The Gray Area with Sean Illing What India teaches us about liberalism — and its decline
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Jul 8, 2024 Pratap Bhanu Mehta, a leading scholar on Indian democracy, shares insights into the complexities of Indian liberalism. He discusses how authoritarian tendencies under Prime Minister Modi are reshaping democracy in India. Voter attitudes are shifting as recent elections expose discontent with autocratic rule. The conversation also highlights the historical roots of liberalism in India, the rise of Hindutva nationalism, and the challenges liberals face in addressing economic inequalities and fulfilling promises.
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Liberalism Defined
- Liberalism's core principle is enabling individuals to live according to their own values.
- This necessitates democracy and individual rights, including capacious freedoms like overcoming poverty.
The Essence of Liberalism
- Liberalism stems from resenting unjustified demands.
- It suggests extending the courtesy of justification to others.
Global Liberalism
- Liberalism isn't solely Western; traditions of toleration and pluralism existed globally.
- India's historical emphasis was on social hierarchy (caste) rather than religious intolerance.