Why in news?
Commentators have noted that the Western world is no longer monolithic. Internal divisions within the United States and Europe – over trade, technology, security and ideology – are reshaping international politics. This changing landscape opens both opportunities and challenges for India, which seeks to balance relationships with many partners.
Background and history
For most of the twentieth century global politics was dominated by a handful of Western powers. After the end of the Cold War the United States led a unipolar order in which Europe largely followed Washington’s lead. Recent years have seen a gradual diffusion of power. China’s rise, Russia’s assertiveness and the growing voices of middle powers such as India, Brazil and South Africa have reduced the West’s ability to act as a unified bloc. Within the West, economic stagnation, ideological polarisation and disputes over trade and technology have increased differences between allies.
Causes of division within the West
- Rise of nationalism and protectionism: Populist movements in the United States and parts of Europe have encouraged governments to prioritise domestic interests over collective Western goals.
- Divergent threat perceptions: While the United States sees China as its primary strategic rival, many European countries view climate change, migration or Russia as more immediate threats.
- Economic and technological rivalries: The race to lead in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and green technologies has pitted Western nations against one another for market share and supply chains.
- Ideological polarisation: Differences in approaches to democracy, human rights and social policy have widened gaps between liberal and conservative governments.
Implications for India
A splintering West provides India with greater strategic flexibility. New Delhi can engage separately with the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom on issues ranging from technology to defence. However, a fragmented Western camp may find it harder to respond collectively to global crises, which could increase uncertainty in international institutions.
India’s expanding role
- From non‑alignment to multi‑alignment: India has moved beyond Cold War-era non‑alignment to partner with multiple poles. It participates in groupings such as the Quad (with the United States, Japan and Australia) and BRICS (with Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa).
- Indo‑Pacific partnerships: Europe’s emerging Indo‑Pacific strategies view India as a vital link for maintaining stability and ensuring open sea lanes.
- Deepening economic links: India’s growing market and manufacturing base make it an attractive trading partner. Free trade talks with the EU and the UK are progressing alongside supply‑chain cooperation with the United States.
- Technological and defence cooperation: Joint ventures in semiconductors, clean energy, cyber security and defence manufacturing are expanding India’s capacity.
- Connectivity and climate initiatives: India collaborates on infrastructure corridors, such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, and on clean energy projects under the International Solar Alliance.
Opportunities and risks for India
- Diplomatic flexibility: Multiple power centres allow India to pursue issue‑based alignments without becoming overly dependent on any single partner.
- Bridging role: India can act as a mediator between diverging Western positions and emerging economies, enhancing its global profile.
- Economic leverage: Competition among Western powers for Indian markets could translate into better trade deals and investment flows.
- Fragmented Western unity: A disunited West may lack coherence in responding to crises in the Indo‑Pacific, forcing India to handle regional security challenges on its own.
- Domestic preparedness: To capitalise on external opportunities India must undertake domestic reforms – in education, technology and governance – to strengthen its resilience.
Key takeaways
The weakening of Western unity marks a transition toward a genuinely multipolar world. India should approach this moment with a pragmatic strategy, engaging with all sides while protecting its own interests. Internal reforms are essential to ensure that the benefits of global partnerships translate into domestic growth and social development.