Description
Discover the compelling exploration of economic conservatism in post-independence India with 'Towards a Free Economy'. This enlightening book challenges the conventional narrative of neoliberalism as merely an antidemocratic and expert-driven initiative originating in the Northern Hemisphere. Instead, it unveils the rich tapestry of how economic conservatism developed in India's unique postcolonial context, reflecting a genuine commitment to democratic principles. Released in 2023 by Princeton University Press, this brand-new title (ISBN: 9780691205243) offers a critical analysis of the Swatantra Party, which emerged twelve years post British rule. The Swatantra Party advocated for a 'free economy', marking a significant departure from the Indian National Congress's approach to development, which emphasized statements of socialism and state-led industrial policies. Through diverse regional perspectives, the term 'free economy' is redefined, adapting to various local contexts shaped by language, caste, and class. The book draws attention to the complexities of anticommunism, private property rights, and the rise of entrepreneurial endeavors in southern and western India. 'Towards a Free Economy' is not just a historical account but a significant contribution to the understanding of political economy in a diverse society. Shipping for this item is free, and we kindly ask that you allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691205243
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
The unknown history of economic conservatism in India after independence
Neoliberalism is routinely characterized as an antidemocratic, expert-driven project aimed at insulating markets from politics, devised in the North Atlantic and projected on the rest of the world. Revising this understanding, Toward a Free Economy shows how economic conservatism emerged and was disseminated in a postcolonial society consistent with the logic of democracy.
Twelve years after the British left India, a Swatantra (“Freedom”) Party came to life. It encouraged Indians to break with the Indian National Congress Party, which spearheaded the anticolonial nationalist movement and now dominated Indian democracy. Rejecting Congress’s heavy-industrial developmental state and the accompanying rhetoric of socialism, Swatantra promised “free economy” through its project of opposition politics.
As it circulated across various genres, “free economy” took on meanings that varied by region and language, caste and class, and won diverse advocates. These articulations, informed by but distinct from neoliberalism, came chiefly from communities in southern and western India as they embraced new forms of entrepreneurial activity. At their core, they connoted anticommunism, unfettered private economic activity, decentralized development, and the defense of private property.
Opposition politics encompassed ideas and practice. Swatantra’s leaders imagined a conservative alternative to a progressive dominant party in a two-party system. They communicated ideas and mobilized people around such issues as inflation, taxation, and
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691205243
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
The unknown history of economic conservatism in India after independence
Neoliberalism is routinely characterized as an antidemocratic, expert-driven project aimed at insulating markets from politics, devised in the North Atlantic and projected on the rest of the world. Revising this understanding, Toward a Free Economy shows how economic conservatism emerged and was disseminated in a postcolonial society consistent with the logic of democracy.
Twelve years after the British left India, a Swatantra (“Freedom”) Party came to life. It encouraged Indians to break with the Indian National Congress Party, which spearheaded the anticolonial nationalist movement and now dominated Indian democracy. Rejecting Congress’s heavy-industrial developmental state and the accompanying rhetoric of socialism, Swatantra promised “free economy” through its project of opposition politics.
As it circulated across various genres, “free economy” took on meanings that varied by region and language, caste and class, and won diverse advocates. These articulations, informed by but distinct from neoliberalism, came chiefly from communities in southern and western India as they embraced new forms of entrepreneurial activity. At their core, they connoted anticommunism, unfettered private economic activity, decentralized development, and the defense of private property.
Opposition politics encompassed ideas and practice. Swatantra’s leaders imagined a conservative alternative to a progressive dominant party in a two-party system. They communicated ideas and mobilized people around such issues as inflation, taxation, and