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Eclipsing the West: China, India and the forging of a new world
As the international order begins to crumble, this incisive book asks what the rise of the Asian superstates means for the future.
The Western-dominated world we have known for the past three hundred years is coming to an end. As America withdraws from its role as enforcer of the international order, other countries are moving in to fill the void. Among them are two rising Asian ‘superstates’.
Accounting for more than a third of the world’s population, China and India have the potential to wield enormous economic and political power. China is already vying with the US for the top spot in the global economy, and on some measures has surpassed it. By the middle of the century India may be number two. How will these countries navigate their growing roles on the world stage? What are the implications for commerce, international law and the fight against climate change?
Vince Cable has followed China and India for decades, first as a professional economist and later as a senior government minister. In Eclipsing the West he draws on the latest data and a lifetime of political and economic experience to offer a compelling account of what the rise of the Asian superstates means for the future.
The Western-dominated world we have known for the past three hundred years is coming to an end. As America withdraws from its role as enforcer of the international order, other countries are moving in to fill the void. Among them are two rising Asian ‘superstates’.
Accounting for more than a third of the world’s population, China and India have the potential to wield enormous economic and political power. China is already vying with the US for the top spot in the global economy, and on some measures has surpassed it. By the middle of the century India may be number two. How will these countries navigate their growing roles on the world stage? What are the implications for commerce, international law and the fight against climate change?
Vince Cable has followed China and India for decades, first as a professional economist and later as a senior government minister. In Eclipsing the West he draws on the latest data and a lifetime of political and economic experience to offer a compelling account of what the rise of the Asian superstates means for the future.
- GenresNonfiction
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 16, 2025
58 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Vince Cable
42 books18 followersJohn Vincent "Vince" Cable is a British politician and Leader of the Liberal Democrats. He was the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills from 2010 to 2015 and the Member of Parliament for Twickenham from 1997 until losing his seat in the 2015 election. He regained his seat in the 2017 election and became leader of the Liberal Democrats soon after.
Cable studied economics at the University of Cambridge and the University of Glasgow, before becoming an economic advisor to the Government of Kenya between 1966 and 1968 and to the Commonwealth Secretary-General in the 1970s and 1980s. From 1968 to 1974 he lectured in economics at Glasgow University. Later, he served as Chief Economist for Shell from 1995 to 1997. In the 1970s Cable was active in the Labour Party, becoming a Labour Councillor in Glasgow. In 1982 he joined the Social Democratic Party – which later joined with the Liberal Party to form the Liberal Democrats – and he unsuccessfully stood for Parliament in the general elections of 1970, 1983, 1987 and 1992 before being elected as the MP for Twickenham in 1997.
Cable became the Liberal Democrats Treasury Spokesman in June 2003, and was elected Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in March 2006, becoming Acting Leader for two months in 2007 following Sir Menzies Campbell's resignation until the election of Nick Clegg. He resigned from both of these position in May 2010 after becoming Business Secretary.
Cable studied economics at the University of Cambridge and the University of Glasgow, before becoming an economic advisor to the Government of Kenya between 1966 and 1968 and to the Commonwealth Secretary-General in the 1970s and 1980s. From 1968 to 1974 he lectured in economics at Glasgow University. Later, he served as Chief Economist for Shell from 1995 to 1997. In the 1970s Cable was active in the Labour Party, becoming a Labour Councillor in Glasgow. In 1982 he joined the Social Democratic Party – which later joined with the Liberal Party to form the Liberal Democrats – and he unsuccessfully stood for Parliament in the general elections of 1970, 1983, 1987 and 1992 before being elected as the MP for Twickenham in 1997.
