Shashi Tharoor: Why nations should pursue soft power

The video discusses India's potential as a global leader, emphasizing the importance of soft power over traditional metrics like military and economic strength. It highlights India's cultural influence through Bollywood and its telecommunications revolution, which has empowered the underclass. The speaker underscores India's pluralism and democratic values as key strengths, while acknowledging the challenges of poverty and infrastructure. The narrative suggests that India's story is one of diversity and resilience, positioning it as a land of compelling stories in the 21st century.

What does the speaker believe India's true contribution to the world should be?

• Economic power

• Military strength

• Technological advancements

• Cultural influence or 'soft power'

Who coined the term 'soft power'?

• Kipling

• Joseph Nye

• James Bond

• A government minister

What is a significant result of India's increased connectivity?

• Decreased economic growth

• Increased government control

• Empowerment of the underclass

• Improved military communication

How has Bollywood contributed to India's global influence?

• By boosting India's economy

• By spreading Indian culture worldwide

• By increasing India's military strength

• By improving India's technological image

What is the significance of the Indian television soap opera in Afghanistan?

• It was a technological advancement

• It was a political campaign

• It was India's biggest asset in Afghanistan

• It was a military strategy

What does the speaker suggest is more important than military or economic power for India?

• Political alliances

• Cultural influence

• Technological advancements

• Geographical expansion

What is the 'nationalism of an idea' according to the speaker?

• A focus on geographical unity

• A focus on pluralist democracy

• A focus on economic power

• A focus on military strength

What does the speaker identify as a major challenge for India?

• Overcoming poverty

• Increasing military size

• Reducing cultural exports

• Decreasing population growth

How does the speaker describe India's society?

• Open and diverse

• Closed and homogeneous

• Economically stagnant

• Technologically backward

What does the speaker suggest is necessary for India's development?

• Increased military spending

• Geographical expansion

• Focus on infrastructure and human capital

• Reduction in cultural exports