Try GOLD - Free
Chasing a Chimera
Outlook
|September 21, 2025
India, China and Russia as well as most of the developing countries are committed to a multipolar world where policies are not decided by just one or two countries, but there are several power poles
-
THE tableau in Tianjin was striking. India’s Narendra Modi, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping, huddled together, projected the image of a loose axis of Eurasian powers ready to challenge the US-dominated world order. Coming at a time when US President Donald Trump has turned global trade on its head with his tariff war, the images beamed from the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Summit in China caused ripples worldwide. Was this just a photo-op or the first signs of a geopolitical shift that could redefine Asia and Eurasia? What of India’s tango with China and Russia? Was it for real or an effort to signal to the US that it has other options and its strategic autonomy cannot be dictated by any other country?
This story is from the September 21, 2025 edition of Outlook.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Outlook
Outlook
What Was the Jungle Raj
Successful attempts have been made in the past to end the Jungle Raj in Bihar by implementing processes like speedy trials and convictions of criminals. However, it is very much a part of Bihar politics even today
6 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
THE BADSHAH OF BOLLYWOOD
There were hits and flops, highs and lows. There was applause; awards and accolades followed. He broke box office records and changed the game. Then there were controversies. He was targeted for many things, including his Muslim identity. But nothing could dent the superstardom of Shah Rukh Khan. As he turns 60, we trace his journey to understand what makes King Khan relevant ... today and forever
8 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Bihar is Not for Beginners
The political foundation in Bihar is caste which carries the burden of its own class
5 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Tomorrow's Tools, Today's Wealth: Why Tech is the Bedrock of Your Child's Financial Future
Mandeep Mahendru emphasizes the importance of financial literacy in children as a foundation for responsible money management and long-term success
4 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Too Hot to Handle?
Land reforms, a largely unimplemented and mostly shelved programme, is considered central to Bihar's growth. Yet, it has little currency during election campaigning
6 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Newbie vs. Freebies
The most dramatic recent news from the Jan Suraaj Party is that Prashant Kishor will not be contesting these elections, against Tejashwi Yadav from Raghopur. He has said the reason is he doesn't want to focus only on his constituency, but spend time on all others. But on the ground, many feel he is running scared at the last minute after making some bombastic statements against his rival.
4 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Fugitive Frames
The 13th Berlin Biennale explores themes of fugitivity, subversion and art's endurance
4 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
People at the Heart of India's AI Revolution
Prof TG Sitharam discusses how India's 'Enhancing Human Capital' initiative is transforming the nation's demographic strength into an AI-driven future
3 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Bullet to an Amulet
Young Palestinians bristle with anger at the genocide. But that anger comes with paralysis
8 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Elections Ideology
Elections stripped of ideology signal the rise of “marketisation” of politics–parties become brands, candidates turn into commodities and voters are treated as consumers to be enticed
5 mins
November 11, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size