Cable became the Liberal Democrats Treasury Spokesman in June 2003, and was elected Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in March 2006, becoming Acting Leader for two months in 2007 following Sir Menzies Campbell's resignation until the election of Nick Clegg. He resigned from both of these position in May 2010 after becoming Business Secretary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 27, 2025
The two superstates of China and India will lead the world into the second half of the 21st century as the traditional superpower the US self-destructs under Trump. This book, written by an accomplished economist and seasoned market commentator, explores the opportunities and challenges for these two countries to reach their potential, and the repercussions for the world as a whole. The latter touches on the topic of the provision of international public goods. Until the tragedy of the current US administration, America assisted in the maintenance of the rules based international order and a relative degree of global economic stability. Now, that is evaporating. On climate change, however good willed the rhetoric, China and India’s dependence on coal limits their capacity for positive action, and with the US’ current aversion to renewable energy, the world is increasingly at risk.
An important read!
An important read!
December 22, 2025
Our geopolitics book club picked Eclipsing the West almost by accident, and it ended up being one of the most clarifying reads we’ve had this year. What really stood out to me was how Vince Cable refuses to frame China or India as caricatures. Instead, he treats them as what he calls “superstates,” with internal logic, contradictions, and long historical arcs that actually matter.
The chapters comparing state capitalism in China with India’s democratic but uneven growth sparked our longest discussion. I appreciated how the book doesn’t predict a single future but lays out three plausible paths, all uncomfortable in different ways. That honesty felt refreshing.
I finished the book feeling less confident in Western assumptions—and more informed. That’s exactly what I want from a serious nonfiction read.
The chapters comparing state capitalism in China with India’s democratic but uneven growth sparked our longest discussion. I appreciated how the book doesn’t predict a single future but lays out three plausible paths, all uncomfortable in different ways. That honesty felt refreshing.
I finished the book feeling less confident in Western assumptions—and more informed. That’s exactly what I want from a serious nonfiction read.
January 15, 2026
Our book club has been reading political economy together for years, but Eclipsing the West genuinely stopped us in our tracks. What struck me most was how calmly and carefully Vince Cable dismantles the idea that global power is still centered on the West. His framing of China and India as “superstates” rather than traditional superpowers felt like a conceptual shift I didn’t know I needed.
The sections on GDP measurement, particularly the difference between market exchange rates and purchasing power parity, sparked one of the longest discussions we’ve ever had. It made many of us realize how outdated our mental maps of the global economy really are. By the end of the book, several of us were asking the same question: is there more? A sequel? A follow-up volume tracking these trends in real time? This is the kind of book that doesn’t feel finished when the last page ends.
The sections on GDP measurement, particularly the difference between market exchange rates and purchasing power parity, sparked one of the longest discussions we’ve ever had. It made many of us realize how outdated our mental maps of the global economy really are. By the end of the book, several of us were asking the same question: is there more? A sequel? A follow-up volume tracking these trends in real time? This is the kind of book that doesn’t feel finished when the last page ends.
December 22, 2025
I went into this book expecting a narrow focus on economics, but what I found was a deeply integrated analysis of economics, politics, and global systems. The discussion of democracy versus autocracy was especially thoughtful. Rather than arguing from ideology, the book looks at outcomes, constraints, and tradeoffs.
Our book club spent an entire session discussing the idea that the West is not necessarily collapsing, but is losing its automatic centrality. That distinction mattered a great deal to our conversation. It allowed us to talk honestly about limits without slipping into pessimism or denial.
This book trusts its readers. It does not simplify or sensationalize. That is rare and deeply appreciated.
Our book club spent an entire session discussing the idea that the West is not necessarily collapsing, but is losing its automatic centrality. That distinction mattered a great deal to our conversation. It allowed us to talk honestly about limits without slipping into pessimism or denial.
This book trusts its readers. It does not simplify or sensationalize. That is rare and deeply appreciated.
December 23, 2025
Our current affairs book club selected Eclipsing the West because many of us felt overwhelmed by contradictory narratives about China and India. This book helped bring order to that confusion.
What I appreciated most was how the author consistently ties economic strength to institutional capacity. Growth is never treated as abstract. It is linked to governance, demographics, and long term planning. That approach made the arguments feel grounded rather than speculative.
The sections on global responsibility stayed with me long after finishing the book. Power without responsibility, as Cable shows, creates instability for everyone. This is a book that deepens understanding rather than offering reassurance.
