflected this and all the diplomacy and wars have been dictated by this view. But the author of Monsoon: The Indian Ocean And The Future Of American Power says the time has now arrived for a change in perspective.
At a time of shifting power dynamics and America’s slowly declining influence over the world, he says it is the Monsoon countries of the Indian Ocean that assume greater importance. If America still aims to play a significant role in international affairs and continue to extend its influence, it needs to concentrate on these countries.
The author says that the main action that will decide the global political dynamics will be played out in this region, from Somalia to the countries along the Persian Gulf to Pakistan, India, China and Indonesia. With China experiencing huge economic growth, it is seeking to counter the American dominance over International sea routes by extending its influence over its neighbors. In the need to fulfil its growing energy demands, China is building land based energy pipelines over Central Asia and by exerting its influence over Myanmar, Thailand and even Pakistan.
That upsets the power balance in the region and challenges the other rising Asian economy, India. India is now countering the Chinese strategy by strengthening its own relationship with Myanmar and other countries in its neighborhood and by strengthening its navy. Thus, it is ultimately these two powers, India and China, that are ping to shape the political dynamics of this region, and the author says that it is important for America to take note of this. He sees the possibility for a future alliance between the United States, India and China.
Monsoon: The Indian Ocean And The Future Of American Power says the time has now come to redefine the American maps of the world to focus on the countries of the Greater Indian Ocean, There is a need to move away from the Pacific/Atlantic focus of the past.ISBN - 9780812979206
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Pages : 374
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