Introduction In political theory, the act of speaking is often treated as the essence of participation. Democratic legitimacy is thought to rest on the voice of the people, expressed in deliberation, protest, or voting. Silence, by contrast, has long been relegated to the margins, dismissed as apathy, repression, or exclusion. Yet history and theory suggest … Read more
For much of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, the international community operated under the assumption that armed conflict, while inevitable, could be governed by agreed standards. Central to this framework were the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which codified principles of distinction, proportionality, and protection of civilians. These rules of war were meant … Read more
Why climate justice matters to India For India, climate justice is not a slogan. It is a practical framework for balancing three imperatives at once: lifting millions into a dignified life, keeping energy reliable and affordable, and cutting emissions fast enough to help avoid dangerous warming. International law already recognizes the idea that responsibilities differ … Read more
Introduction: A Theory Ahead of Its Time In 1971, American philosopher John Rawls revolutionized modern political thought with A Theory of Justice, a work that sought to answer one of humanity’s most enduring questions: what does it mean to create a just society? At its heart lies the notion of “justice as fairness” a vision … Read more
In a world teeming with elections, political campaigns, and constitutional frameworks, one would imagine democracy to be thriving. Yet, the irony of our times is that while the external forms of democracy remain intact, its moral and psychological foundations are weakening. This foundational concern, political legitimacy, lies at the heart of political theory, but is … Read more
In the vast and complex mosaic that is India, democracy has not just been a political framework it has been a way of life. From the first general elections in 1951-52 to the most recent electoral exercises, India has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to hold together a diverse, multilingual, multi-religious population under one democratic roof. … Read more
In the not-so-distant past, the global order operated under the illusion of stability. A U.S.-dominated unipolar world had emerged after the Cold War, marked by the dominance of Western institutions, values, and economic models. But that era is fading—slowly, unevenly, and turbulently. Today, the world stands at the cusp of a dramatic realignment, defined not … Read more
“The machines are learning—fast. But are our democracies keeping up?” Democracy today stands at the crossroads of history and innovation. While technology once empowered democratic participation—bringing voices closer to the ballot, information to the citizen, and transparency to the corridors of power—it is now threatening to erode the very pillars it aimed to strengthen. The … Read more
A Democracy in Half Light India calls itself the world’s largest democracy. Yet, its democratic promise remains woefully incomplete when viewed through the lens of gender. For all its constitutional idealism, the Indian political system continues to marginalize half of its citizenry from decision-making spaces. The issue at stake is not just inclusion—it is authentic … Read more
The idea of India as a Vishwaguru has often been misunderstood as a pursuit of global dominance. But the truth is, Vishwaguru is not about proving something to the world—it is about becoming something from within. It is about India reaching a state of self-sufficiency, moral strength, and holistic development that naturally inspires others. And … Read more