China 2049 vs. India 2047

What are the great power plans for the mid-21st century—and how do they differ? China and India are charting rival paths toward global influence through their initiatives. Marie Klostermeier examines how both nations’ economic, military, and institutional strategies reflect distinct historical experiences and ambitions. While China’s vision centres on reclaiming dominance through state-led transformation and global assertiveness, India’s rests on inclusive growth and multi-alignment. Their contrasting routes reveal two competing models of power and legitimacy in a multipolar world.