One may argue that democracy has done little for poor India, except to keep her divided, backwards and poverty-strcken - a case of too much politics. As for Asia's dominance, I would not hold my breath. America, including USA & Canada is a huge landmass, and already the largest economy, with huge unatapped natural resources and huge, growing market with a growing population to match, and already has an edge in every conceivable sector, so no Asian economy is likely to eclipse her anytime in the near future. Ditto for The EU. Russia, also has a huge landmass, untapped natural resources and a growing economy - China and India both may surpass her in terms of gross GDP, but in terms of per-capita, the average Russian citizen will be way ahead of their Indian and Chinese counterparts. And don't forget the South-American trio - Brazil, Chile Argentina - they are also growing real fast-like.