The chapters in this volume analyse issues relating to political governance, national identity, economic development and regional security that have preoccupied the states of South Asia in the fifty years following independence. India has been faced with the challenge of developing effective democratic structures in the world's most diverse and populous society. It confronts tensions in its efforts to carry out economic reforms in a competitive resource-scarce context, and to maintain its commitment to secularism in the face of the growing influence of Hindu nationalism. The role of the...

This book was first published in 1975. The process of electing governments and replacing them in a peaceful and constitutional manner has characterised Ceylonese politics since 1947. Against the background of Ceylon's political development, Professor Wilson presents a detailed description and analysis of the events and aftermath of the General Election of 1970. The contest was between two almost equally balanced coalitions led by influential rival politicians. More significantly the Election brought about the final stages of the socialisation of Ceylon's traditional Marxist parties into the...

The chapters in this volume analyse issues relating to political governance, national identity, economic development and regional security that have preoccupied the states of South Asia in the fifty years following independence.