Search

Both populism and nationalism are rooted in the idea of popular sovereignty. They look alike when populism gravitates towards the right, identifying "the people" with an ethnic or racial majority, and when nationalism turns against the minorities. But populism can also go towards the left, embracing the low-income citizenry as the nation's "true people," just as nationalism can include ethnic and racial diversity under its umbrella. Some other key differences are also noteworthy. Populism is inevitably defined as an anti-elitist doctrine, whereas nationalism is often led by the elites. Moreover, embedded as it normally is in state institutions, laws, school textbooks, museums and maps, nationalism can be a state ideology, taking routinized forms. In contrast, populist politics thrives on a virtually relentless mobilization of popular energy. Nationalism acquires this fervent form mainly under two conditions: when it is secessionary, trying to break states up, or when it becomes majoritarian, attacking internal minorities. Otherwise, nationalism can easily exist in a quieter register. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article talks about the growth, inequality and nationalism in India after India's democracy at 1970, which mention about growth rate of India in term of economics and population, and it also mention about noneconomic side of politics for the political success of political parties in India.

The article assesses the popularity of Hindu nationalist ideology in India. Topics covered include the comparison of Hindu nationalism with democracy as well as the remarkable results and highlights of the 16th general election in the country. Also mentioned is the support of over 100 million for the election and position of the urban middle class in the issue of democracy in the country.