DELHI, CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

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In the latest in our new series, "The Big Question", Adam Roberts argues that the capital of the world can be found in its largest democracy. Have your say by voting in our poll ...

From INTELLIGENT LIFE magazine, September/October, 2011

Dilliwallahs love their booming city for its hustle, colour, food and culture, religious mix and the political clout it wields over a country the size of a continent. Persuading outsiders of its charms may be harder. It is an intense place, whether in crammed old corners or amid the mighty elegance of Lutyens’ buildings. Yet there is a far-sighted case for seeing Delhi as the world capital.

It’s Asian, for a start. Any geopolitician worth his salt now accepts that power ebbs from Atlantic nations and back to the East, where growing economic heft supports a stronger diplomatic voice, military strength and general assertiveness. We can say farewell to more developed contenders, London or New York. Demography counts too: as Asians are roughly half the human race, they deserve representation.

Size matters. In a decade or so India will not only be a mighty economic power, it will pass China to become the most populous country of all. Delhi slurps in young migrants and is already a megacity. By one reckoning its greater area, counting the business hub of Gurgaon and other exurbs, is home to 21m people. History helps, too. The old Mughal (and British Indian) capital claims a royal advantage: it presides over a uniquely diverse nation, where 1.2 billion people chatter in nearly 1,600 languages. Coping with that mind-boggling mix is handy practice for an aspiring global leader.

The clincher, however, is its values. No city in an authoritarian state could guide the world, even if its leaders brag of rising wealth and high-speed trains that run on time. Delhi’s infrastructure may wobble, yet the liberty to speak out is a greater resource. India, despite its chaos, protects its liberal, secular, outspoken nature—something both valuable in itself and conducive to long-term stability. As in ancient Rome or modern Washington, a capital must be a forum where fierce debate, street protests and political rivalry may freely play out. We need a big, growing, multifarious Asian city where the contest of ideas can flourish. Delhi is the best candidate.

Adam Roberts is the South Asia bureau chief of The Economist. See also our "Being there: Delhi", and an article about the grim fate of Delhi's "magician's ghetto".

If you don't agree that Delhi is the capital of the world, you're in good company. John Parker argues that London wears the crown, while Peter David goes for Washington and James Miles for Beijing.

But which city do you think is the capital of the world in 2011? Have your say by voting in our poll.

Photo credit: marlambie (via Flickr)