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Event Report

In a riveting webinar, Dr. Parag Khanna, a distinguished global strategy advisor and visionary author, unpacked the compelling narrative of an impending paradigm shift towards an Asian World Order. With a sterling reputation as the founder and CEO of Climate Alpha, coupled with his insightful authorship, Dr. Khanna's discourse invites readers to reimagine the geopolitical landscape, challenging the longstanding supremacy of Western powers.

The crux of Dr. Khanna's discussion revolves around the current reality that Asia is no longer a potential economic powerhouse but the driving force shaping global dynamics. This revelation sparks curiosity and beckons readers to explore how this shift is redefining traditional notions of world order.

A central theme in Dr. Khanna's narrative is the internal connectivity within Asia, a pulsating network of trade, investment, and infrastructure development. The mention of transformative agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) serves as a gateway for readers to delve into the proactive measures Asian countries are taking to foster integration and connectivity.

The historical trajectory of Asian economic growth, narrated through four distinct waves, provides readers with a captivating journey. Beginning with post-war Japan and progressing through the tiger economies and the rise of China, the narrative culminates in the current focus on South and Southeast Asian nations. The revelation that these countries collectively surpass China in population stirs intrigue, prompting readers to ponder the implications of this demographic shift.

Geopolitics, a perennially engaging topic, infuses Dr. Khanna's discourse with a dynamic edge. The description of multinational companies reorienting their strategies, reducing investments in China, and venturing into alternative markets amplifies the intrigue. This geopolitical lens adds a layer of complexity, enticing readers to contemplate the intersection of political tensions and economic dynamics.

Dr. Khanna's emphasis on the rising significance of the services sector amid increasing automation propels readers into the future. The idea that Asia is evolving beyond traditional manufacturing, with sectors like finance, consulting, and healthcare taking centre stage, invites readers to envision the economic landscape of tomorrow.

Demographic insights into Asia's majority share of the world's population and young people inject vitality into the narrative. The notion that Asia's youth, encompassing millennials, Generation Z, and Alpha, could encapsulate the future of the human species sparks contemplation and resonates with readers on a personal level.

The infrastructure arms race, a term coined by Dr. Khanna, adds a layer of urgency and global competition to the narrative. The mention of initiatives like "Build a Better World" by G7 economies fuels readers' curiosity, urging them to explore how major powers are vying to shape the infrastructure landscape in Asia.

As the discourse concludes, Dr. Khanna advocates for a strategic approach to multi-alignment. The call to navigate the U.S.-China rivalry without picking sides but leveraging investments strategically is a thought-provoking proposition. This actionable insight leaves readers with a sense of agency, encouraging them to reflect on the role of their respective nations in this evolving Asian World Order. In essence, Dr. Parag Khanna's webinar report is not merely a documentation of events but an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, urging readers to unravel the layers of a transforming world order with each turn of the narrative.

Prepared by Puloma Pal, NIICE Intern.