Of late, we have witnessed two rather contrasting experiences i.e. new forms of nationalisms and globalization. Despite some shared features, new nationalisms differ from previous ones. Modern nationalism arose in 19th century Europe, while in Global South, it arose in response/opposition to colonial rule and for freedom & rights, and led to popular sovereignty and shaping a new political community that was inclusive of all the diversity. However, quite contrary to this, new nationalism tends to be exclusionary, confining itself from global community, and above all, the process of ‘otherisation’ within. It doesn’t allow attainment of all the rights by all people/citizens, instead, it allows for exclusiveness, privileging and appropriation of all the rights only by supposedly the original/native-born/dominant/majority community (along the lines of ethnic/linguistic or religious identity). Rather than establishing a modern political community, trends of new nationalisms are more rooted in cultural mobilization, anti-immigrants right-wing conservative formulations, ethnic/religious nationalism, identity and mobilization along the same lines. Hence, new nationalism that is marked by nativism, ethnicist/religious mobilisation, is quite opposite of the earlier forms of nationalism. The panel would identify the sources and processes that shape this new nationalism. It would focus on new dynamics that ultimately lead to new forms of nationalisms(ethno-nationalism). Contemporary India offers significant insights into this phenomenon.
Panel emphasizes that NN poses serious threat to democratic consensus/institutions and leads to authoritarianism, majoritarianism, centralization/personalization of power and otherisation of certain sections of the society.Moreover, it facilitates majoritarian aspects of populism which endangers liberal democracy.Panel would investigate how various kinds of fear (real/perceived), humiliation (existing/historical),and frustration/dissatisfaction lead to NN. Panel would attempt to understand this process in India and beyond.
Analyzing the cases of India, USA,UK, Turkey,Brazil and Philippines etc., panel attempts to understand/interrogate new forms of nationalisms, their leaders and what are the similarities and differences between NN and its earlier avatars? Panel would interpret how NNs are giving rise to populism, authoritarianism and ethno/religious nationalism in India and beyond. Moreover,panel would dwell into consequences of NN on democratic institutions, representative government, political mobilization along religious/ethnic lines, electoral behavior, pluralism, minorities, media coverage/portrayals and global institutions.