Rogue Elephant: Harnessing the Power of India's Unruly Democracy

The year 2004 saw India poised for economic lift off. A decade on, the Indian economy appears grounded—still burdened by endemic corruption, lawlessness, parliamentary dysfunction, and a ravenous political elite. Denyer (China bureau chief, Washington Post) covered India during that time and has written a riveting account not just cataloging the last decade's tribulations but also optimistic signs that ordinary citizens throughout the country are finding their voices, demanding change, and being heard. Each chapter is organized around a distinct theme that lays bare the cruel conditions of daily life: women sexually assaulted, farmers battling against land seizures, citizens paying bribes to conduct everyday business, and villagers in remote regions abused by the military. Fortunately, Denyer leavens the horrors with hope as he describes how civil society is using the latest technologies, a 24/7 media environment, and a stringent right-to-information law to push back against these conditions.