Insight into BRIC

I read a great commentary by British historian Paul Johnson in Forbes about the challenges facing the next US President regarding the BRIC countries.

Johnson provides some insightful views into these important countries. About Russia, Johnson writes: “The Russian people oscillate between a love of freedom, ending in anarchy, and a profound respect for strong leadership, ending in tyranny.” Guess which end of the scale Russia is at today? Putin’s police state.

Johnson compares China (investing heavily in industry) with India (investing in high tech, “something at which its people seem to excel and which flourishes in a free society) and states his belief that India will “emerge stronger and richer” in the long run. That makes me wonder: does high tech always beat industry? Clicks are better than bricks?

If you are interested in BRIC or in the challenges awaiting the new prez, I recommend you read this article.

Forbes, April 7 2008, Paul Johnson, “The Winner Will Need Brains and Guts”.