Columnists

Ashutosh Varshney

The writer is Sol Goldman Professor of International Studies and the Social Sciences at Brown University, where he also directs the Center for Contemporary South Asia at the Watson Institute. He is a contributing editor for The Indian Express.

Crime and context

Fri, Jul 07, 2017

Lynchings draw upon the master narrative of cow protection promoted by the current political elites

The Yogi gamble

Mon, Apr 17, 2017

Adityanath’s elevation as UP CM is a move of radical novelty — and political risk

A PM like Indira Gandhi

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

Like her, Modi has established his dominance. But can he move beyond her legacy, to rule by persuasion?

When the state looks away

Wed, Mar 01, 2017

Gujarat 2002, like Delhi 1984, is a case of state culpability. One was ideological, the other strategic.

America vs America

Wed, Feb 15, 2017

Trump presidency deepens clash within: Ideals of equality and freedom vs its pre-1965 history.

Demonetisation 2.0

Thu, Feb 02, 2017

It has become manifestly clear that it is a political move without an economic rationale.

Post-truth demonetisation

Thu, Jan 05, 2017

Instead of government by argumentation, we have government by rhetoric and spectacle.

White with rage

Sat, Nov 12, 2016

Trump vote is not primarily born of globalisation anxieties. It is the outcome of white nationalism.

Last tango in America

Wed, Nov 02, 2016

Trump’s victory, if it happens, will defy several probabilities. But such defiance is not unheard of.

Inside, outside

Tue, Sep 27, 2016

Any response to Uri must factor in the Pakistani state’s relationship with non-state actors.

Return of the cow

Tue, Aug 23, 2016

Cow protection, paradoxically, poses a threat to the BJP’s project of Hindu unity.

In China, a stirring and a new question

Wed, Aug 03, 2016

Peoples’ desire for freedom is greater. Can the government continue to control the flow of information?

The Trump spectre

Mon, Jun 27, 2016

Tapping into anxiety and prejudice, he could lead the US back to a past it had moved on from.

Mind the liberal gaps

Wed, May 25, 2016

India’s democracy shines electorally. But increasing attacks on freedoms in between polls must worry us all.

The Bharat Mata pivot

Wed, Mar 30, 2016

It gives the BJP a mobilisational narrative to link what the RSS wants with what it can render as a holder of state power.

Modi’s Idea of India-2

Sat, Feb 06, 2016

Conflicting political, constitutional and ideological imperatives will continue to generate paradoxes.

Modi’s idea of India-1

Wed, Jan 27, 2016

As his second Republic Day closes, it is clear PM’s concept of nationhood extends beyond constitutional parameters.

San Francisco to Dadri

Fri, Oct 23, 2015

Can modernity and atavism be simultaneously embraced? Which will give in first?

Can Modi turn the tide?

Tue, Aug 04, 2015

His surplus legitimacy is eroding. The Bihar elections offer an opportunity to douse the fire.

Untie the farmer

Wed, Apr 29, 2015

To leave farmers on land and not give them skills for urban and industrial lives is equal to trapping them in misery.

Faults and lines

Sat, Mar 28, 2015

Parties have split before. But AAP’s internal dissension doesn’t look fundamental.

What Delhi rejects

Thu, Feb 19, 2015

Hindu right’s conduct put off voters who had supported BJP for growth, governance.

Putin’s next step

Tue, Feb 03, 2015

Will he take the Mao option or the Soros route? India, and the world, are watching.

Barack Obama in India

And now, India’s turn

Wed, Jan 28, 2015

Obama visit recognised long term convergence of interests. India will need to reciprocate.

The 2015 question

Tue, Dec 30, 2014

When can we expect Modi to view RSS as a source of injury to his leadership?