Cold War 2.0

The Cold War was an era during which there were geopolitical tensions between USA and USSR, where both the countries tried to prove themselves better and compete with each other in various aspects. Now, a new type of Cold War has began between USA and China. Now it's a period of 4th Industrial revolution, it's Industrial revolution of technology. Cold War is not direct war between nations.

Previous Cold War

Earlier, the Cold War was between USA and USSR. There was distrust between these two nations. There was not actual War between these nations as both the countries are nuclear-powered, it makes deterrence to actual War. But there were proxy wars between them. The main reasons for this Cold War were ideological differences and arms race.

The Characteristics of Cold War were:

• Ideological differences: Capitalism vs Communism
• Political distrust between USA and USSR
• Arms race: High military spending 
• Espionage 
• Space Race: who will develop more in space exploration.

Both the countries developed nuclear weapons to destroy the whole planet. The Cold War began after the establishment of USSR, a communist country. USA is capitalist and democratic country and wants the whole world to be capitalist and democratic. There were ideological differences between them, both want to take different countries in their influence by establishing governments according to them. USSR tried to spread Communism and USA tried to spread Capitalism. Both the countries never fought directly, but were involved in proxy wars at various fronts. The Cold War never gone hot due to deterrence of nuclear weapons. The Cold War ends with collapsing of USSR. India took different approach during Cold War. India didn't want to Ally with either countries. Therefore India made non allying moment at that time including several other countries who didn't wanted to Ally with either powers.

New Cold War

The 4th Industrial Revolution is revolution of technology. This new Cold War can also be called as Tech War. The new Cold War has started between USA and China. A trade War has also started between these two countries from previous year. Geopolitical tensions are escalating between them. Now the world is more globally connected, the effect of this cold war could be on other countries also directly or indirectly.

                  After the USSR collapsed, the world became unipolar with a single major power i.e, USA. After 2000 China starts developing and became economically and militarily powerful. According to China it's only competition is with USA. It doesn't see any other country as it's competitor. In 2001, China joined World Trade Organisation (WTO). USA thought of capturing Chinese market, but China captured USA's market. Now there is a trade deficit of billions of dollars of USA while trading with China.

The reasons of new Cold War:

• Trade war: USA and China started trade war
• China's expansionist policy
• China's aggressively claim of South China sea
• China's debt trap for small countries 

A trade war has already began between USA and China. To counter trade deficit of USA with China, US imposed tarrifs on Chinese exports to US. China did same with USA's exports to China. After some months a negotiation on trade war began, but still trade war doesn't come to end. USA has also banned China's Huawei company in USA. Huawei isnot only mobile manufacturer company but it also manufacture hardware components for 5G technology. Huawei is in top 5G equipments manufacturing companies. Many countries opt for China's Huawei company as it provides 5G equipment at lower rates than other companies. The controversy regarding Huawei is that this company is owned by ex armymen of China. It is always blamed that the private data of users is provided to people's liberation army of China. But this is always denied by its owner. This company have privacy concerns so USA has banned it and wants others countries also to ban it. Now UK has also banned this company due to privacy concerns.

                   China is having expansionist policy toward it's neighbouring countries. During its aggressions in Galwan valley, USA openly supported India. USA even deployed it's 3 aircraft carriers near coast of China to make pressure in China at the coastal area. USA has also conducted PASSEX Naval exercise with India in Andaman sea near strategic strait of Malacca, upon which strait China largely depends. China is aggressively claiming South China sea. China doesn't follow international laws of sea and claim whole area as it's territory. USA recently send it's naval ships in south China sea to give a message that south China sea is open to all and is not territory of any country.

                           China under its Belt and Road Initiative, wants to connect whole world with road and rail networks and through sea routes. Under this project it is developing infrastructure in various countries to connect it. China also provide loans to smaller countries, usually loans amount is so large and if the project fails to earn the money require to repay Chinese loans then China takeover tht territory on lease. The best example for this is Sri Lanka's Hambantota port which China took on lease for 99 years.

                          USA recently orders China to close it's Houston consulate. USA accused this consulate of spying in USA. China in its retaliation China orders to closure of US consulate in Chengdu. It is affecting diplomatic relations of both countries. The tensions are escalating between them. Now USA have even started calling leader of China as The General secretary of Chinese communist party instead of President of China as China's president is not democratically elected. Now, geopolitics are changing and a new Cold War is likely to seen from now.

India's stand in Cold War

During previous Cold War the India remained non allied, but this time India have to decide whether India is supporting USA or China on this issue. Now the world has become more global and no country can stay at their own, the world is more connected now. Now, geopolitics have changed from last decades and now USA is more closer to India. Now India can't totally deteriorate it's relations with China as China is India's neighbour. India should keep in mind in international relations no one is permanent friend and nobody is permanent enemy only there are only permanent interests.