John Elliott (6)

Elliott's comprehensive survey of India's 'performance' (in politics, governance, the economy, social development . . . ) since independence could well be subtitled "Things fall apart". I know nothing of the subject and its not a book I'd usually have bought (the author kindly gave me a copy!) but I found it fascinating, informative and - if Elliott's assessment is anything like correct, very worrying. Whether successful or failing, its sheer size in both geography and population means that show more India will have an increasing effect on the world as whole, so we all have an interest in seeing the country as a positive contributor to world affairs. Elliott paints a dismal picture. There must be hopes that a majority government (the first for a long time) led by someone who says many of the right things (Narendra Modi) could at least start moving India in a more positive and productive direction, but if Elliott's analysis is right it will be a long and difficult path. show less