THE LAW OF FORCE: The Violent Heart of Indian Politics by by Thomas Blom Hansen [Paperback]

In The Law of Force, scholar David Hansen delivers a sharp critique of the violent and illiberal forces shaping contemporary Indian politics. Tracing their emergence in the 1980s and 1990s, he explores how regional movements and the rise of Hindu nationalism have co-opted a language of strength, fueled by feelings of deprivation and anger. Hansen contrasts the constitutional ideals of rights and justice with the harsh realities faced by non-elite Indians, highlighting the rise of a politics rooted in passion and public anger. He argues that this 'law of force'—bolstered by the Hindu nationalist movement—has transformed public violence into a legitimate form of political expression, challenging the foundations of democracy in India.