4 days ago
1925 Cartoon Predicting Rise Of India, China Goes Viral Amid Trump's Tariff Spree
The illustration portrays a future where Western imperial powers lose global dominance to rising populations in Asia and Africa
A century-old political cartoon predicting the rise of India, China and Africa has gone viral on LinkedIn, sparking fresh debate amid renewed trade tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariff policy.
Shared by RL Narayanan, Vice-Chairman at the Centre for Innovation in Education and Empowerment (CIIEE), the 1925 cartoon was originally drawn by well-known American cartoonist Bob Minor and published in the Daily Worker, a socialist newspaper based in Chicago.
The illustration portrays a future where Western imperial powers lose global dominance to rising populations in Asia and Africa. Its message, long overlooked, has gained fresh relevance as global power dynamics shift.
Narayanan captioned the post, 'Exactly 100 years later, BRICS is shaping up to multipolar world. Together they hold 40% of the global population and $30 trillion GDP."
The viral post also included a historical quote by Indian strategist Chanakya, 'Before you start a war, count the cost of victory — and the cost of the enemy's revenge." Narayanan added, 'An uncalculated move against a rising power may win the day but lose the era."
The cartoon's resurfacing comes at a time when Trump has announced steep tariffs on Indian goods. A 25% reciprocal tariff which took effect from August 7, with another 25% increase due on August 27, doubling the total tariff on some Indian exports to 50%.
The post has drawn widespread engagement, with users commenting on the shift in global power and the historical significance of the cartoon.
One user wrote, 'It is very important to understand and time to realise our strength too." Another added, 'Everything goes in both directions… even change is not constant. Being grounded, balanced and grateful is the key."
'Yes now all of us can pressure US and EU countries by Increasing Prices of our Products which are Premium and exclusive material. Stop buying their Brand's and products to make them kneel down," a comment read.
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