INAF 386 - South Asian Politics

This course presents a comparative analysis of the political systems including political culture of South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan. Topics include: ancient civilization; the traditions of spiritualism, tolerance of ambiguity, and ideological flexibility in contrast to Western thinking; Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence and public aspect of ‘dharma’ and ‘atma’; caste system and its challenge to national integration; and the role/exploitation of religion in the politics of South Asian countries. A special emphasis will be placed on Afghanistan, Pakistan nuclear deterrents, and the war on terrorism.