In chapter five of his book, Robert D. Kaplan argues and denotes about Pakistan's two of the separate regions. He described the country as to be Oman's opposite in status; he claims it as a counterpoint to prosperous, stable and even an undemocratic Oman. In this chapter, we learned that the author wrote the description of the country's democracy, based on the tensions that happen, as a democracy that is present in the failing state. With all of the descriptions made by the author for the country, we understood that behind these failings are some factors that made Pakistan, be in this flawing democratic situation. Two of the reasons were written such as people's votes made more contribution to inflame prejudice and ethnic tensions, which to still them. Pakistan's two of the separate regions, as denoted in this chapter, were also described in terms of how people from these parts of the country differ from one another. We learned that in the southern coastal part or Baluchistan was described as wooly and wild. Meanwhile, the Turko-Iranian or the Middle East's tribal step child was described as people who are sharper in the ways of the world, who also live closer to border of India. This place is also a crowded northeast, where people who run the Pakistani state are located. I agree with the author's claims as all of these come along with ever-present energy issue between US, China and India, in Gwadar's town.
In chapter six of his book, Kaplan argues about the Indian state, Gujarat, as the most identified state, which has a history of long commercial and Indian Ocean tradition, was able to found itself one more time deep in the heart of India. Additionally, the author asserts its capability to rise to worldwide power status. We learned in this chapter that India’s democratic status is a moderating force as this country is the birthplace of some religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. In reading this chapter, I was able to understand that India was able to gain a relatively global power because of the Muslim population that it has. Being the third largest Muslim country in the world would help the country as Hindus and Muslims need to interact in their business transactions on a daily basis. Gujarat, as headed by Modi, was able to achieve progress as written by Kaplan. I agree with this claim because of the fact that Gujaratis were recognized to be successful immigrants in the West.
In chapter seven, Kaplan argues how Akbar the Great linked Gujarat with Bengal, which he is about to conquer, and the Indo-Gangetic plain. This chapter portrays that he did it by securing a sub continental empire that spanned between the Arabian Sea and Bengal Bay. We learned that Akbar saved India from breaking down and falling under the Portuguese’s hands by conquering Gujarat. And so I understand that the Mughal Empire as headed by Akbar became a self-conceived diverse form of worship focused on the sun and light. I agree with this claim as Akbar was able to put up an extra ordinary political style within the empire that showed stunning case of early globalization. A good example of this is the Taj Mahal, which is made with white marble built along Yamuna River bank.
Works Cited
Kaplan, Robert D. Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power. New York: Random House, 2010. Print.
