21st century poised to become Asian century, not through domination but dialogue: Mani Shankar Aiyer

Bengaluru, 13th February  2025 :  After 500 years of world domination by Western nations, the pendulum is finally swinging back. The resurgence of Asian economies, cultures, and ideas is signalling the dawn of a new Asian century, not as a conquest, but as a revival of historical continuity. This was said by Mani Shankar Aiyar, the former Minister of Panchayati Raj of India. He was speaking at the inaugural function of Alliance Literary Festival organized by Alliance University, Bengaluru.

The fourth edition of the annual event is being held from February 13 to February 15, 2025, around the theme of The Asian Century. More than 120 speakers, including voices from over 25 countries, are attending to engage in meaningful conversations about Asia’s profound impact on global culture, politics, economy, and art.

 

The noted ex-diplomat, author and thinker Mani Shankar Aiyar said: “The question now arises: Are we witnessing the onset of an American century in Asia, or are we standing at the threshold of a genuine Asian century? Recent events around the world hint that the American empire may have reached its zenith and begun its terminal decline. The 21st century is poised to become the Asian century, not through domination but through dialogue, not through conquest but collaboration. It is time for us to reclaim the Asian legacy of innovation, resilience, and intellectual achievement.”

Mani Shankar Aiyar added: “The Asian century is not a future to be constructed from scratch; it is a past to be revived and reimagined. It does not reject global engagement but invites the world into a dialogue where Asia plays a leading role. In the coming decades, we will witness a shift towards a multipolar world in which Asia will be a central force in shaping the global narrative. Asian renaissance needs to draw upon its shared intellectual and spiritual traditions to shape a new global order. Yet, it remains the only Continent without a pan-continental organization, like the European Union. Asia has yet to create a framework for unity. Still, history gives us hope. The centuries before the American and European domination were undoubtedly Asian centuries. Our challenge now is to rediscover that spirit of collaboration and creativity,” he said.

 

Addressing the audiences, Dutch anthropologist Michiel Baas, author of Muscular India and Imagined Mobility, said: “To understand the future of Asian century, we need to read speculative fiction from the Global South by writers who think about what society will look like 5 years or 50 years from now. Vernacular literature is another important pillar of understanding where Asia is exactly heading. It is increasingly popular in India and the world is only now learning about literature from states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Alongside, it is also important to focus on alternative ways of getting our stories across, such as with the emerging field of artificial intelligence.”

 

Said Abhay G. Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor, Alliance University, Bengaluru: “At Alliance University, we believe that education transcends textbooks; it’s about engaging with the world’s most pressing conversations. The Alliance Literary Festival 4.0: The Asian Century is a testament to this philosophy. As the region continues to shape global narratives, this festival offers a dynamic space for learning, dialogue, and discovery. In a world where Asia is emerging as a driving force of innovation, growth, and cultural exchange, it serves as a bridge between academic insight and real-world relevance. Through conversations that cut across disciplines, from geopolitics to the arts, we hope to ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and equip our students with the global perspective needed to lead with confidence and clarity.’’

 

Added Dr. Priestly Shan, Vice-Chancellor, Alliance University, Bengaluru: “At Alliance University, we believe that the future belongs to those who engage with the world’s most pressing issues and shape the narrative of tomorrow. The Asian Century is not just a theme for this year’s literature festival,it is a reflection of Asia’s transformative role in shaping the global future. Through this seminal event, we aim to foster an academic space that encourages intellectual exchange, collaboration, and critical thinking, empowering our students to become global leaders in a rapidly changing world.”

 

The first day of Alliance Literary Festival 4.0 also saw the launch of Suburbian, a new magazine by MA (Creative Writing) department of Alliance University, by noted Japanese authors Asako Yuzuki, Kananko Nishi and Erika Kobayashi.

 

Participants at the ongoing event include names such as Javed Akhtar, celebrated Indian screenwriter and lyricist; Asako Yuzuki, renowned Japanese author; Anil Kumble, one of Asia’s greatest sportsmen; Sanjay Patel, Indian American animator, director at Pixar, and Oscar nominee; Rajdeep Sardesai, renowned Indian journalist; Aiyyo Shraddha, Comedian and Viral Internet Sensation; Arun Yogiraj, Renowned Indian Sculptor; Nandan Kamath, Sports Lawyer and Advocate for Athlete Rights and Governance, and Perumal Murugan, distinguished Indian author.

 

The festival is exploring contemporary themes such as Asia’s economic ascendancy, the rise of Asian athletes, the intersection of migration, diaspora, and belonging, as well as environmental and demographic challenges. Sessions will also examine Asia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of education, sports, and innovation on the global stage.