Whose Century?
| 11:19 UK time, Wednesday, 19 April 2006
I remember reading an article in the Economist over ten years ago speculating on the rise of a new Saladin that could create a revival across the Islamic world.
( isn't it, but it came up in my search and it's interesting anyway)
Now we're talking about a Chinese century instead.
This proves, I suppose, that grand predictions are more parlour game than useful strategic planning.
But it's a fun parlour game.
What kind of a world would (will) it be if China becomes the world's leading power?
What kind of world could it be if the Islamic world became excited by the kind of Anatolian entrepreneurism which has created what calls 'Islamic Calvinism'?
The authors mean that commercially minded and devout Muslims have developed their own version of the 'Protestant work ethic' - which informs Turkey's government now.
Dream a little, let us know what you imagine, and we'll turn it into radio, maybe.
Comments
Ten years ago did the Economist give the new Saladin a name ? If it was Saddam Hussein our George Coeur de Lion took care of him and that misguided revival attempt. (On going as we speak; Economist stay tuned.)
WE are talking about the New American Century, now begun. But depending how you measure it you may have a point. China, starting from so far back, will undoubtedly make the greatest advances playing catch up. But we will not stand still and wait for them.
Frustrated by not being able to draw even, let alone take the lead, in this century may cause China to start a world war to speed things along. Of course, that will only set them farther back.
"Commercially minded and devout Muslims" is a real world oxymoron. They are destined to learn (everything) the hard way that 'church and state' do not mix. Their schooling has started in these matters, but the course is long and they are very difficult students so this will probably take up this entire century.