At the beginning of the 21st century several publications described India as an emerging power on its way to a true world power. Where does India stand on world stage today and what happened to its great power ambitions? Carsten Rauch analyses the Indian quest for great power status and addresses the question, whether an Indian world power will become reality in future, or whether it is a mere mirage.
Carsten Rauch explores India's current and growing role on world stage in HSFK-Report No. 04/2015 “Realität oder Chimäre: Indiens Aufstieg in der Weltpolitik”. He outlines India's self-perception and its perception by others, and compares India with other great powers by applying various indices of power. Rauch's analysis goes beyond the current rise and includes scenarios for India's future. He addresses internal as well as external obstacles that could interfere with Delhi's further rise. The results of the analysis are discussed with respect to the academic debate. The report concludes with recommendations for German and European politics on how to deal with India's rise.
The Report (in german) can be ordered at PRIF for 6€ and is also available as free PDF download.