Shahi Tharoor, a member of the Indian Member of Parliament and a former Under-Secretary General of the UN discussed the rise in nationalism and nationalist's leaders across Asia. He starts up by stating how as nationalism in Asia increases, incidents such as the continued resentment of the Chinese of the Japanese stemming from atrocities of WWII has impacted recent trade between the two countries. Another example of this would be the Anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam that occurred in 2014 where Chinese oilrigs were used as the rally point. What is true of both of these incidents is that even though the country appears to have a calm surface, these "passions" are simmering beneath this surface. In addition, governments which are expected to step in to deal with the situation have to an extent, condoned this action. Dr. Tharoor also gives an example utilizing England and Germany. He states that before 1914, these two countries were heavily integrated in all aspects; however, WWI completely changed their relationship. Ultimately, Tharoor hopes to show us how long periods of peace can make people complacent. .
What I enjoyed was the question he raised as to whether or not conflict was the result of economic competition and the fact that war could be considered as a luxury from the viewpoint of those that consider prosperous/growing countries to busy to engage in conflict. Still, Tharoor also argues that the opposite can be true and that hunger for growth stimulates nationalistic passion as the country develops as a whole. In addition, another point that he raises that I particularly liked and agreed with was his emphasis on the weight Politics could have on increasing nationalism. This is demonstrated through China where Xi Jinping has been the toughest leader China has had in the last 40 years through his aggressive anti-corruption movement as well as India's presidents constant messages of national pride and his shift of the military across the border.
