V V: Capitalism and its violence

V V: Capitalism and its violence:

"a picture of Milton Friedman, the doyen of the Chicago School — he and his cohorts were the other doctors — and their battle to win the hearts and minds of Latin Americans. Middle-of-the-road economists who advocated a more gradualist approach were marginalised — in fact, one of them was car-bombed by Chilean dictator Pinochet’s secret police — as the Chicago boys took over. The war on terror was really a war against all the obstacles that stood in the way (via V V: Capitalism and its violence)."

Could India Have Resisted 'Western Advisors'

While the role of 'Russian' advisors has been well documented by Western media, the role of Western advisors is usually forgotten.

This is interesting stuff, because most Indians today forget that the West speaks from both sides of the mouth - and while the "Western' advisors pushed planned economies, even in the USA, they are today picking holes in India's growth management record during that period.

Eminent Economists Were Sent To India

A 'free-market' economist like Milton Friedman also got involved in the Indian exercize - and like this blog shows, the argument was more about content, rather than the planning process itself.

Few remember that the US deputed JK Gailbraith, an 'eminent' economist , who was made an ambassador to India, to guide the Indian Government during Indira Gandhi's time. The major output of that advice was the discredited population policy of India.

Western aid was tied to India following such advice. This continued to happen till 1991 - like this incident shows. MJ Akbar quotes on how American influence was behind Manmohan Singh's appointment in 1991.

Modern India

And like this review shows, many of the benefits that we take for granted and proud were a result of Nehru's planning!