Throughout the world, multiethnic states are under pressure from separatist movements–some have even disintegrated under the force of such demands. The Indian Union is no exception to this trend but has so far remained intact. Separatist demands have of late gained support from various intellectuals who question the very viability of the nation-state as an integrating force. In contrast to this trend, Arthur G Rubinoff provides a positive case study of the application of integration theory, which also highlights the unique nature of the Indian path of integration. The author describes the construction of a Goan political community and the transformation of its identity after integration with India following 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule. He examines India’s efforts to promote nationalist sentiment and analyzes the problems of transition as also the response of Goan ethnic and social groups to the process of integration. The politics of Goa are used to illustrate the process of integrating diverse social, linguistic and religious groups that all modernizing countries experience. The author concludes by assessing the impact integration with India has had on demographic changes, economic development, migration and other transformations in the region. The author maintains that the nature of Goa’s post-colonial integration will serve as a basis to compare the experience of other European enclaves in the developing world. While Goa was transformed by peaceful and democratic means, Hong Kong and Macao are being absorbed by a Communist regime. An important contribution to integration theory and comparative politics, this book will interest scholars in the fields of political science, ethnicity, sociology and Indian government and politics.
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