By Rahul Pandey
India and China have achieved global power status over their long histories, particularly since historical documentation began. Their trajectories towards power have varied, reflecting broader global dynamics. In the modern era, an American-led international order primarily drives the world. The Cold War’s bipolarity and the post-Cold War’s multipolarity have intensified competition in high-end research-based education, especially in the applied sciences and technologies crucial to global politics, such as semiconductor production, material sciences, and high-tech industries, including electric vehicles.
Innovation is critical to geopolitical, economic, and military dominance in the modern world. Research and education are the determinant factors in the rise and fall of the great powers. The mid-20th century struggle for global supremacy between the superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, significantly boosted their economies and militaries through advances, especially in the applied sciences. This intense competition stemmed from the space race, nuclear advancements, and technological innovations like computers and the internet.
This rivalry set a precedent for how technological superiority translates into global power. Today, the competition between the United States and China highlights the importance of progress in hard sciences for achieving global power. China’s ambition to become self-sufficient in high-tech industries has led to significant investments in research and development (R&D). A recent study in The Economist magazine shows China’s drive for high-tech self-sufficiency has led to its universities producing more high-impact research articles than U.S. universities. China excels in material science, chemistry, environment, ecology, and physics, while the U.S. remains strong in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, space sciences, clinical medicine, and immunology.
Regarding R&D spending in 2023, Huawei ranks among the top 10 global investors, trailing five leading U.S. high-tech companies. Overall, China is slightly behind the U.S. in R&D spending. The 2024 State of U.S. Science and Engineering report noted that in 2021, the U.S. spent $806 billion (3.5% of GDP) on R&D, while China spent $668 billion. The U.S. National Science Board expects China to surpass the U.S. in R&D spending by 2028. China’s Ministry of Science and Technology announced an 8.1% increase in R&D investment in 2023, totalling over $458 billion. India is far behind these two superpowers in terms of economy and education.
In this context, India must rethink its bureaucratic policy decisions and strive for global supremacy beyond seeking UNSC permanent membership. India should focus on internal development in science, technology, and innovation. A robust R&D infrastructure can drive economic growth, enhance military capabilities, and solidify India’s position in global politics. India’s aspiration for global power status is not merely an abstract concept; historical evidence shows that great powers became great through firm internal productivity and comprehensive national power. A poor country can only demand a significant role in international politics with solid domestic capabilities. India must demonstrate robust domestic capabilities to have a more critical influence in global politics.
Old-style bureaucratic decision-makers can learn how other countries handle internal problems and overcome obstacles. The answer lies in producing high-end educational institutions with highly skilled scholars and professors in all fields. Harvard professor William C. Kirby, in his book “Empires of Ideas: Creating the Modern University from Germany to America to China,” discusses how establishing educational institutions with a global purpose can significantly impact this aspiration. He explains that in the 19th century, Germany (then Prussia) created the first modern university with ambitions of global supremacy. In the 20th century, the United States surpassed Germany to become the global leader in higher education. Kirby questions whether China will challenge the U.S. in the 21st century.
Similarly, I want to question whether India can develop first-class educational institutions with highly skilled scholars and professors who can contribute to the nation’s higher purpose. In other words, high-end investment in a country’s education can create a multiplier impact on the overall comprehensive national power. Germany in the 19th century, the United States and China in the 20th and 21st centuries have demonstrated this capability. A country’s education system can foster innovation, produce a skilled workforce, and drive economic growth. Developing world-class universities and research institutions is essential to achieving global power status for India. Unfortunately, India’s total higher education budget was less than that of the combined budget of the top two universities of China, Peking and Tsinghua University.
Moreover, India’s focus should not be limited to traditional power metrics like military strength and economic output. Soft power, including cultural influence, technological innovation, and educational excellence, is equally important. High-end educational institutions are the only options that can contribute to the economic and military strength since the economy is a knowledge-based economy and the nature of the military power is more advanced technology. The global landscape is increasingly shaped by exchanging ideas, cultural impact, and technological advancements. India can enhance its international standing and influence by investing in these areas. For instance, India’s film industry, Bollywood, is a powerful cultural export. India can enhance its soft power and global influence by leveraging its cultural assets. However, the educational soft-power is more powerful, futuristic, and productive than the other sectors.
Similarly, promoting Indian technology and innovation on the world stage can boost India’s reputation as a hub of creativity and technological prowess. India’s quest for global power status should also involve strategic international partnerships. Collaborating with other countries on scientific research, technological development, and cultural exchange can enhance India’s global standing. These partnerships can also provide knowledge transfer, resource sharing, and joint innovation opportunities.
In conclusion, India’s path to global power status involves a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening internal capabilities, investing in education and innovation, leveraging cultural assets, and building strategic international partnerships. By focusing on these areas, India can enhance its influence in global politics and achieve a prominent position on the world stage. Historical evidence shows that great powers achieved their status through firm internal productivity, comprehensive national power, and strategic international engagement. Education is a far more superior investment than any other given sector. India can follow this path and become a leading global power.
The author is PhD Candidate, China Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
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