Gandhi's Challenge to Modernization Theories

Abstract

In the previous chapter, we have discussed how the theories of nationalism have been slowly incorporated into the theories of modernization and nation-building. We have seen the inter-relation between nationalism and modernization, and, how in the process of nation-building, the political community undergoes radical changes. Over and above, it has been pointed out that, in the third world countries, the attainment of national sovereignty at once places on the nationalist leaders the responsibility of rapid modernizatin of their societies. As a result, the nation building and modernizing tasks have to be borne con-currently. In so far as the nationalist movements and nationalist leadership are able to face the responsibility, and in so far as their ideologies and goals are congruent with the needs of modernization, there is rapid development. But if the nationalist leaders miss this message of history they often act as impediments both to nationalism and modernization.