The suppression of academic freedom in India highlights a troubling trend of government intervention undermining independent institutions and dissent.
Both Modi and Trump exploit populist sentiments to challenge perceived elites, fostering anti-institutional attitudes among their supporters that threaten democracy.
Deep dives
Challenges to Academic Freedom in India
Academic freedom in India has come under significant threat, as illustrated by the experiences of a prominent political scientist who faced immense pressure while leading Ashoka University. Upon expressing criticisms of the Modi government, he voluntarily resigned from his position amid fears that his presence would jeopardize the institution’s future. The issue escalated when he learned that the government had intervened by withdrawing funding permissions for his affiliated think tank, effectively undermining its operational viability. Such actions highlight a broader trend of institutional suppression in India, where government pressure can render independent academic and research entities nearly dysfunctional.
Authoritarian Tactics and Popularity
Both Modi and Trump have leveraged populist sentiments, positioning themselves as champions against an entrenched, corrupt elite system while maintaining significant personal popularity. Modi’s rise can be traced back to a narrative that portrays historical Hindu subjugation and revitalizes Hindu identity, akin to Trump's rhetoric towards White American discontent with perceived elitism. Despite their different styles, both leaders harness the discontent of their respective bases, using it to justify attacks on institutions like the judiciary and media. This anti-institutional approach resonates strongly with supporters, who view checks and balances as impediments to political action and reform.
The Attack on Free Speech
In India, the Modi government has enacted measures to suppress dissent, including significant crackdowns on free speech and critical voices within academia and civil society. Instances of intimidation are prevalent, as seen in the case of prominent academics facing life-altering consequences for their criticisms of the government. Comparatively, while the U.S. under Trump has witnessed attempts to stifle dissent, the level of suppression in India appears far more severe with actual imprisonment and violence against dissenters. This deterioration of free expression underscores the alarming trends in both nations where autocratic tendencies threaten democratic values.
Cultural Mobilization and Political Strategy
The contrast between right-wing movements in India and the U.S. highlights the cultural strategies employed by each. In India, Modi’s party, the BJP, has effectively utilized an expansive grassroots organization to create a long-term ideological shift, combining social services with cultural mobilization. This contrasts with the left's short-term electoral focus, which often lacks the cohesive narrative that resonates with the broader public. Moreover, the right's commitment to transforming cultural consciousness through consistent engagement with communities helps maintain its political strength, suggesting that sustained grassroots efforts are vital to any opposition strategy.
Pratap’s bona fides ... How Pratap ran afoul of Modi (and the price he paid) ... Trump vs Modi: compare and contrast ... India’s birth as a multi-ethnic state ... Pratap on how we got Trump (and Modi) ... Heading to Overtime ...
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