The Intelligence from The Economist
The club rules? India’s RSS
Dec 23, 2024
Avantika Chilkoti, a global business correspondent for The Economist, shares her firsthand experience at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's annual celebration in Nagpur. She delves into the organization's dual nature as a community hub and a supporter of Hindu nationalism. Chilkoti reveals how RSS influences Narendra Modi's policies and the complex dynamics of power at play. The discussion also highlights how Gulf countries are shifting focus towards innovation, and introduces the 2024 word of the year, 'cacostocracy,' reflecting current political sentiments.
23:30
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Quick takeaways
- The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh plays a pivotal role in shaping India's Hindu nationalist agenda while maintaining a strong grassroots network for political influence.
- Gulf countries are diversifying their economies by investing in scientific research and innovation to address local challenges like energy efficiency and food security.
Deep dives
The Rise of Scientific Research in the Gulf
The Gulf states are actively seeking to diversify their economies away from fossil fuels by investing in scientific research and innovation. Historically, spending on research and development in the region has been low compared to other wealthy countries, with the UAE spending only 1.5 percent of its GDP on this endeavor. However, recent initiatives indicate a shift towards collaborating with international research organizations and addressing local challenges, particularly in energy efficiency, food security, and health. This new focus on applied research aims to generate significant breakthroughs, exemplified by projects exploring water desalination with graphene and precision medicine for common cancers in the Gulf.
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