Non-Violence, Peace and Politics: Understanding Gandhi

The Iraq war of 2003 and its aftermath has established itself on the contemporary global scenario as an expression of the growing insecurity among nations and within society itself. In the 21 century, the world is again facing a situation comprising national arrogance, violence, violations of human rights, and the hegemonic spectre of world policing. In this context, the concepts of peace and non-violence as enunciated by Mahatma Gandhi gain importance. As stressed by him, the need is for a polity based on morality, restraint and containment. Gandhi’s concept of politics hinged on non-violence and truth and his application of this concept is remarkable. His non-violence was unique and showed him as a pacifist of a different kind. His politics was a means to achieve God. This volume is a collection of thought-provoking articles concentrating on various aspects of Gandhian thought. Its contributors have been drawn from different countries and different disciplines and their articles give a new dimension to the existing interpretations of Gandhian thought. It will be useful for students, researchers and experts in the fields of political science, Gandhian and peace studies, sociology, history and philosophy.