The late 20th century has witnessed a confusing and seemingly also threatening diversification of world politics, especially after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. While shortly after these events the victory of democracy was celebrated or even the “end of history” proclaimed (Fukuyama), it soon became clear that these rather optimistic assumptions could not be sustained. Huntington (1993) predicted conflicts along cultural lines and Alvin and Heidi Toffler (1994) assumed these conflicts would take the form of asymmetric warfare leading to the phenomenon of “failed states” which, according to Chomsky (2006), present a threat to democracy. Asymmetric warfare, cultural conflicts and failed states have all already left their impact on the young 21st century.
Yet the same period of time has also seen unprecedented global integration, in the economy, but in terms of human personal exchange as well, largely fueled by new communication technologies. However, the emerging “global village” seems to bear more characteristics of a Hobbesian state of nature than of a global civilization. Furthermore, as there are an ever increasing number of issues which can obviously only be addressed on a transnational basis, it becomes necessary to supplement global economic integration with an adequate political framework.
Both India and the European Union are prime examples of political integration, the former for national and the latter for regional integration. However, one of the presumptions of this dissertation is that in both cases complementary forms of political integration can be identified: while in India national integration necessitated regional integration, the European Union may well be on its way toward a European super- state.
The term “model” has two connotations: (1) it describes a distinguishable set of characteristics, and (2) it contains a (usually positive) qualitative aspect, something that could/ should be followed or imitated. While in the case of India and the European Union the first connotation is rather obvious as two distinctive types of integration can be identified, this dissertation not only attempts to analyse these different types but also to verify whether the second connotation can be applied or not. As the hypothesis is that in both types elements of the other will be identifiable, the focus rests upon discovering certain patterns of integration while at the same time appreciating the differences.
Table of Contents
1. A Theoretical Framework of Political Integration
1.1. Nations, Nationbuilding and National Integration
1.2. Regional Integration: Functionalism, Neofuntionalism and Intergovernmentalism
1.3. International Integration
2. Historical Background
2.1. The National Integration of India
2.1.1. Geographical, Historical and Cultural Determinants of the Subcontinent
2.1.2. Nationalism and Freedom Movement
2.1.3. Resisting India- the Mizoram Experience
2.2. The Project of Europe
2.2.1. From the Treaty of Westphalia to the Modern European Nation- State
3. Structures of Integration- Federalism
3.1. The Transformation of Indian Federalism
3.2. Regionalism in India
3.2.1. Tamil Nadu
3.2.2. Gorkhaland
3.3. Europe- Union, Federation or Confederacy?
4. Policies of Integration
4.1. Multiculturalism
4.1.1. Theories of Multiculturalism
4.1.2. Multiculturalism in India- Constitutional Provisions and Practical Application
4.1.2.1. Hindu Cultural Nationalism and the Quest for a Uniform Civil Code
4.1.3. Multiculturalism in the European Union
4.2. Secularism
4.2.1. Western and Eastern Traditions of Secularism
4.2.2. The Secularism Debate in India
4.2.3. The Resurgence of an Occidental Christian Identity - the Case of Turkey’s Admission into the European Union
Objectives and Topics
This thesis examines the processes of political integration in India and the European Union, exploring how two diverse regions attempt to manage internal plurality while moving toward unity. The central objective is to analyze whether these integration models can serve as role models, while investigating the complex relationship between diverse regional identities and the overarching political frameworks of the nation-state and the EU.
- Theoretical frameworks of national, regional, and international political integration.
- Comparative analysis of the historical backgrounds of India and the European Union.
- The role of federalism as a structure for political integration in diverse societies.
- Policy challenges surrounding multiculturalism and secularism within integrated states.
- The influence of leadership and identity construction in the consolidation of political unions.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Nations, Nationbuilding and National Integration
“…a nation is a great solid unit, formed by the realization of sacrifices in the past, as well as of those one is prepared to make in the future. A nation implies a past; while, as regards the present, it is all contained in one tangible fact, viz., the agreement and clearly expressed desire to continue a life in common. The existence of a nation is a daily plebiscite, just as that of the individual is a continual affirmation of life. Nations are not eternal. They have bad beginnings and will have ends; and will probably be replaced by a confederation of Europe.”
The question of what constitutes a legitimate nation was addressed by Renan in a speech presented to an audience at the Sorbonne University in 1882. His answer is remarkable for various reasons and, from a historical perspective, exhibits an almost prophetic character. According to Renan, nations are rather recent phenomena in history; they are “the historic consequence of a series of facts converging towards the same point.” Consequently, there is no reason to assume that nations will exist forever. What distinguishes nations is that they transcend the dynastic principle: a dynasty’s right to rule is at least complemented by a “national right”. A nation may be created by a dynasty and continue to be ruled by it, but not necessarily cease to exist once the dynasty disappears.
Summary of Chapters
1. A Theoretical Framework of Political Integration: This chapter establishes the foundational definitions of political integration, contrasting planned versus unplanned processes and discussing systems theory as a tool for analysis.
2. Historical Background: This chapter provides a comparative overview of the historical trajectories of India and the European Union, focusing on how their distinct geographic and cultural conditions shaped their current integration paths.
3. Structures of Integration- Federalism: This chapter analyzes federalism as the primary structural response to diversity in both regions, examining how it facilitates power-sharing while maintaining unity.
4. Policies of Integration: This chapter explores the specific policy areas of multiculturalism and secularism, investigating how the two regions manage the inherent tensions between diverse societal identities and national political goals.
Keywords
Political integration, nation-building, federalism, secularism, multiculturalism, European Union, India, regionalism, identity, sovereignty, nationalism, social mobilization, constitutionalism, diversity, political theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The work focuses on analyzing the political integration processes of India and the European Union, specifically addressing how both manage diversity through structural and policy-based frameworks.
What are the primary themes covered in the book?
Central themes include the comparison of Indian and European historical backgrounds, the utility of federalism as a tool for political unity, and the challenges presented by multiculturalism and secularism in diverse political systems.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The primary objective is to determine if India and the European Union can be considered "role models" for political integration and to identify common patterns of integration that provide a framework for managing diversity.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes a focused comparison approach based on secondary data, analyzing historical and theoretical texts to derive patterns in political integration.
What topics are addressed in the main body?
The main body treats theoretical frameworks of integration, the historical evolution of the Indian and European states, the structural implementation of federalism, and the policy-based management of diversity through multiculturalism and secularism.
How would you describe the key terms of this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as nation-building, regional integration, federalism, and the political management of cultural diversity in both post-modern and post-national contexts.
How does the author define the difference between Indian and European integration?
The author argues that India’s integration is fundamentally "postmodern" due to its intense internal diversity, whereas European integration is characterized as "postnational," reflecting a union of states with strong individual identities.
Why does the author discuss the case of Turkey?
The case of Turkey is used to highlight the complexities of European integration, particularly regarding its indefinite eastern borders, the role of cultural identity, and the potential resurgence of a Christian-based definition of "Europeanness."
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Erckel (Author), 2009, India and the European Union - Two Models of Integration, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/178802
