Novelist Amitav Ghosh discusses his new book "Ghost Eye," arguing that the current era requires writing from within a planetary crisis that encompasses geopolitics, climate, and culture.
Ghosh reframes the climate crisis as a geopolitical issue rooted in the fossil fuel economy, which has historically underpinned Anglo-American global power.
He critiques India's current foreign policy, highlighting its strategic vulnerability due to a lack of energy stockpiles and a difficult position between rising continental powers (China, Russia, Iran) and declining maritime powers.
The conversation identifies a major global shift away from maritime dominance towards a new order led by continental powers, forcing nations like India into a precarious diplomatic position.
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Concerns Raised
India's diplomatic missteps and severe energy vulnerability.
The deep entrenchment of the fossil fuel economy as the basis of geopolitical power, hindering climate action.
The ineffectiveness of mainstream political systems in confronting the multifaceted 'planetary crisis'.
The potential for escalating conflict over control of energy resources and supply routes.
Opportunities Identified
The emergence of effective, non-traditional political movements (e.g., 'Rights of Nature') that are achieving legal and ontological shifts.
Pakistan's successful geopolitical maneuvering and adoption of Chinese technology presents an alternative model for regional powers.
The potential for youth-led political movements to bring substantial change, as observed in local New York politics.