000			02047nam a2200217Ia 4500
999			_c77960 _d77960
005			20220323224441.0
008			200204s9999 xx 000 0 und d
020			_a9780195683684
082			_a327.11 DEM
100			_aBajpai, K. Shankar (ed.)
245		0	_aDemocracy and diversity
260			_aNew Delhi
260			_bOxford University Press
260			_c2007
300			_a312p.
365			_b 595.00
365			_dRS
520			_aAmong the world's eleven longstanding democracies, India and America are by far the largest. But there is very little material on how the successes and problems of one might be relevant to the other, or to other states. India has managed its diversities impressively, and yet not been part of the study of comparative democratic theory or practice. This volume brings together four leading international scholars in the field, with four Indian counterparts, to stimulate fresh thinking on the issue. Conscious of the differences between India and the US, and the difficulties of attempting comparisons, they approach democratic practices in one country keeping in mind similarities and contrasts in the other. Examining democratic institutions in India and the US, the contributors study the points of divergence-and possible convergence-with other democracies. They contest the idea that social homogeneity is essential to democracy. The politics of language in both countries has shown how differences, as opposed to homogeneity, can actually promote democracy. The volume inquires into the absence, in Indian political parties, of the internal democracy that is intrinsic to the functioning of their US counterparts. It explores links between democracy in parties and their capacity to accommodate religious, racial, ethnic, caste, linguistic, and regional diversities. It also provides insights into the factors that control the strength of democracy and social harmony in societies with a multi-national dimension to their polities.
650			_aDemocracy-India-America
942			_cB _2ddc