Development and social order: a world perspective

The twentieth century has witnessed historic changes and developments on a scale which make it unique. In every field of activity there has been a huge outpouring, and not less so than in the realm of ideas. Industrialism, corporate business, rampant nationalism, communism in practical shape, war, violence and barbarism, no less than sensational growth of science and techno logy, have left their marks on man and his societies. But do we understand these portentous events as we should? Men in different vocations will give different answers to this question depending on their peculiar prejudices and predelictions. But the 'common man' is unlikely to say honestly and confidently that he understands these recondite matters. This is specially true of people in Afro-Asia and South America.
In the field of socio-political affairs, people hear a lot about such important themes as democracy and development and their contextual backgrounds such as capi talism and communism. Yet there are not many who understand them as they deserve to be understood. There is of course no dearth of books and magazines on these topics but these are mostly written by professional writers in technical jargon scarcely comprehensible to laymen. Yet their importance to all and sundry is obvious. Now, here is an attempt by one who calls himself a laymen to explain and analyse these vital subjects in simple, non technical language. It can also be read with profit by teachers and students alike besides the vast body called 'common' folk. This approach is unorthodox and the treatment is refreshingly novel, diverging from the beaten track. The whole thing is enlivened by insight and originality and marked clarity of exposition.