July 29, 2008

In another fascinating chapter in Levin's ongoing Asia breakfast series, the institute hosted Robyn Meredith, author of the New York Times bestseller, "The Elephant and the Dragon: The Rise of India and China and What it Means for All of Us." Speaking to an engaged early morning audience, Ms. Meredith shared her experiences of traveling and researching throughout Asia, and offered in an in-depth look at her new book. The session was moderated by Garrick Utley, President of the Levin Institute.

Ms. Meredith began with the profound and timely insight that what's happening right now in India and China is what's happening in the global economy. While these two countries are changing their own destinies by simultaneously embracing both globalization and capitalism, they are also changing the destiny of the rest of the world. Ms. Meredith sees this as a monumental change that only comes around once a century, and described it as the Silk Road and the Spice Route phenomena supercharged with modern technology.

Despite their similarities, the inspiration behind the title of Ms. Meredith's book suggests that India and China are dramatically different creatures in this process, to be sure. India is an elephant, plodding forward frustratingly slow, while China is a dragon rising fast. These differences stem from the histories and environments unique to each beast. India is democratic but highly regulatory, while China may still be communist but is firmly pro-business. India is loud and chaotic on the outside, but possesses hidden strengths, whereas China is strikingly modern and attractive, yet may hide unseen weaknesses.

Regardless, both animals are forces to be reckoned with, and the better part of audience Q&A pertained to how these societies will conduct themselves as newfound major players in the global economy, and how the United States as a nation should react. Which country is an easier place to do business in? Which has greater growth potential? How and will the two animals collaborate together, and what does it mean for the international balance of power? The opinions varied, but Ms. Meredith made one thing perfectly clear in her closing thoughts: these are not forces that we should try to stop. India and China cannot be viewed as opportunities or threats, open doors or closed doors. Rather, these are revolving doors.