Book review: Ghanshyam Shah, Democracy, Civil Society and Governance
| Author | Dhananjay Rai |
| Published date | 01 March 2020 |
| Date | 01 March 2020 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0019556120907523 |
| Subject Matter | Book Reviews |
140 Book Reviews
‘Global’ theoretical–practical spirit in the contemporary discipline of IR which
vehemently strives to attain a ‘Global’ orientation by diminishing the cognitive
gaps between the West and the rest. Obviously, this book is recommended for
all open-minded readers, researchers and intellectuals of every creed, faith or
belief. Through meticulous research and massive referencing, the author has
prudently explored the philosophy of Advaitism for possible construction of an
alternative Global IR theory. The author provides a reasonable evidence of assimi-
lation where a Western endeavour utilises an Indian concept or invention without
any acknowledgement of the source. She cites scholars and details their works,
demonstrating her own academic capacity for absorbing conflicting ideas
and understanding their significance. She further demonstrates her knack for
respecting individual authors by providing clear and faithful references to their
words. Indeed, the book presents the works of several eminent scholars who have
helped nurture ideas through scholarly analysis, debates and self-exploration.
Serious readers must engage Dr. Deepshikha Shahi in discussion on factual issues
raised in this book. It is of particular significance for those who may subscribe
to Advaitism in the West, in particular and the rest, in general. Overall, this book
requires a thorough reading.
Prof. Sudhanshu Tripathi
Director (Incharge) School of Social Sciences
UPRTOU, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh, India
E-mail: sudhanshu.tripathi07@gmail.com
Ghanshyam Shah, Democracy, Civil Society and Governance. New Delhi:
SAGE, 2019, xix + 238 pp., `795.*
DOI: 10.1177/0019556120907523
This book is a substantive defence of ‘aesthetic of democracy’. Aesthetic of
democracy is explained by way of innumerable heard/unheard organisations,
known/unknown contributors whose lives unflinchingly had/have been devoted
for making democracy democratic. The theoretical appeal of this book is univer-
sal, and its empirical site is Gujarat. This empirical site is not an empiricist site. In
other words, it is not a mere collection of data or detached observation. In fact,
this book emphatically stresses on the role of innumerable groups for effective
functioning of democracy by way of discarding class, caste, gender and other
discriminations. These innumerable groups belong to Radical Civil Society (RCS)
which shape and have a stake in democracy. On the contrary, the Hegemonic Civil
Society (HCS) favours status quoism leading to protraction of the economic struc-
ture/capitalism with no value for substantive democracy. This book is a much
* Some of the questions and concerns, and issues regarding ‘non-party thesis’ of the review were
presented in a panel discussion, organised by Dialogues, Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar
on 13 March 2019. I am thankful to Dialogues, Dr Mona Mehta and Dr Madhumita Sengupta for the
invitation and deliberation.
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