Tag Archives: geopolitics

China’s lack of growth drivers is a bigger risk than inflation: Michael Pettis

(This interview with Michael Pettis, professor at Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management, a specialist in Chinese financial markets, was published in DNA edition dated January 10, 2011.) China’s headline inflation numbers have had global financial markets bracing for tightening measures … Continue reading

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Imagine a world with easy visas on arrival…

(This column was published in DNA edition dated January 5, 2011.) Venky Vembu The ex-Beatle and irremediable peacenik John Lennon, who was murdered 30 years ago last month, wanted us to imagine a world without countries (or religions or possessions). … Continue reading

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Wen a neighbour comes calling…

(This article, a curtain-raiser to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s upcoming visit to India, was published in DNA edition dated December 12, 2010.) Venky Vembu A chill wind is blowing across Beijing, but it isn’t just a momentary meteorological effect that … Continue reading

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China’s might versus the power of an empty chair

(This column was published in DNA edition dated December 8, 2010.) Venky Vembu At the ceremony in Oslo last year to award the Nobel Peace Prize to US President Barack Obama, China was given a platform to showcase an element … Continue reading

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WikiLeaks proves the world isn’t run by robots

(This column was published in DNA edition dated December 3, 2010.) Venky Vembu A couple of months ago, Sha Zukang, one of China’s top UN diplomats, made sensational news when, in a fit of alcohol-induced garrulousness, he told his boss … Continue reading

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Behind China’s ‘bamboo curtain’ is an amoebic God

(This review of two books on China was published in DNA edition dated November 28, 2010.) Venky Vembu Prince Charles, whose own personality is far from sparkling, once described Chinese leaders as “appalling old waxworks”. The validity of that judgment … Continue reading

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How China ‘punishes’ countries that receive the Dalai Lama

(This interview, with a research scholar who identified a ‘Dalai Lama effect’ on international trade with China, was published in DNA edition dated November 27, 2010.) When jailed Chinese political dissident Liu Xiaobo was awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, … Continue reading

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5 reasons why Obama’s visit was a colossal flop

(This column, intended entirely in jest, was published in DNA edition dated November 19, 2010.) Venky Vembu Reading media narratives of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India last week leaves me wondering if these commentators and I are on the … Continue reading

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The Power Club

Venky Vembu (This article, which addresses five fundamental questions arising from US President Barack Obama’s announcement of US support for India’s candidacy for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, was published in DNA edition dated November 14, 2010 as … Continue reading

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Will China spike it?

Venky Vembu (This article, speculating on China’s likely strategy in response to  US President Barack Obama’s announcement of US support for India’s candidacy as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, was published in DNA edition dated November 14, … Continue reading

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