Abstract
During the last decade, the concept of civilization as applied to the study of international relations, has become a controversial issue in political science. This article attempts at examining the relationship between civilization and the process of national integration of a multiethnic state. Considering the history of the country, the size and diversity of the population, the Indian case is exceptional. However, for the same reasons it provides ample evidence to establish the relationship between specific features of civilization and the formation of supraethnic political culture as a major prerequisite for the stability of a multiethnic polity.
Highlights
India can be regarded as a fairly successful case of national integration
This article attempts at examining the relationship between civilization and the process of national integration of a multiethnic state
Ethnic pluralism, constituting a typical feature of the majority of modern states, poses a serious challenge to the integrity and, in many cases, the existence of a polity. Both theoretical research and hundreds of studies prove that ethnic identity, whenever it emerges, is followed by the formation of ethnic nationalism which in turn serves as a platform for political mobilization
Summary
The concept of civilization as applied to the study of international relations, has become a controversial issue in political science. Ethnic pluralism, constituting a typical feature of the majority of modern states, poses a serious challenge to the integrity and, in many cases, the existence of a polity. Both theoretical research and hundreds of studies prove that ethnic identity, whenever it emerges, is followed by the formation of ethnic nationalism (an invention of ethnic entrepreneurs according to the fashionable theory) which in turn serves as a platform for political mobilization. Ethnic nationalism need not be interpreted as either irrational, evil and disruptive scheming, or exalted patriotism It can be best understood as an ideology and movement aimed to achieve or preserve optimal conditions for the existence of a group which, according to its spokesmen, constitutes a nation. It poses a challenge to the multiethnic state
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