TOPIC - COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RELIGIOUS

NATIONALISM AND POLITICS IN INDIA AND

ISRAEL

SUBMITTED BY SUBMITTED TO
Ritika Bansal – 23195 Ms. Aditi Dubey
Section C Assistant Professor of Political Science

RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LAW

PUNJAB, PATIALA

2023

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 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the project report entitled “Comparative Study of Religious
Nationalism and Politics in India and Israel” submitted to Rajiv Gandhi National
University of Law, Punjab, Patiala is an outcome of our original work carried out under the
supervision Ms. Aditi Dubey, Assistant Professor of Political Science at RGNUL. The
Project is entirely based on our research work and has not been submitted elsewhere. All the
ideas and references have been duly acknowledged. To the best of our understanding, the
project is free from plagiarism.

Ritika Bansal
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab,
Patiala

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 SUPERVISOR’S CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project assignment entitled “Comparative Study of Religious
Nationalism and Politics in India and Israel” submitted to Rajiv Gandhi National
University of Law, is a research work carried out by Ritika Bansal under my supervision and
guidance. As certified by the candidate, no portion of this study has been submitted to any
University for the grant of any Degree or Diploma.

Ms. Aditi Dubey

Assistant Professor of Political Science
Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab,
Patiala

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The success and ultimate completion of my project took a great deal of direction and support
from many individuals, and we consider ourselves quite fortunate to have received this during
the execution of our project. All of our accomplishments are the result of such monitoring and
help, for which I am grateful.

I will be eternally grateful to, The Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi National University of
Law, for giving us the chance to present our project and talents at such a prestigious
university. We admire and thank Ms. Aditi Dubey for giving us the chance to undertake this
particular project work at RGNUL and for providing us with assistance and advice, which
enabled us to finish the project successfully. Despite her hectic schedule handling various
issues, we are grateful to her for offering such wonderful assistance and counsel at every
required stage.

I am grateful and lucky to have had consistent encouragement, support, and advice from the
Teaching staff who assisted us in successfully finishing our project work. We extend our
gratefulness to all the staff members of the IT lab and Library, who, through their help with
database access played an integral part in the completion of this project. Lastly, I would like
to thank my classmates who constantly provided us with new personal viewpoints about the
project topic, resulting in immense enrichment of this paper and our personal intellect.

This project would not have been possible without the collective efforts, guidance, and
inspiration of those mentioned above. Their contributions have been extremely instrumental
in the successful completion of the project.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION........................................................................................................................................2
SUPERVISOR’S CERTIFICATE..................................................................................................................3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...........................................................................................................................4
TABLE OF CONTENTS.............................................................................................................................5
1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................6
1.1 Background and Significance......................................................................................................6
1.2 Research Objectives....................................................................................................................7
1.3 Methodology Overview..............................................................................................................8
1.4 Research Question......................................................................................................................9
2. LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................................................10
3. RELIGIOUS NATIONALISM IN INDIA................................................................................................11
3.1 Historical Evolution...................................................................................................................11
3.2 Rise of Hindutva Politics...........................................................................................................12
3.3 Electoral Dynamics and Religious Appeal.................................................................................13
3.4 Challenges to Secularism..........................................................................................................14
4. RELIGIOUS NATIONALISM IN ISRAEL..............................................................................................16
4.1 Historical Background...............................................................................................................16
4.2 Religion, Ethnicity, and Citizenship...........................................................................................17
4.3 Geopolitical Consequences.......................................................................................................18
4.4 Conflict Resolution and Peace Prospects..................................................................................19
5. CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH............................................................................................................21
5.1 Shared patterns........................................................................................................................21
5.2 Differences in context...............................................................................................................22
5.3 Governance and Minorities......................................................................................................23
6. COUNTER-CHARGES AND UNBORN POSSIBILITIES.........................................................................25
6.1 Political Climate and Polarization..............................................................................................25
6.2 International Relations.............................................................................................................26
6.3 Social Cohesion and Inclusion...................................................................................................26
7. CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................28
7.1 Recompilation of Findings........................................................................................................28
7.2 Political Activities......................................................................................................................29
7.3 Unspecified Questions and Future Research Directions...........................................................30
BIBLIOGRAPHY....................................................................................................................................31

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1. INTRODUCTION
This study analyses the intricate relationship between democracy and elections. Through an
in-depth exploration of these two distinct cases, this paper aims to uncover the
commonalities, differences, and implications of elections on democratical landscapes,
governance, and international relations.