What I appreciated most was how the author consistently ties economic strength to institutional capacity. Growth is never treated as abstract. It is linked to governance, demographics, and long term planning. That approach made the arguments feel grounded rather than speculative.
The sections on global responsibility stayed with me long after finishing the book. Power without responsibility, as Cable shows, creates instability for everyone. This is a book that deepens understanding rather than offering reassurance.
January 15, 2026
I picked this up because it was our book club’s “serious” pick for the month, and I expected something dry. Instead, Eclipsing the West was precise, unsettling, and deeply absorbing. Cable’s long personal engagement with both China and India gives the book a grounded authority that goes beyond abstract theory.
What fascinated me was the idea of China and India as frenemies, cooperating where necessary while preparing for conflict where inevitable. That framing helped me understand current geopolitics far better than the daily news cycle ever has. Several of us in the group immediately started wondering if Cable plans to write a companion book focused solely on future scenarios. I would read it without hesitation.
What fascinated me was the idea of China and India as frenemies, cooperating where necessary while preparing for conflict where inevitable. That framing helped me understand current geopolitics far better than the daily news cycle ever has. Several of us in the group immediately started wondering if Cable plans to write a companion book focused solely on future scenarios. I would read it without hesitation.
January 15, 2026
This was our first truly global economics book club pick, and it raised the bar for everything that will come after. Cable doesn’t preach or predict recklessly; instead, he methodically lays out structural forces that make the rise of China and India unavoidable.
The chapters on global public goods, especially climate change and international economic stability, led to some uncomfortable but necessary conversations in our group. I appreciated that the book never claims China or India will “win” the century outright. The future is shown as complex, unstable, and contingent. When we wrapped up the discussion, multiple members asked if this was part of a larger project. It feels like the opening volume of a much bigger intellectual journey.
The chapters on global public goods, especially climate change and international economic stability, led to some uncomfortable but necessary conversations in our group. I appreciated that the book never claims China or India will “win” the century outright. The future is shown as complex, unstable, and contingent. When we wrapped up the discussion, multiple members asked if this was part of a larger project. It feels like the opening volume of a much bigger intellectual journey.
January 15, 2026
I came to Eclipsing the West through my local book club and stayed up far too late finishing it. The book’s strength lies in its refusal to reduce geopolitics to morality plays. Democracy versus autocracy is explored with nuance rather than slogans, and the economic development comparison between China and India is both fair and unsparing.
Cable’s discussion of the Thucydides Trap and the Kindleberger Trap was a revelation for many of us. These concepts suddenly made headlines and policy shifts feel coherent rather than chaotic. By the end of the month, our group was actively searching to see if Cable had written anything that continues this analysis forward. If a sequel exists someday, our club will be first in line.
Cable’s discussion of the Thucydides Trap and the Kindleberger Trap was a revelation for many of us. These concepts suddenly made headlines and policy shifts feel coherent rather than chaotic. By the end of the month, our group was actively searching to see if Cable had written anything that continues this analysis forward. If a sequel exists someday, our club will be first in line.
December 22, 2025
This was our book club’s first truly global economics pick, and it set a high bar. Cable’s explanation of why GDP measurements can tell wildly different stories depending on whether you use market exchange rates or purchasing power parity was a real eye-opener for me.
What I loved most is that the book never claims China or India will “win” the century in a simplistic way. The idea of them as frenemies, capable of cooperation and conflict at the same time, felt deeply convincing.
Dense at times, yes—but always purposeful. I’ll be recommending this to anyone who still thinks the world is organized the way it was in the 1990s.
What I loved most is that the book never claims China or India will “win” the century in a simplistic way. The idea of them as frenemies, capable of cooperation and conflict at the same time, felt deeply convincing.
Dense at times, yes—but always purposeful. I’ll be recommending this to anyone who still thinks the world is organized the way it was in the 1990s.
