This is a rebuttal to X.T.M’s recent post on “civilization states” . The longer essay can be read hereÂ
In this context, Shashi Tharoor’s essay “Civilization States Are Profoundly Illiberal” is well-worth reading in full. Tharoor is a centrist Indian and can be said to articulate the Congress Party’s position on this topic.Â
Civilizational State vs. Nation-State
Google defines âCivilizational stateâ as one that âdefines itself and its identity based on a unique and encompassing civilization, rather than solely on shared ethnicity, language or governanceâ. Google goes on to note that â the differing worldviews and values associated with civilizational states could potentially lead to tensions and conflicts with other nations or blocsâ. In Indiaâs case, defining itself as a âcivilizational stateâ certainly leads to tensions with Pakistan (and perhaps to a growing extent with Bangladesh).
I believe that this âcivilizational stateâ conception is a belief of the Hindu Right. I agree with the Indian left that the Republic of India is a nation-state that was created on August 15, 1947âexactly at the same moment that Pakistan was created. British India was not a nation-state but a colony. Upon decolonization, parts of the colony went their own way. Continue reading On “Civilization States” vs. Nation-States