Book Bloggers of Goodreads discussion

The Blue Elephant is a well researched, well formulated and introspective account that counters the importance of soft power in India, thereby illuminating us on the topic and the various facets there are to it.

For someone who had zero inkling what SOFT POWER meant, I found the book abundantly informative and had a lot to takeaway.

The term Soft Power, coined by Joseph Nye, in general terms is defined as "a nation's appeal", aka what makes it attractive and appealing to others. Additionally it is also, important to mention that although the said power has existed since time immemorial, it is only in the last few decades or so that SOFT POWER has apparently started evolving.

Das' book feels like a comfortable climb as the keen readers are introduced to the definition and derivations and the role SOFT POWER has currently been playing in the dynamics of global politics. The struggles and vulnerabilities of soft power are also talked about including it's complexity.

The author then categorizes the arenas in which our country could augment 'power of appeal' and rather immaculately yet compactly packs his arguments in chapters : sports, Indian diaspora, art and culture and human relations etc. Adding to the narrative that India being the largest democracy, has a lot of gain from having a hold over it's soft power, if it wishes to ascend at the global competitive forum.

The writing is accessible and easily understandable with well amplified examples including personal experiences of the author, who himself is a reverse migrant from Malaysia and has quite a lot of interesting (if I may say so) incidents to share with us! It is one of those books that opens in you a chain of thoughts and you are indefinitely fascinated by a topic and feel that pang to research and know more about it!

I would absolutely absolutely recommend this book if you are looking for something informative and intriguing at the same time! Already looking forward to his next book!