Democratic Politics and Economic Reform in India [Paperback]

This book takes issue with existing theories of the relationship between democracy and economic liberalisation.Successive Indian governments have remained committed to market-oriented reform since its introduction in 1991. In a well-argued and controversial examination of the political dynamics which underlie that commitment, Jenkins challenges existing theories of the relationship between democracy and economic liberalisation. He contends that while democracy and liberalisation are no longer considered incompatible, the new thinking emphasises the wholesome aspects of democracy, downplaying the temptations of populism and its reliance on obfuscatory tactics in defusing political resistance. In fact, the author argues, it is through such political manoeuvring that democracy survives.Successive Indian governments have remained committed to market-oriented reform since its introduction in 1991. In a well-argued and controversial examination of the political dynamics which underlie that commitment, Jenkins challenges existing theories of the relationship between democracy and economic liberalisation. He contends that while democracy and liberalisation are no longer considered incompatible, the new thinking emphasises the wholesome aspects of democracy, downplaying the temptations of populism and its reliance on obfuscatory tactics in defusing political resistance. In fact, the author argues, it is through such political manoeuvring that democracy survives.Successive Indian governments have remained committed to market-oriented reform since its introduction in 1991. In a well-argued and controversial examination of the political dynamics that underlie that commitment, Jenkins challenges existing theories of the relationship between democracy and economic liberalization. He contends that while democracy and liberalization are no longer considered incompatible, the new thinking emphasizes the wholesome aspects of democracy, downplaying the temptations of populism and its lã%