The Asian Century: China and Asian Countries to Dominate the 21st Century, Says Kishore Mahbubani

Kishore Mahbubani: ‘This 21st Century Will Be the Asian Century’

Kishore Mahbubani, a Singaporean diplomat, predicts that Asia, particularly China and other Asian countries, will dominate the 21st century. He believes that a bloc consisting of China, India, and the ASEAN countries will become the world’s fastest-growing economy in the next decade. Mahbubani argues that the U.S. is trying to suppress this information by spreading negative news about the Asian economies, despite their significant growth in the past 20 years.

(Not) Containing the Dragon

Mahbubani argues that the competition between countries in the 21st century will be based on economic growth rather than military might. He criticizes the recent military expansion of the U.S. in the Middle East, stating that the real contest between the U.S. and China will be resolved in the economic arena. He also believes that the “containment policy” on China will fail, as China has already integrated itself with the world more than the U.S. has. Mahbubani predicts that this policy will leave the U.S. isolated from the rest of the world.

Main Points:

Asia, led by China and other Asian countries, will dominate the 21st century.
A bloc consisting of China, India, and the ASEAN countries will become the world’s fastest-growing economy.
The U.S. is spreading negative news about Asian economies to suppress their growth.
The competition between countries will be based on economic growth, not military might.
The containment policy on China will fail, leaving the U.S. isolated from the rest of the world.

Hot Take:

Kishore Mahbubani’s perspective on the Asian century offers a compelling alternative to the traditional narrative of Western dominance. By emphasizing the importance of economic growth and integration, he challenges the notion that military power is the ultimate determinant of a country’s influence. While his views may spark debates and controversy, they serve as a reminder that the global power dynamics are constantly evolving, and the rise of Asia should not be underestimated.