The Nanson Geopolitical Series: "The Myth of the Asian Century" with Bilahari Kausikan

As part of The Nanson’s ongoing geopolitical series, we had the opportunity to take part in a timely and thought-provoking discussion examining the shifting nature of global order—and what it means for businesses and investors today.

The conversation, led by Bilahari Kausikan and centered around his best-selling book “The Myth of the Asian Century,” explored a fundamental idea: that we are not entering a new or unprecedented era, but rather returning to a more historically typical one—where competition, rather than cooperation, defines global order.

A key theme that emerged was the growing complexity of today’s geopolitical landscape. Rather than fitting neatly into a single framework, the current environment is simultaneously unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar. For businesses and investors, this creates both uncertainty and opportunity—requiring greater resilience, adaptability, and strategic awareness.

The discussion also touched on the war with Iran and broader questions around security and diplomacy. One notable takeaway was the caution against overreliance on diplomacy alone, with the recognition that in certain circumstances, hard power continues to play a decisive role.

From an economic perspective, the implications are clear: globalization is not ending, but it is becoming more fragmented and uneven. Supply chains may shift, growth may slow in some areas, but the system itself will persist—just in a more complex and less predictable form.

Bilahari’s conclusion was particularly striking: rather than a single “Asian century,” we are likely to see a century defined by multiple Asias—diverse, competitive, and evolving in different directions.

Ultimately, the session reinforced that the era many had grown accustomed to was, in fact, an anomaly. As we return to a more “normal” period of geopolitical competition, those who understand and adapt to this reality will be best positioned to navigate—and thrive in—the years ahead.

We’re grateful to The Nanson for convening such an insightful discussion, and to all those who contributed to a rich and engaging exchange of ideas.