Posts

Showing posts from November, 2021

The Problems with Westphalian Nation-State System

Image
We all associate ourselves with various identities such as Indians, Chinese, Pakistani, Americans, Canadians, French, British and much more. Why do you think we all associate with all these more? Are there any other identities which people associate with?  The identities which I mentioned before are relatively new compared to other identities such as religion, language, caste, and various other identities. It is not to say that people never had such feelings towards nations or the state. But the idea of loyalty and love for the motherland was very important which offset various other identities. The question we are arriving at is what is the motherland, who made and how it formed.  What we refer to today as a Nation or Country refers to what we know in political science as a Nation-State. Today almost all the countries we know are categorised Nation-States and some even as State-Nations. International Relations and Political Science suggest that states are the most important a...

Polarised Indian Politics and the Way Forward- A Podcast

Image
Greetings to all listeners and readers!! Indian Politics has always been one of the most interesting subjects both academically and also in understanding the socio-political dynamics of the country. Indian Politics stands apart from the rest of the world's domestic politics for multiple reasons. Starting from its independence in 1947, the country has one of the world's most number of political parties, majority state and regional parties. India is the world's largest democracy. India is a federal republic in addition to a secular democracy.  India's political discourse has changed in the past few years. The times are changing, the spectrum has become polarised than ever. We are getting intolerant, we are refusing to listen to opposing views, don't want to have a healthy conversation, etc. Society is divided on caste, religion, economics, party, pro and anti-Modi, etc. With social media and partisan mainstream media, the amount of hate and divisiveness is at its pea...

News capsule for the Fortnight- November (1st-15th)

Image
Following are the top news for the week (11-20).   If you wish to follow and get notifications of future articles, you can signup using the email on the left sidebar.  Kerala  Man accused of killing the elephant in Kerala surrenders.  Actor Jojju Jose confronts Congress protesters in Kochi who was blocking public roads. Protesters damaged his car and file cases against him. A new political controversy over the same buildup.  Kerala celebrated its 65th formation day on November 1st.  Case filed against Pala Bishop for communally divisive remarks.  Over 2300 teachers in the state claim vaccine exemptions due to religious reasons. Former Miss Kerala, Runner-Up Killed in Road Accident In Kochi. Swapna Suresh , 7 accused get bail in UAPA case ; no proof of terror act, says Kerala HC. CM Pinarayi Vijayan announces support for starting Pubs and Bars in IT parks of the state. He pitched the importance of nightlife.  Kerala open Cinema halls after ...

News capsule for the Fortnight- October (16th-31st)

Image
  Following are the top news for the fortnight (16-31).   If you wish to follow and get notifications of future articles, you can signup using the email on the left sidebar.  Kerala  Schools are set to open after a long break on November 1st which also happens to be Kerala day. Massive rainfall and landslides kill many in the state. Flooding was reported in several parts of the state.  Idukki, Edamalayar, Pampa, Kakki, Mullaperiyar Dams open due to water level reaching the capacity of the reservoir.  NDRF team deployed in Aluva and banks of river Periyar.  Kochi was declared as Dementia free-city .  Movie theatres in the state opened after the second wave with 50% seating capacity.  Kochi metro announces 50% off during non-peak hours amidst the cash crunch.  Kerala CM announces that COVID-19 in the state is now under control as TPR falls below 10.  Missing the Newborn baby case takes centre stage in politics.  State to ...