Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Historical experiences, collective beliefs, and ideas shape the way nation-states behave in the international system. In the conduct of war, or during the construction of foreign policy, actor’s strategic preferences are informed by a cultural system operating at the domestic level. This research papers draws on the constructivist literature in international relations scholarship to trace the strategic cultural shift at present in India, one from non-alignment to that of strategic engagement. It makes the claim that since the time of Indian independence, Indian strategic culture has been defined by a norm of non-alignment. However, in the present strategic context, Indian strategic policy appears to be increasingly informed by a policy of greater strategic engagement. The paper will trace this process of change, and argue that the norm of non-alignement might have perhaps been undermined by polices for greater engagement, but its efficacy and influence is not lost on India's strategic elite as well as its local populace. The paper will demonstrate that ideas with regards to security poliy shapes the ideational lens through which an actor views the world and conducts itself in the international system.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The ‘Indian’ as a construct of American law is daily reproduced by the legal structure of 'Indian Country,' in that the pursuit of economic, social and other policies of federal, state, local and private actors requires a mechanism to locate the ‘Indian’ so as to ensure that the proper lines of jurisdictional authority are maintained. Deeply embedded in the structure of Indian Country, then, is a racial category; once the ‘Indian’ has been successfully located, (s)he is made subject to unique jurisdictional authority. It is through the legal construction of the ‘Indian’ and ‘Indian Country’ that particular content of this racial category--as a "dependent race" requiring United States tutelage--has been sustained and daily reproduced, despite its recent disavowal. The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of the development of federal plenary capacity over the indigenous nations and thereby explore the shift in their position in the American Constitutional order, from separate nations to controlled communities under a tutelary regime. I seek to locate and examine the shift in Indian policy from federal control over intercourse with the indigenous peoples to an active role in shaping and organizing (and disorganizing) indigenous communities. I follow this discussion into the present day with an account of how the structure of Indian Country, even during the period of Self-Determination and "Forced Federalism," recreates the tutelary racial ideologies of the 19th century.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The rapid growth of casino gaming--both from state-authorized casinos such as those in Mississippi, Colorado, and Illinois, and Indian tribal casinos in places like California, Connecticut, Mississippi, and Wisconsin--have provided much-needed revenues to states, local government, and native Americans. That growth has also fueled political activities by both pro- and anti-gaming forces. In 2004, the casino industry ranked number 35 among the 80 industries tracked by the Center for Responsive Politics as major contributors to electoral campaigns. The present research will take a case study of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, examining the explosive growth of their gaming operations in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and detailing the extent and uses of their political contributions. Contributions to federal and statewide campaigns will be examined, and possible explanations offered for the giving patterns established by this tribe. Implications of the study findings for other tribes will also be considered.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: First generation Indian American parents are faced with the task of creating Indian culture in the United States for second-generation children, many of whom have never lived in India. One such task is to encourage endogamy and discourage traditions of Western mate selection, such as dating. In this study, I examine the dating practices of second-generation Indian Americans in order to explore how they negotiate “being Indian” and “being American.” Relying on a cognitive pluralistic perspective, I show how this negotiation involves a process whereby a sociomental boundary is created between two different cultures. Second-generation Indian Americans have identities that are situated across two “worlds," with friends and activities being arranged by social space. What constitutes a “date” is fairly consistent with the mainstream dominant culture. However, the definition of “dating” and a "relationship" reveal the influence of Indian culture. Second-generation children and Indian American parents construct relationships in a different manner. For children, dating can be recreational; for parents, it is a precursor to marriage, and more importantly, considered an exogamous taboo. Thus, children and parents carve different meanings from the same social flux. The cognitive boundary between “Indian” and “American” is also apparent in the communication styles in the family. Through secrecy and the unspoken, the boundary between "being Indian" and "being American" is constructed and reinforced.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The paper examines Indian cinema of the post-liberalization era to argue that the impact of India's integration into the global economy is palpably evident in Bollywood's representations of the twenty-something generation's dreams and fantasies. The Hindi cinema of the post liberalization era differs radically from the post independence Nehru - Shastri - Indira Gandhi era in its portrayal of the protaganists' fantasies. The audience becomes privy to these fantasies as the hero and heroine sing and imgine the good life they would like to lead together. In the cinema of the 50s, 60s, and even 70s, during the duration of these love songs the lovers' imagination takes them to different parts of India. Indeed, the songs provide the opportunity for the film industry to play its part in constructing Indians' imagining of their nation. One sees famous Indian monuments, landmarks that traverse the geographical landscape of the Indian state. In addition, the lovers are sometimes seen engaged in the various festivals and holidays like Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (festival honoring spring) etc. But post liberalization, the imagined locations where the lovers appear together as they sing and dance are no longer confined to India, they now include London, Paris, New York, the Swiss Alps etc , but never Tokyo or Singapore or Beijing or Manila unless the story is about these respective cities. I argue that the Indian imagination is being globalized, with global being a euphemism for the west. I use the insights provided by the Indian cinema to argue that globalization is suprisingly akin to neo-colonialism.