Contemporary Political Ideologies

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Contemporary Political Ideologies is intended to be a short but intimate introduction to the main tenets of major political ideologies prevailing in the present-day world, in a critical and comparative perspective so as to yield impartial judgement. These ideologies have been examined in the light of Indian as well as global experience. Apart from occasional references to the relevant political thought, adequate attention has been paid to the historical development of the concerned ideology, its philosophical analysis, its economic as well as sociological dimensions. In short, each ideology has been discussed in interdisciplinary perspective.

At the outset, this study elaborates various aspects of the concept of ideology, including a reference to the 'end of ideology' debate. Then it proceeds to elucidate the ideology of liberalism (including neo-liberalism), utilitarianism, conservatism (including neo-conservatism), idealism (focusing on Kant, Hegel and Green), Marxism (including neo-Marxism), socialism (including political thought of Laski, Narendra Dev, Nehru and Jayaprakash Narayan), anarchism (including its broad streams), nationalism and internationalism (including Tagore's critique of nationalism). It also discusses the retrograde ideology like fascism, and progressive ideologies like secularism (including the views of Gandhi and Nehru), humanism (including the views of Kant, Vivekanand, Tagore and M.N. Roy). Finally, it examines the conceptions of communitarians, feminism (including status of the girl-child), environmentalism (including sustainable development), Gandhism (including Gandhian critique of modern civilization), postmodernism, and multiculturalism (including the significance of composite culture).

The book is written in a reader-friendly style. Intricate concepts are elucidated through explanatory diagrammes, flow charts and comparative charts. On-the-spot definitions of important terms, a brief description of historical contexts and some crisp quotations are given in boxes.

Dr. O.P. Gauba studied at D.A.V. College, Dehradun and the University of Delhi. He obtained B.A. Degree in Literature and Philosophy, M.A. Degrees in Sociology and Political Science from Agra University, and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Delhi. He taught in the University of Delhi from 1967 to 2004. Presently he is fully devoted to academic writing. His other important publications include: An Introduction to Political Theory; Western Political Thought;' Political Thought; Social and Political Philosophic'; Political Ideas and Ideologies. Reading Gandhi; Dimensions of Social Justice; and Constitutionalism sin u Changing Perspective, apart from a host of academia books and standard reference works in Hindi.

Broadly speaking, 'political ideology' refers to a set of ideas designed to support a particular type of political order. In most cases, it resembles a 'political theory'. But the two are not identical. A political ideology may be distinguished by its `motivational' value which prompts its upholders to strengthen an existing order or to overthrow it for establishing a new order. In many cases, adherents of a particular ideology may take it to be true without examining the validity of its tenets. That is why many thinkers have condemned ideology. It is alleged that political theory involves a `disinterested' search for truth while ideology is particularly 'interested' to implement a predetermined programme. Some thinkers have denigrated ideology as an expression of 'false consciousness' or an instrument of 'totalitarianism'. However, it would not be fair to view each ideology with disdain. Some ideologies tend to inspire the oppressed people to challenge the prevalent notions of 'truth' imposed by the 'vested interests', and to fight vigorously against injustice. In such cases, ideology signifies a strong commitment to truth and justice.

Our experience has shown that an ideology could be progressive (such as humanism and secularism) as well as retrograde (such as fascism and fundamentalism). Most of the ideologies may be challenged by their contradictory ideologies. Even a progressive ideology like 'humanism' may be labeled as 'anthropocentrism', and challenged by the adherents of 'eco-centrism'. In any case, familiarity with diverse opinions and ideologies will stimulate our search for truth. If any ideology claims to have 'found the truth', it must be discarded at once. As Andre Gide (1869-1951), French man-of-letters, has rightly advised: "Believe those who are seeking truth. Doubt those who find it." When an ideology becomes rigid, and insulates itself from challenge or debate, it is reduced to a dogma.

The purpose of the present study 'Contemporary Political Ideologies' is to examine the main tenets of major political ideologies prevailing in the present-day world, in a critical and comparative perspective so as to yield impartial judgement. These ideologies have been examined in the light of Indian as well as global experience. Apart from occasional references to the relevant political thought, adequate attention has been paid to the historical development of the concerned ideology, its philosophical analysis, its economic as well as sociological dimensions. Effort has been made to discuss each ideology in interdisciplinary perspective.

At the outset, this study elaborates various aspects of the concept of ideology, including a reference to the 'end of ideology' debate. Then it proceeds to elucidate the ideology of liberalism (including neo-liberalism), utilitarianism, conservatism (including neo-conservatism), idealism (focusing on Kant, Hegel and Green), Marxism (including neo-Marxism), socialism (including political thought of Laski, Narendra Dev, Nehru and Jayaprakash Narayan), anarchism (including its broad streams), nationalism and internationalism (including Tagore's critique of nationalism). It also discusses the retrograde ideology like fascism, and progressive ideologies like secularism (including the views of Gandhi and Nehru), humanism (including the views of Kant, Vivekanand, Tagore and M.N. Roy). Finally, it examines the conceptions of communitarianism, feminism (including status of the girl-child), environmentalism (including sustainable development), Gandhism (including Gandhian critique of modern civilization), postmodernism, and multiculturalism (including the significance of composite culture).

The book is written in a reader-friendly style. Intricate concepts are elucidated through suitable headings and subheadings, explanatory diagrammes, flow charts and comparative charts. On-the-spot definitions of important terms, a brief description of historical contexts and some crisp quotations are given in boxes.

It is hoped that this modest attempt will prove to be reasonably useful for the academic community. Constructive suggestions will be most welcome.

**Contents and Sample Pages**