Description

In recent years, India has seen a surge in Hindu nationalism, especially with the electoral success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).  The growing importance of the BJP raises questions about the future of India’s democracy.  This project poses questions about the role of religious nationalism in shaping the BJP, its popularity, and implications for India’s foreign policy.
In spite of the importance of India and South Asia more broadly, the HRLI has received few proposals that focus on this part of the world, and none on Hindu nationalism.  The topic is even more timely as India prepares for a general election in spring 2019.  With our grant, Carnegie would publish a report in advance of the election (including an introduction and five substantive chapters), examining the impact of Hindu nationalism on India’s politics, economy, society and foreign policy.  It will be geared to a global audience including government officials, civil society, the media and analysts, and, ideally, will be a resource for Indians seeking to understand and influence the trajectory of Indian democracy.