Post-NSG waiver - A New Strategic Architecture

The NSG waiver for India-USA Nuclear Deal and the subsequent entry of India into the global nuclear order indicates the creation of a new security architecture. The Deal has to be seen in the context of larger power shifts occurring in the world post the year 2000. The broad features of the present world have been described variously as ‘multipolar with an unipolar moment’; ‘non-polar world’ and recently by Fareed Zakaria as ‘Post-America World.’

USA very well understands that it no longer commands the hegemonic status in the world, and there are various competing power centres. Most importantly there is the ‘Rise of the of Rest’ (Zakaria) i.e. rise of China, India and Russia; the global economy is now been increasingly driven by new group of countries-Brazil, South Africa, China and India and USA is in desperate search of new allies to tackle various conflicts (it needed China’s help in resolving the North Korean crisis).
It is in this context that Nuclear Deal has to be seen. USA now is seeking to forge a new global order that will suit its and its allies interests. But unlike the previous orders which were mainly driven by USA, the new emerging global order will have active participation of various countries. In Asia, this new order manifests itself in closer cooperation between India, Japan and USA, and ASEAN to a certain extent.

India must not worry too much about this new order; it is a ‘post-hegemonic order’. It is not dominated by one player, rather the main player (USA) wants participation of its allies in equal measure. This new order will be based on a negotiated consensus and convergence of mutual interests. It will provide space for India to voice its concerns and attempt to build the order suit its strategic interests. The only caution that India needs to bear is that its should not succumb to any ‘neo-con’ pressure from the policy making circles in USA; and also not let quagmires of Iraq and Afghanistan affect it too much. For example, in Afghanistan, India has till now and should continue to make efforts to assert its independence vis-à-vis the NATO operations. The Nuclear Deal forms a crucial part in the blue print of the new order that USA is trying to forge.