Part -3 Rising Asia yet not declining academic influence of the Western universities and think tanks.

While it is true that the West continues to lead in the production of new scientific knowledge and technological innovation however the rise of economic power of the asian countries like china and india is real and it is true that  Asia is catching up when it comes to production of new knowledge and providing quality training and capacity building for student aspirants.

Moreover  the contributions of Asia in the areas of art, humanity, and literature have seen significant developments, especially in the context of globalization and the rise of Asian economies. The cultural exchange between East and West has led to a dynamic interplay where both regions influence each other.

In the realm of contemporary art, Asian artists have gained international recognition, challenging Western perspectives and contributing to a more diverse global art scene. The rise of critical modern art in Asia reflects a unique blend of traditional values and modern expressions, which resonates with global audiences.

In literature and culture, there has been a growing interest in Asian literary traditions and their relation to the world. Comparative studies have highlighted the rich literary and cultural heritage of East Asia and its increasing integration into global discourse. This has led to a deeper mutual understanding and appreciation of the diversity and complexity of Asian cultures.

In the past five years, several important literary works from regional languages of India have been translated into English and have received recognition. Here are a few notable ones:

• “Tomb of Sand” by Geetanjali Shree, translated by Daisy Rockwell, won the International Booker Prize.
• “The Legends Of Khasak” by O. V. Vijayan, translated by the author himself, is a classic that continues to be celebrated.
• “Cobalt Blue” by Sachin Kundalkar, translated by Jerry Pinto, is a modern tale that has resonated with many readers.

 However, it is important to note that the world is becoming more multipolar, with the rise of new powers such as China and India, and the relative decline of the West. While the West may continue to lead in certain areas of scientific research and technological innovation, it is likely that other countries will begin to catch up and even surpass the West in some areas.

Yet the day when universities of Asia will be having a ranking comparable or above western universities is nowhere near in sight.

Moreover, it is important to recognize that scientific knowledge and technological innovation are not the only measures of intellectual leadership. The arts, humanities, and social sciences are also important areas of intellectual inquiry, and the West does not necessarily lead in these areas. Many scholars have argued that the West’s dominance in these areas has been declining for some time.

There are many possible factors that explain why the Western pull for talented people from different regions and countries continues unabated, despite the apparent decline of Western influence and the political posturing of their elites. Some of these factors are:

– The West still offers many attractive opportunities and benefits for skilled migrants, such as higher wages, better living standards, more academic and professional freedom, more social and cultural diversity, and more legal and political rights.

– The West still has a strong reputation and prestige in many fields and sectors, such as science, technology, education, media, arts, and entertainment. Many talented people aspire to work or study in the West, or to collaborate with Western institutions and experts, to advance their careers and achieve recognition.

– The West still has a large and influential diaspora of migrants and their descendants, who maintain strong ties and networks with their countries of origin. These diaspora communities can facilitate the migration and integration of new arrivals, as well as promote cultural and economic exchange and cooperation between the West and other regions.

– The West still has a powerful soft power and appeal, based on its values, ideals, and culture, that can attract and inspire people from different backgrounds and beliefs. The West’s soft power is manifested in its popular culture, its democratic institutions, its human rights advocacy, and its global leadership.

Concluded.