ThinkTankWeekly

The Cracks in the India Model

Foreign Affairs | 2026-02-17 | economy

Topics: Indo-Pacific

Visit original source

ThinkTankWeekly provides a curated entry and summary only. Full text and PDF remain on the publisher's website.

English Summary

The article argues that the traditional 'India Model' of sustained growth and stability is facing significant structural stress. Evidence, such as the massive crowds competing for low-level government posts in Odisha, highlights deep systemic issues regarding job scarcity and the reliance on state employment for social prestige and financial security. This intense competition suggests that the economy is failing to generate sufficient high-quality jobs for its massive youth population. Policymakers must therefore anticipate potential social instability and shifts in labor dynamics that could challenge India's long-term development trajectory.

中文摘要

本文指出,傳統的「印度模式」在維持持續增長和穩定性方面正面臨嚴重的結構性壓力。例如,在奧里薩邦(Odisha)看到大量人群爭奪低級政府職位,這凸顯了關於工作短缺和社會依賴國家僱用來獲取社會聲望及經濟保障的深層系統性問題。這種激烈的競爭表明,經濟體未能為其龐大的年輕人口創造出足夠的高品質工作崗位。因此,政策制定者必須預期潛在的社會不穩定性,以及可能挑戰印度長期發展軌跡的勞動力結構變化。

Related Entries

  1. 1.
    2026-07-13 | china_indopacific | 2026-W29 | Topics: China, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, NATO, Nuclear, Russia, Taiwan, Trade, Ukraine, United States

    The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.

    Read at Brookings

  2. 2.
    2026-07-13 | defense | 2026-W29 | Topics: Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, NATO, Nuclear, Russia

    The Chatham House analysis concludes that the UK's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will be viewed by NATO allies as a mixed bag, primarily due to its failure to commit to higher GDP spending targets. However, the plan signals critical strategic improvements by emphasizing novel technologies—such as autonomous systems and digital infrastructure—and enhancing readiness. Crucially, the DIP adopts an international focus through major collaborative programs (e.g., AUKUS, GCAP) and establishes a new National Armaments Director Group (NADG). This structural shift toward flexible, portfolio-based collaboration is strategically valuable for NATO allies seeking reliable partners as US conventional forces reduce their European presence.

    Read at Chatham House

  3. 3.
    2026-07-13 | defense | 2026-W29 | Topics: China, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, United States

    The article argues that the U.S., through recent policy signals—such as questioning NATO's value or sympathizing with great-power territorial claims—is inadvertently adopting the core tenets of non-alignment, prioritizing transactional national interests over binding alliances. Historically, while non-alignment allowed developing nations to gain benefits without commitment, the analysis notes that this approach lacks the deep trust and shared obligations necessary for robust security structures. The implication is critical: by undermining established alliances, the U.S. risks losing its greatest strategic asset—the network of mutual commitments—as allies actively seek alternative bilateral or regional defense pacts.

    Read at CFR

  4. 4.
    2026-07-13 | china_indopacific | 2026-W29 | Topics: China, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Russia, Trade, United States

    Myanmar has collapsed into Asia’s deadliest conflict, marked by massive economic collapse, widespread famine, and extreme brutality from the military junta. Despite this catastrophic humanitarian crisis, international actors—including major powers and regional blocs like ASEAN—are largely ignoring or withdrawing support for democratic forces. This neglect allows the junta to consolidate power, receiving critical military aid from authoritarian allies such as Russia and Belarus. Policy implications suggest that global indifference is enabling a failed state environment, making Myanmar a highly volatile flashpoint whose instability threatens broader Indo-Pacific security.

    Read at CFR

  5. 5.
    2026-07-13 | society | 2026-W29 | Topics: Indo-Pacific

    The Brookings analysis finds that EdTech scaling efforts in South and Southeast Asia often fail because decision-making prioritizes immediate motivation and feasibility over long-term sustainability and evidence, risking increased educational inequity. The core recommendation is for policymakers to shift focus from adopting specific products to defining clear learning purposes and measuring impact rigorously. To ensure lasting improvements, strategies must include strengthening local institutional capacity through teacher training, designing innovations for low-resource settings, and ensuring contextual relevance across the system. Ultimately, sustainable EdTech adoption requires a commitment to evidence-based policy that prioritizes equity alongside technological access.

    Read at Brookings