VUCA1, an acronym from times past, may have been considered — like other such fashionable and ephemeral buzzwords — to have long exceeded its half-life and set to cede space to some other smart formulation of alphabets. Yet, the reality is that we live in a world that is today more volatile than ever, with greater uncertainty and complexity. Ambiguity defines the times; for instance, with little difference or time between friends becoming enemies. Overnight, today’s ally may become tomorrow’s bugbear.
What better example of this than the Indo-US relationship which, in the space of a few months in 2025, moved from the warmth of friendship and strategic allies to a frosty, trust-less distancing. The US has now become India’s tormentor, an unfaithful partner who is now practically in bed with Pakistan. To add insult to injury, it has weaponized trade, with Indian exports facing the highest tariffs (and other sanctions and restrictions, not faced even by US enemies). The only solace is that India is not alone; even long-standing allies in Europe are feeling abandoned.
Welcome to Civil Society's
new website!
Login to Civil Society by entering your email below
VUCA1, an acronym from times past, may have been considered — like other such fashionable and ephemeral buzzwords — to have long exceeded its half-life and set to cede space to some other smart formulation of alphabets. Yet, the reality is that we live in a world that is today more volatile than ever, with greater uncertainty and complexity. Ambiguity defines the times; for instance, with little difference or time between friends becoming enemies. Overnight, today’s ally may become tomorrow’s bugbear.