 |
| Another Realism: The Politics of Gandhian Nonviolence — A representative image. |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Another Realism: The Politics of Gandhian Nonviolence |
| Article Credit | American Political Science Review, ISSN: 0003-0554 / 1537-5943, Vol.: 106, Issue: 2, Year: 2012, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Karuna Mantena (Columbia University, Faculty Member) |
| Subject | This article reinterprets Mahatma Gandhi's political thought, arguing that his nonviolence is grounded in a form of political realism that emphasizes contextual, consequentialist, and moral-psychological analysis of politics. |
| Category | Political Theory |
| Institution | Yale University |
| Country of Publication | United States |
| Main Topics | Gandhian nonviolence, Political realism, Satyagraha, Means and ends in politics, Violence and escalation, Constructive programme, Hindu-Muslim unity |
| Number of Pages | 16 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 168.5 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This article by Karuna Mantena, published in the American Political Science Review, challenges the conventional view of Mahatma Gandhi as a moral idealist by arguing that his politics of nonviolence is premised on a form of political realism. Mantena contends that Gandhi's understanding of politics was fundamentally realist, characterized by a contextual, consequentialist, and moral-psychological analysis of a world marked by inherent tendencies toward conflict, domination, and violence. The article reconstructs Gandhi's theory of politics, focusing on his analysis of the sources and dynamics of violence, including the problems of idealism, cycles of violence, and the role of affect in escalation. It then examines satyagraha as a self-limiting form of political action that seeks to constrain the negative consequences of politics while working toward progressive reform. Mantena highlights the principles of satyagraha, such as the prioritization of means over ends, the role of disciplined suffering, and the importance of context in determining appropriate nonviolent action. She distinguishes between destructive and constructive satyagraha, illustrating the latter with Gandhi's constructive programme and his efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity. Ultimately, Mantena argues that Gandhian nonviolence offers a 'transformational realism' that can navigate between conservatism and pure instrumentalism, providing a viable alternative for principled political action.
Core Themes
- Political realism
- Nonviolence as political strategy
- Means-ends relationship
- Violence and escalation
- Constructive programme
Keywords
About Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi lived from 1869 to 1948. Born in India, he trained as a lawyer and became a political thinker. Colonial rule repelled him. He opposed it fiercely and eventually led India’s independence movement.
Gandhi pioneered Satyagraha, the power of truth and nonviolent resistance. He put these ideals into practice during political and social upheavals. Over twenty years in South Africa shaped his thinking. That’s where he developed his tactics of nonviolent defiance. He returned to India in 1915 and launched major movements against British rule. Non-Cooperation Movement. Salt March. Quit India Movement. Each one challenged colonial domination.
In 1883 he married Kasturba Gandhi. Marriage and family life remained central to who he was. He spoke powerfully about his beliefs. His writing included Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, and The Story of My Experiments with Truth, his autobiography.
His vision stretched beyond political independence. Religious harmony mattered to him. Social equality. Self-reliance. Women’s rights. Ending untouchability. All of these were part of what he fought for.
Nonviolence and Satyagraha shaped movements worldwide. Civil rights activists drew from his example. Freedom struggles across the globe felt his influence. His approach changed how people thought about resistance and change.
Complete Gandhi Research Collection
Download the entire collection of Gandhi research PDFs available on HISTORY MARG