Currently reading
December 22, 2025This was my first experience reading Vince Cable, and it exceeded expectations. The sections describing how China and India cooperate and compete at the same time were especially insightful. The idea of them as frenemies felt accurate and grounded in real economic and political behavior.
Our group appreciated that the book does not claim there is a single inevitable future. Instead, it outlines multiple possible paths depending on choices made by governments and institutions. That openness made the analysis feel honest and credible.
This is one of those books that stays with you after you finish it.
Our group appreciated that the book does not claim there is a single inevitable future. Instead, it outlines multiple possible paths depending on choices made by governments and institutions. That openness made the analysis feel honest and credible.
This is one of those books that stays with you after you finish it.
January 6, 2026
Our book club has been reading international politics titles for years, and this one sparked more sustained discussion than most. What I appreciated immediately was how the author avoids dramatic claims and instead builds a careful picture of structural change.
The idea that China and India operate as superstates with enormous internal markets helped me understand why their growth paths cannot be judged by the same standards as smaller economies. The book explains this patiently and with strong historical grounding.
I finished the book feeling intellectually stretched in the best possible way.
The idea that China and India operate as superstates with enormous internal markets helped me understand why their growth paths cannot be judged by the same standards as smaller economies. The book explains this patiently and with strong historical grounding.
I finished the book feeling intellectually stretched in the best possible way.
January 15, 2026
What I admired most about this book was its patience. Eclipsing the West takes its time to explain how we arrived at this moment, tracing decades of economic and political evolution without ever feeling condescending. The contrast between China’s centralized state capitalism and India’s democratic complexity was especially well handled.
Our book club discussion kept circling back to the same realization: the world we were taught to understand no longer exists. Cable doesn’t panic about this, but he doesn’t sugarcoat it either. Several readers in our group asked if this was the first in a planned series, because it feels like groundwork for something even larger.
Our book club discussion kept circling back to the same realization: the world we were taught to understand no longer exists. Cable doesn’t panic about this, but he doesn’t sugarcoat it either. Several readers in our group asked if this was the first in a planned series, because it feels like groundwork for something even larger.
January 15, 2026
This book changed how I read international news. Period. After discussing Eclipsing the West with my book club, I realized how much Western decline is often discussed emotionally rather than analytically. Cable strips away that noise and replaces it with evidence and long-term structural thinking.
The idea of “three possible futures” at the end stayed with me long after we closed the book. It doesn’t offer comfort, but it offers clarity. More than one person in our group asked whether Cable might revisit these scenarios in five or ten years. That kind of anticipation is the highest compliment I can give a nonfiction book.
The idea of “three possible futures” at the end stayed with me long after we closed the book. It doesn’t offer comfort, but it offers clarity. More than one person in our group asked whether Cable might revisit these scenarios in five or ten years. That kind of anticipation is the highest compliment I can give a nonfiction book.
December 22, 2025
Our reading group is split between political junkies and casual nonfiction readers, and Eclipsing the West somehow managed to satisfy both camps. The opening sections on the collapse of the post–Cold War order set the stage perfectly.
What stayed with me was the Kindleberger Trap discussion���the danger of no power being willing to maintain global public goods. That concept alone reshaped how I think about climate cooperation and international security.
This isn’t a book that tells you what to think. It’s a book that quietly rearranges how you think.
What stayed with me was the Kindleberger Trap discussion���the danger of no power being willing to maintain global public goods. That concept alone reshaped how I think about climate cooperation and international security.
This isn’t a book that tells you what to think. It’s a book that quietly rearranges how you think.
December 22, 2025
What makes this book exceptional is its seriousness. Every argument is built carefully, using data, historical context, and institutional analysis. There is no attempt to shock or provoke for attention.
The chapters on productivity, labor markets, and industrial development were particularly illuminating. They helped me understand why China’s growth trajectory differs so sharply from India’s, even when both are often grouped together in public discussion.
Our book club agreed that this is not a book for casual skimming. It demands time and focus, but the payoff is real understanding.
The chapters on productivity, labor markets, and industrial development were particularly illuminating. They helped me understand why China’s growth trajectory differs so sharply from India’s, even when both are often grouped together in public discussion.
