Business Diplomacy Today Podcast

Business Diplomacy Today addresses contemporary international relations and geopolitics, looking at the issues from a business perspective. It helps business leaders anticipate changing political and societal trends, build and leverage political networks and take a proactive stake in societal and political matters that influence their business environment.

Episode #020: Social Inequality as a Business Risk – The Case of India

In Episode 20 of Business Diplomacy Today, host Matthias Catón is joined by Ashoka Mody, Charles and Marie Robertson Visiting Professor in International Economic Policy at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University and author of “India is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today”. Matthias and Ashoka delve into how the world’s largest democracy faces obstacles in achieving fair and equal development, with a specific focus on how its history has shaped its present.

With a detailed exploration into India’s history since 1947, Matthias and Ashoka look at theories of “path dependence” and how India’s previous leaders and historical events have shaped its politics and development today. From unaddressed economic challenges, to a lack of public goods and the breakdown of accountability, Ashoka provides an intriguing argument to the hindrances of India’s development.

Matthias and Ashoka converse on three pressing themes: India’s economy, its growing inequality, and democracy and accountability. Ashoka debates the need to provide quality goods for the general population; and further suggests a potential solution of decentralising power – identifying Kerala as a role model.

Bringing the topic to a global and business context, Matthias questions if India’s problems are not uncommon for emerging economies and the responsibility of businesses to address these challenges. As a growing destination for investment and India’s role on the global stage, this episode is a must listen for those interested in market access and entry to India.