Category: Non-Fiction
Essays and commentary on governance, geopolitics, technology and history.
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A Cauldron of Gases – Part 3: The Geopolitics of the Flame – Supply Chains, Vulnerabilities and Power
The article explores the intricate geopolitics of energy supply chains, emphasizing vulnerabilities and dependencies shaped by geography, insurance markets, and political stability. Key disruptions, especially in the Strait of Hormuz and other chokepoints, significantly affect global energy prices and ultimately impact ordinary households, revealing the fragility of modern energy systems.
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A Cauldron of Gases – Part 2: The Geopolitics of the Flame – The Chokepoints
In an ideal world, liquids and gases, unless restrained, flow freely. However, we do not live in a Utopia. So, in the real world, geography charts (and constrains) the flow of water on the Blue Planet. Some of the important pieces in this unique geographical jigsaw are…
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What Building a Small System Teaches You About Large Ones
Small systems can often be built in a short span of time. They feel controllable and are usually driven by a clear objective. However, even building a small system quickly reveals layers of complexity. I recently built a simple hostel booking portal using an AI tool. I had control over the process, clarity on the…
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Why Predictability Matters More Than Brilliance in Large Systems
In large systems, people often assume that brilliance drives outcomes. In practice, what matters more is predictability. When systems involve multiple actors, predictability allows coordination and reduces friction. Unpredictable brilliance, however impressive, often disrupts alignment and slows outcomes. Over time, systems that are reliable tend to outperform those that depend on individual brilliance. This does…
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The discipline of coordination
In large systems, people often assume that extensive collaboration leads to greater efficiency. In my experience, what matters more is how effectively that collaboration is structured and managed.When multiple stakeholders are involved, there is a real risk of confusion, with different priorities pulling in different directions. This works well when the purpose of collaboration is…
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A Cauldron of gases
Part 1 Dramatist Personae – the Gases Recent events in the Persian Gulf have brought to the fore discussions on energy and by extension, fuel and gases. Though they do not figure in the calculation of core inflation, their production and supply have worldwide ramifications. It is necessary to understand what these gases are, how…
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The Ugliness of Noise
A mother hears a baby cry when it enters the world — perhaps the most beautiful notes to her ears. We are surrounded by beautiful sounds: the purr of a pet cat, a baby’s coo, a nightingale’s song, waves crashing against rocks; regaling the symphonies of Beethoven to the taals of Tansen. Yet it takes…
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“Now or Never: The Flawed Dream”
On our 79th Independence Day, we once again got a chance to celebrate our hard-won freedom and all that we have consolidated as a celebrated democracy. We have stood resolute in our principles and are heading towards becoming one of the largest economies in the world On this day, we are also sadly reminded on how…
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Snakes in the Closet, Skeletons in the Cupboard
Two metaphors come to mind that capture the essence of the ongoing situation in our neighbourhood. The first is skeletons in the cupboard—remnants of what once was. These are visible, documented traces of a dark past that persistently link to the present. Hidden away, they represent secrets not meant to be revealed—unsolved crimes, suppressed truths,…
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By Jove, they crossed 400
The Labour Party (represented by red) has stormed back into power, in style, after fourteen years of wandering to nowhere. All this while, they took an extreme left turn (très gauche as the French would say), went further into the wilderness, only to then dump their driver, make a course correction, and come back to…
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Dr. M.S. Swaminathan – An obituary
Can leaders inspire ?In 2013, Late Dr. MS Swaminathan came to Myanmar for an official visit. Like most in India, I too had read about the “Green Man ” who transformed India from being food deficient to a nation producing surplus to feed its population and beyond. I assumed it would be another tick-the-box meeting…
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Pass the Salt please…
Published in the Times of India Lucknow Edition (May 22, 2022) The popular television series “Versailles”, which is streaming on Netflix, deals with the life of the Sun King Louis XIV and the intrigue of court politics during his reign. An interesting side subject which is touched upon, is the imposition of salt tax known…
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Dugong dugon
Thousands of kilometers from the “mainland” are the emerald isles of the Andaman and Nicobar. This archipelago of around 500 islands is where “kaal” (time) used to stop and the “paani” (waters) were considered as the gateway to Hell known as kalapaani. From being a penal colony, the Islands, enveloped by the enticing azure blue…
Of States and Stories 