Our book club agreed that this is not a book for casual skimming. It demands time and focus, but the payoff is real understanding.
December 22, 2025
Our book club chose this title because we wanted to move beyond surface level commentary on global power shifts. Overall, the book delivered a thoughtful and well supported analysis. The comparison between China’s export driven industrialization and India’s struggle with employment was especially useful.
Some of the more technical sections required careful reading, and I occasionally wished for slightly more narrative flow. Still, the arguments were clear and consistent. This is a strong choice for readers who want depth rather than easy conclusions.
Some of the more technical sections required careful reading, and I occasionally wished for slightly more narrative flow. Still, the arguments were clear and consistent. This is a strong choice for readers who want depth rather than easy conclusions.
December 23, 2025
I joined our book club discussion halfway through the reading schedule, but I quickly realized this was a book worth slowing down for. The comparison of China’s industrial policy with India’s service led development helped clarify why job creation looks so different in each country.
What stood out was the author’s refusal to frame the story as a simple rise and fall narrative. Instead, he presents a world adjusting to new centers of gravity. That framing felt realistic and intellectually honest.
This book changed how I read the news. That alone earns five stars from me.
What stood out was the author’s refusal to frame the story as a simple rise and fall narrative. Instead, he presents a world adjusting to new centers of gravity. That framing felt realistic and intellectually honest.
This book changed how I read the news. That alone earns five stars from me.
January 15, 2026
This was not a casual read for our book club, but it was a valuable one. Cable’s experience shines through, especially when discussing trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement with China and India.
At times, the pacing felt uneven, with certain chapters more accessible than others. Still, the central argument—that the West must adjust to a world shaped by Asian super states felt convincing. Several of us said we would happily read a shorter companion book distilling these ideas for a broader audience.
At times, the pacing felt uneven, with certain chapters more accessible than others. Still, the central argument—that the West must adjust to a world shaped by Asian super states felt convincing. Several of us said we would happily read a shorter companion book distilling these ideas for a broader audience.
January 15, 2026
I appreciated how Eclipsing the West refuses simplistic narratives. China and India are not heroes or villains here; they are complex, powerful actors shaped by history and structure. Our book club discussion benefited greatly from this balanced tone.
That said, some sections required slow, careful reading, and not everyone in the group found them equally engaging. Even so, the insights on global public goods and international order made it worth the effort. I’d recommend this especially to readers willing to wrestle with big ideas.
That said, some sections required slow, careful reading, and not everyone in the group found them equally engaging. Even so, the insights on global public goods and international order made it worth the effort. I’d recommend this especially to readers willing to wrestle with big ideas.
December 23, 2025
I appreciated the measured tone of this book. In a field often dominated by extreme predictions, Cable focuses on explaining underlying structures and constraints. That approach made our book club discussions more grounded and less speculative.
We debated the concept of superstates at length. While not everyone was convinced, the framework helped organize our thinking about scale, capacity, and internal markets. That alone made the book worthwhile.
We debated the concept of superstates at length. While not everyone was convinced, the framework helped organize our thinking about scale, capacity, and internal markets. That alone made the book worthwhile.
December 23, 2025
One of the book’s strengths is its treatment of India as a complex case rather than a simple counterweight to China. The discussion of labor force participation, productivity, and demographic pressures was particularly informative.
Our book club includes readers with different political views, and this book managed to foster thoughtful discussion without becoming divisive. That is not easy to achieve.
Our book club includes readers with different political views, and this book managed to foster thoughtful discussion without becoming divisive. That is not easy to achieve.
December 31, 2025
This was one of the most discussion rich books our club has chosen. Every chapter raised questions about assumptions we did not realize we were making.
The historical sections explaining how early policy choices shaped later outcomes were particularly strong. They reminded me that economic systems do not emerge overnight. They are built slowly and often imperfectly.
This book does not comfort the reader. It equips the reader. That distinction matters.
