DSPO 22A30 - Democracy & Authoritarianism in South Asia

This course pursues four inter-related objectives. First, it critically engages with the concepts of democracy and authoritarianism in South Asia, examining what defines each and how political regimes display features of both. Second, it confronts theory with the multiple contexts in South Asia, comparing state-building trajectories in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka — exploring postcolonial history, national identity debates, and processes of democratization and democratic breakdown. Third, it examines key elements of democratic society across the subcontinent: the rule of law, civil-military relations, pluralism and minority status, political parties and elections, and democratic and anti-democratic forces within civil society. Finally, it studies transversal aspects of South Asian political culture, including the cult of political leaders, dynasticism, and the criminalization of politics.

This will be a discussion – based course aiming at identifying and discussing key questions associated with the topic of the day and corresponding readings. The focus will be on drawing comparisons between various South Asian cases.

The assignments designed for this course are meant to encourage students to look at South Asia politics not only through the lenses of social sciences but also through literature and the media. You will be evaluated

• Oral exposé (once per term) 20%
• End of term group report and exposé 25%
• Class participation 20%
• Final in-class exam 35%

The final exam will consist in an essay based on a choice of given topics. You will be evaluated on (1) your ability to structure your paper in a clear, logical and coherent manner, (2) Your ability to identify the key dimension and questions related to the topic (3) your ability to connect the case to the larger themes or questions addressed in the course.