"In this immensely valuable study, the authors confront us with the philosophical and practical values of Gandhian conflict resolution in the context of the othering mindset in the South Asian region. While trying to build a new approach beyond the partition narrative and based on the Gandhian tradition of harmony and solidarity, this book invites us to explore new pathways for peacebuilding, by replacing traditional power structures which continue to create violence, domination, and coercive hierarchies, with structures based on nonviolence, inclusion, and co-existence."—Ramin Jahanbegloo, O.P. Jindal Global University
Description
Mohandas K. Gandhi was a sharp critic of the 1947 partition of British India that created two independent states of India and Pakistan, believing that partition politics, rooted in the psychology of othering, would turn South Asia into a near permanent conflict zone. His apprehension was not without basis. The psychology of othering that engendered partition continues to manifest itself in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, interstate wars and communal violence. It permeates not only politics at a higher level but also everyday life. In exploring partition and post-partition developments in South Asia in this interdisciplinary work, Mahapatra and Shekhawat argue for a Gandhian approach to transform the conflict landscape in South Asia.
The authors illustrate how Gandhian principles of multicultural belonging and pluralism are key to resolving conflicts, not just in South Asia but across the world. Beyond Othering is a timely and relevant contribution to the discourse on conflict resolution, making it essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in peacebuilding in the region and beyond.
About the Author
Debidatta Aurobinda Mahapatra is professor of political science at the Florida State College at Jacksonville.
Seema Shekhawat teaches politics at the University of North Florida. She is also an Honorary Fellow at Royal Holloway, London. She is the author of Gender, Conflict and Peace in Kashmir.
Related Interest
September 2023