The historical sections explaining how early policy choices shaped later outcomes were particularly strong. They reminded me that economic systems do not emerge overnight. They are built slowly and often imperfectly.
This book does not comfort the reader. It equips the reader. That distinction matters.
December 31, 2025
I expected a technical book, but what surprised me was how readable it was despite the depth. The author explains complex ideas clearly without oversimplifying them.
Our group spent a full meeting discussing the idea that no single country may be willing or able to provide global stability in the future. That idea felt unsettling but convincing.
This book deserves careful reading and thoughtful discussion.
Our group spent a full meeting discussing the idea that no single country may be willing or able to provide global stability in the future. That idea felt unsettling but convincing.
This book deserves careful reading and thoughtful discussion.
January 6, 2026
I picked this up because it was our book club’s monthly selection, and I am very glad I did. The chapters on productivity and industrial strategy helped clarify why economic growth looks impressive on paper but uneven on the ground.
What stood out to me was the emphasis on institutions rather than personalities. This book explains power as something built slowly through policy, planning, and capacity. That perspective felt refreshing and convincing.
What stood out to me was the emphasis on institutions rather than personalities. This book explains power as something built slowly through policy, planning, and capacity. That perspective felt refreshing and convincing.
January 15, 2026
Our book club chose Eclipsing the West because we wanted something challenging, and it delivered. The book is dense in places, especially when unpacking economic measurements and institutional history, but it rewards patience.
What stood out for me was the way Cable connects economics, geopolitics, and environmental responsibility without treating them as separate silos. Some members wished for more visual aids or summaries, but overall we agreed this is a book that demands active reading.
What stood out for me was the way Cable connects economics, geopolitics, and environmental responsibility without treating them as separate silos. Some members wished for more visual aids or summaries, but overall we agreed this is a book that demands active reading.
January 15, 2026
This book sparked some of the most thoughtful conversations our club has had. Cable’s explanation of why GDP figures can mislead depending on how they are measured was an eye-opener for many of us.
While the book is clearly written, it assumes a certain level of reader commitment. A concluding chapter that directly addressed policy implications for ordinary citizens might have strengthened it further. Still, it’s an impressive and timely work.
While the book is clearly written, it assumes a certain level of reader commitment. A concluding chapter that directly addressed policy implications for ordinary citizens might have strengthened it further. Still, it’s an impressive and timely work.
January 15, 2026
I came into Eclipsing the West with limited background in economics, and while some sections were challenging, the overall argument was clear and compelling. The historical parallels, especially around declining and rising powers, helped ground the analysis.
Our book club appreciated that Cable doesn’t indulge in alarmism. The future is uncertain, not doomed. That balance made the book feel responsible rather than sensational. I’d be curious to see how these arguments evolve over time.
Our book club appreciated that Cable doesn’t indulge in alarmism. The future is uncertain, not doomed. That balance made the book feel responsible rather than sensational. I’d be curious to see how these arguments evolve over time.
December 23, 2025
This book required focus, but it rewarded it. The chapters on global public goods, especially climate and international economic order, resonated strongly with our group.
At times the middle chapters felt dense, but the author consistently tied theory back to real world implications. I would recommend this to readers willing to engage seriously with the material.
At times the middle chapters felt dense, but the author consistently tied theory back to real world implications. I would recommend this to readers willing to engage seriously with the material.
December 23, 2025
The historical grounding added real value for me. Understanding how post independence economic choices in India and revolutionary transformations in China shaped their present positions helped clarify many current tensions.
While I did not agree with every emphasis, I respected the care with which the arguments were made. This is a well researched and thought provoking book.
While I did not agree with every emphasis, I respected the care with which the arguments were made. This is a well researched and thought provoking book.
December 23, 2025
This book helped me understand why international institutions feel weaker and more contested today. The discussion of nationalism, trade, and global coordination felt particularly relevant.
It is not an optimistic book, but it is a realistic one. I finished it feeling better informed rather than discouraged.
It is not an optimistic book, but it is a realistic one. I finished it feeling better informed rather than discouraged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews