Editorial
Date : 05 September 2025
Editor-in-Chief : Dr. R. Achal Pulastey
The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the beginning of a unipolar world order, dominated by the capitalist West under the leadership of the United States. At that historical juncture, some visionary thinkers argued that in order to counterbalance Western capitalist-imperialist dominance, Russia, China, and India should come together to form a strategic bloc. History, however, unfolded differently. Russia remained entangled in internal disintegration and economic restructuring, China consolidated its power through a model of state-controlled capitalism, and India, faced with a fragile economy, opened its markets through the economic liberalization of 1991 under the leadership of P.V. Narasimha Rao and Dr. Manmohan Singh. While this decision was crucial for reviving India’s economy, it also marked a decisive ideological shift—from Nehruvian mixed socialism toward a market-driven framework. This phase may well be described as a period of adversity for the East—when neither a coherent alternative ideological axis could emerge nor an effective challenge to Western hegemony could be mounted. However, the first quarter of the twenty-first century has witnessed rapid transformations. The adverse consequences of globalization, widening inequalities within Western economies, fatigue from prolonged conflicts, and the rising aspirations of emerging powers have collectively begun to redefine global power equations.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, China’s assertive economic expansion, Iran’s resistance posture, North Korea’s strategic positioning, and the growing self-confidence of Asian and African nations—all point toward an emerging multipolar world. This moment resembles a kind of “churning of the ocean,” where established powers and rising forces are locked in a dynamic contest. In this evolving landscape, the question of India’s role becomes critically significant. On one hand, India benefits from its economic and strategic engagement with the West; on the other, it remains deeply rooted in the civilizational, cultural, and geopolitical fabric of the East. This duality has led to a form of strategic ambiguity—where India is neither fully aligned with the West nor clearly leading an Eastern bloc. This is not merely a diplomatic dilemma but also an ideological one. Will the future world witness a reconfiguration of capitalism? Or will communism, socialism, or a renewed version of Nehruvian mixed economy gain prominence on the global stage?
Perhaps the answer lies not in the dominance of any single ideology, but in their synthesis. The contemporary world appears increasingly unwilling to accept both unrestrained capitalism and rigid communism. What may emerge instead is a more balanced and humane development model—where market, state, and society coexist in equilibrium. The proposition articulated by Pulastey in 2021—that “the pinnacle of the West will decline and the center of global power will shift toward the East”—may not yet be fully realized, but it certainly captures an important historical संकेत: global power is never static. The wheel of history is in motion, and the axis of influence is gradually shifting.
The coming years will determine whether the East can present a cohesive alternative order, or whether the world will enter a prolonged phase of geopolitical contestation. For India, this is not merely a moment to observe, but an opportunity to act decisively. If it can harmonize its civilizational vision, economic strength, and diplomatic balance, it has the potential not only to participate in this transformation but to shape its direction.
The editorial section reflects the vision and direction of a journal. It highlights emerging issues in science, encourages interdisciplinary understanding and promotes responsible research communication.
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