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Sikh Nationalism and Identity in a Global Age

Understanding Sikh Identity in a Globalized World

Giorgio Shani author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:6th Dec '07

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Sikh Nationalism and Identity in a Global Age cover

The book examines Sikh nationalism and identity, exploring the impacts of globalization on the quest for a sovereign Sikh state, Khalistan.

In Sikh Nationalism and Identity in a Global Age, the author delves into the complexities of Sikh national identity, particularly in the context of post-colonial India and its diaspora. The book explores the historical and social factors that have shaped Sikh identity and examines the reasons behind the unsuccessful quest for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan. Through comprehensive research spanning a decade, the author presents a nuanced understanding of how globalization has influenced the Sikh community's sense of nationhood.

The narrative posits that the failure to achieve a sovereign Sikh state should not be viewed as a weakness in communal ties among Sikhs. Instead, it highlights a significant transformation in national identity brought about by global interconnectedness. The emergence of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) has enabled the development of a transnational Sikh identity that transcends traditional notions of nationalism. This shift challenges established narratives in international relations and opens up possibilities for imagining a post-Westphalian community.

Sikh Nationalism and Identity in a Global Age is theoretically innovative and interdisciplinary, making it a valuable resource for students of South Asian studies, political science, and international relations. It also appeals to anyone interested in understanding the enduring significance of religious and cultural identities in an era marked by rapid political, economic, and social change.

'The author deserves applause for creating a readable narrative that effectively incorporates his understanding of Sikh history and demonstrates his close acquaintance with the theoretical literature centered upon themes ranging from identity formation to nationalism, diaspora studies, and globalization.' - Gurinder Singh Mann, University of California, Santa Barbara

'This book provides a rich synthesis of the existing literature on the subject, with a critical review of the arguments of the leading scholars in the field. The argument builds gradually and cogently, weaving the story from Punjab to the diaspora. The author does well to incorporate such diverse literature and argumentation, as well as providing us with new data on how the Sikhs in the diaspora are imagining Sikh identity in a global age. There is interesting use of internet groups that have been at the forefront of some of the debates that dominate the contemporary discourses about Sikh identity' - Gurharpal Singh, University of Birmingham, Nations Review

'This is an important book, which discerns key shifts in the ways in which Sikh political life has taken shape in the last fifty years, and how the Sikh community has arrived at a particular moment of promise. The book’s argument for a fundamental rethinking of assumptions regarding nationalist movements in the present in relation to the larger international system is both intellectually and pragmatically important.' - Anne Murphy, Journal of Asian Studies, Vol. 69, No.2 Feb 2010

ISBN: 9780415421904

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 570g

214 pages