Ethnicity, Nationhood And The ‘Irrelevant State’: Issues In Governance And Public Policy

The concepts of ethnicity and ethnocentrism are very much relevant in the contemporary social and political discourse, which is characterised (among other features) by primordialism and traditionalism. In a modern day contextual setting, every nation-state, however tradition-bound it may be, is guided by a tendency to modernise. As a result, a clash becomes inevitable between the old setting and the new ethos and aspirations. Consequently, the whole social system is exposed to turbulence and it becomes very difficult to maintain the very structure of the social order. In this context, the role of the State as a political actor acquires critical importance. The basic questions in such a situation are going to be modernity versus old values, autonomy of the State, alternative(s) if State fails, and possible irrelevance of the State itself. To enable the State to overcome these dilemmas and challenges, a sound governing policy is needed to address all the social and political (as well as economic) issues in order to bring about a social equilibrium. In this connection, the role of civil society needs to be analysed closely because it can supplement the governing process in an effective way. A vibrant and strong civil society can enhance self-governance by making it more democratic and more responsive to the goals and concerns of the people at large.