Author was South Asia bureau chief for the Financial Times (something I've never seen) between 2001 and 2006; he married into an Indian family. The book is described as a helpful introduction for a "generalist" reader - which seems accurate - very accessible. How accurate are the author's viewpoints? I don't really know, but he seems rather measured in what he says.
Talks a lot about problems, but overall seems quite "taken" with India, and optimistic on balance.Includes some discussion of "the present" i.e. the few years prior to publication in 2007 - useful though these parts of course have more of a shelf life.
Lots to digest; here are a few areas where I think I learned a little more (not in order of importance):
1. I keep seeing references to "corruption" in Indian politics - the author certainly sees plenty - in some ways reminding of the way the US fritters government revenues, except the percentage being diverted seems quite a bit higher, and the needs are greater (so the waste hurts more). Agriculture programs hijacked for benefit of a few big farmers (like US).
2. Government jobs viewed as highly desirable; temptations when obtain them.
3. Formation of voting coalitions - issues like caste and religion. Politicians chase votes and emphasize divisions (caste and religion) . . . the identity politics are somewhat reminiscent of US . . . Brits encouraged the differences (intentionally and otherwise) way back when but Congress party pursued more of a "unity" viewpoint. Historically a significant amount of blurring occurred between say Hindu/Muslim notwithstanding the tensions; but author sees this as breaking down, cites as an example that in recent years Muslims becoming more likely to wear "Muslim" clothes at all times, not (for example) saris . . . identity politics do create unnecessary divisions, just like here. Ugh.
4. Caste - too complex for me to understand - author thinks it is somewhat weakening in cities, especially in the south; quite strong elsewhere. Reserved jobs for Other Backward Classes, etc. Need to learn more about this.
5. Religious personal law continues alongside civil law (Islamic triple taliq in the news recently) - how to create commonality if this continues? A 1947 compromise that will be hard to change.
6. Hindu nationalism rising when this was written; BJP not in power when book published, but is now (Ram Temple symbolic like Trump's border wall perhaps?) This seems really complicated, perhaps (hopefully?) it's more about chasing votes than actually implementing policy? State level politics very important, coalitions differ from national level.
8. Government workers essentially unfireable - worse even than in the US (which is saying a lot) - discouraging, this is a huge problem with so many governments. Apparently private workers have similar protections in India - which sounds appealing - until you realize this discourages employers from hiring folks at all (too risky if they can't be fired).
9. Continuing political emphasis on villages - yet might be like rural Iowa in the end, a dead-end? Don't know.
10. Advances in south India (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) - which makes sense for several reasons - I had always assumed more action in the north since that's where the Brits (and Mughuls) seems to concentrate, and where the more familiar cities are located. Wrong again.
11. Partition; relationship with Pakistan.
12. China!
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