The problem of conceptualising Asian-ness is that it is not a question of finding similarities, but of envisioning the coexistence of diversities.
All one, perhaps –
bell, mountain, tree
and the steady cicada vibrato
and little white dog
and quiet artiste-priest, carver of Noh masks
fashioning a bamboo crutch for the ancient peach tree
symbol of strength, symbol of concern.
– Stanza of a poem in a Zen temple in Kyoto, Japan
The 'Asian century' incorporates the belief that, if certain demographic and economic trends persist, the 21st century will be dominated by Asian politics and culture. But given the recent global financial crisis and the prevalent geopolitical culture throughout the continent, it looks unlikely that this idea will come true, at least in the near future. Moreover, contemporary Asian culture is much more integrated with Western values than ever before – the educated elite in many countries in Asia have long considered themselves to be non-resident citizens of the United States, many having attended US universities and many more with relatives or friends there. This feeling of being American in the mind yet 'national' in behaviour is particularly strong among the upper-middle classes in Southasia.
In India, except for the segment that is still Bharat, it has become fashionable to be identified with characteristics considered to be uniquely American. Interpretations of what exactly those attributes are differ considerably in detail, but an element of arrogant unilateralism is common to all versions of Americanism. 'Hot pursuit' is a popular concept, particularly among the stalwarts of the Bharatiya Janata Party; and Narendra Modi perhaps dreams of doing a 'Bush in Baghdad' sequel on the western front, once he becomes the premier of Aryavarta. If Manmohan Singh had his way, farmers would be allowed to continue to commit suicide, while diverting funds from agriculture to 'prestigious' projects – expressways to every village, manned missions to the moon, bigger intercontinental missiles, nuclear power plants in every district, and the abomination of 'river linking'.