US puts family first, just like us

The rise of US President Donald J Trump’s daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner as key members of his administration will surely be seen as a welcome development by the political class on this subcontinent. It makes the US seem just like us now. Indeed, the anti-nepotism legislation — the ‘Bobby Kennedy Law’ — enacted as a consequence of John F Kennedy appointing his brother as Attorney General, would definitely be regarded with righteous scorn in this part of the world.

Why should any “public official” not be allowed to “appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control any individual who is a relative of the public official”? After all, the actions of political parties across this region indicate nepotism is a major reason to seek power in the first place.

The primacy of family ties is well-established across south Asia, and the political class merely reflects its voters’ sentiments. China has been quick to acknowledge the importance of this son-in-law, and others too in the past. India will hopefully not lag behind. Perhaps relevant political scions can be co-opted to reach out to their US counterpart soon for a new variant of Track II diplomacy.