Pratap Mehta, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research and a distinguished educator at Princeton, dives into pressing global issues. He discusses the rising nationalism and identity crises affecting liberal democracies. The conversation turns to the troubling India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir, exploring historical tensions and military strategies. Mehta highlights the legitimacy crises faced by various regimes, including China and Iran, and examines how globalization further complicates political identity and societal expectations in today's world.
The podcast explores the rise of identity politics as a reaction to globalization, reshaping political narratives and coalitions globally.
Increased tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir, are deeply rooted in national identity and military legitimacy.
India's shift towards a Hindu-centric identity under Modi raises concerns about the future political integration of its Muslim population.
Deep dives
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Identities and Political Coalitions
The podcast delves into the impact of globalization on political identities and coalitions, suggesting that identity politics has gained prominence due to reduced economic contestation space. As political coalitions must be formed, identity becomes an often non-negotiable topic for mobilization. This shift implies a new terrain for political struggles, setting the stage for identity-based politics to dominate discussions and decision-making processes in various societies. As a result, understanding these dynamics is crucial in addressing modern political challenges.
India-Pakistan Relations and Kashmir
The conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has seen a resurgence, recently marked by increased tensions. Despite the ceasefire, the underlying issues extend beyond territorial claims, delving into Pakistan's identity as a nation and the enduring anti-India sentiment. The podcast emphasizes how the Pakistani military plays a central role in this conflict, as its legitimacy often swings on the tensions it creates with India. Understanding these complexities is essential to grasping the broader implications of this long-standing dispute for regional stability.
The Changing Dynamics of Indian Identity
Recent political changes in India, particularly under Narendra Modi, reflect an attempt to reshape the nation's identity towards a more Hindu-centric narrative. This shift raises significant questions regarding the future of India's approximately 200 million Muslims and their political allegiance. While some Indian Muslims align with the state despite challenges, the long-term implications of this identity shift could foster feelings of marginalization. The podcaster urges a thorough examination of how this evolving national identity will impact communal relations and India's democratic fabric.
India's Response to Pakistan's Policies
India's approach to Pakistan has evolved, particularly after significant terrorist attacks, leading to a shift from strategic restraint to a more aggressive military response. Under Modi's government, there's a growing belief that not responding to terrorism emboldens Pakistan, thus necessitating a robust counter-strategy. India's engagements have become increasingly assertive, emphasizing military action as a response to perceived threats. This evolution challenges traditional notions of limited warfare and highlights the changing landscape of India-Pakistan relations.
The Global Crisis of Political Legitimacy
The podcast addresses the ongoing global crisis of legitimacy faced by various political regimes, including liberal democracies and authoritarian states. It suggests that the legitimacy crises are consequences of broader geopolitical dynamics and the challenges of modern governance. This crisis is compounded by rising nationalism and populism, which often exploit public discontent with traditional political structures. The ongoing evolution of these dynamics mandates a rethinking of how societies ensure legitimacy and representation in governance.
Pratap Bhanu Mehta is Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi and Laurence Rockefeller Visiting Professor for Distinguished Teaching at Princeton University.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Pratap Mehta discuss nationalism, radical forms of self-identity, and the likelihood of war between India and Pakistan.
Note: The first part of this conversation was recorded on April 30, 2025 with a follow up on May 12, 2025.
Podcast production by Mickey Freeland and Leonora Barclay.