1.1 What are Elections

Elections are artificial exercises whereby citizens or a community in a country
collectively select the individuals to take on the responsibilities of public offices, such as
government jobs or leading positions in organizations. They are significant to democratic
governance as they give citizens an avenue to participate in determining the course and
decisions taken within their communities or countries.

One of the most important components of an election is the candidate selection process,
which implies nominating and then choosing people to represent different interests or
ideologies in society. In most cases, candidates are required to campaign in order to state
their agenda and also convince voters to support them.

Voter participation in democratic elections is when eligible citizens come out and cast
their votes to elect the candidates they deem best. Universal suffrage is considered a
basic tenet of several democracies where all adult citizens are entitled to voting rights.

According to Electoral Systems, these are systems of rules that determine how votes are
translated into representation. They can include plurality/majority systems (where the
candidate who received the highest number of votes wins), proportional representation
(where seats are awarded based on the percentage of votes won), or hybrid systems.

Transparency and Integrity: Fair and transparent electoral strategies are crucial for
legitimacy. This includes clean regulations for campaigning, independent media
coverage, stable ballot counting, and measures to prevent fraud or manipulation.

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 Implications of Elections: Election outcomes have significant outcomes for governance.
Elected officials are entrusted with making choices on behalf in their parts, and elections
function mechanisms for accountability and exchange in management.

Democratic Principles: Elections are vital to democracy, ensuring that electricity is

derived from the consent of the governed and offering citizens with a non violent method
to influence public policy.

Overall, elections play a important function in democratic societies by way of fostering

political participation, making sure illustration, and maintaining leaders responsible to
the citizens. They are a cornerstone of modern-day governance and are critical to the
principle of self-authorities.

1.2 What is Democracy

Democracy is a form of government based on the principles of human sovereignty, equality, and
the protection of individual rights and freedoms. At its core, democracy empowers citizens to
participate in decision-making processes that shape their lives and society as a whole. Several key
principles and institutions are evident:
1. Popular Sovereignty: Democracy supports the idea that ultimate political power remains in
the hands of the people. Elections Through processes such as referendums, citizens have the
right to elect their representatives and participate in the formulation of public policy.
2. Rule of Law and Civil Liberties: A democratic society operates under the rule of law, where
the law is applied equally to both individuals and corporations. Civil liberties such as freedom of
speech, assembly, press and religion are protected, allowing citizens to peacefully express and
dissent
3. Political Pluralism and Competition: Democracy thrives on diversity of political views and
parties. Competitive elections provide citizens with meaningful choices between candidates and
parties, and enhance political accountability and response to public priorities.
4. Distribution of Powers and Checks and Balances: A democratic system usually refers to the
distribution of governmental powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
This fragmentation, coupled with mechanisms of checks and balances, helps prevent power
intrusions and encourages accountability.
Civic and civic engagement: Democracy encourages active participation beyond voting, including
participation in community organizations, advocacy groups, and civic initiatives Civic
organizations a it strongly contributes to a vibrant democracy by encouraging dialogue,
tolerance and collaboration.
Accountability and Accountability: In a democracy, elected officials are accountable to voters.
Transparent government roles, access to information and oversight mechanisms by independent
institutions (such as the media, the public and the judiciary) enhance accountability Overall,
democracy is not a political system; It reflects norms and values that prioritize individual dignity,
rights and aspirations in society.

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While no democracy is perfect, sustained efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, promote
inclusion, and support the rule of law are essential to the maintenance and development of
democracy.

1.3 Methodology Overview

Question) Does election always mean Democracy?

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2. Anaylsis
The complicated interaction between elections , democracy , and politics has been
extensively studied and analysed. RELIGIOUS NATIONALISM IN INDIA

3.1 Historical Evolution

Religious nationalism's historical timeline in India is a complicated journey defined by a
complex interplay of religion, colonialism, and nationalist movements. This story spans
decades and may be broken down into three key stages:

Identity Prior to Colonisation: The pre-colonial period in India was distinguished by a

complex tapestry of religious, cultural, and linguistic variety. Different areas had their
own religious traditions, and syncretism was frequent, promoting diversity. Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Sikhism, and a variety of indigenous religions coexisted,
forming a synthesis of cultural identity. India's unity was frequently rooted in its common
religious and cultural history.

British Colonialism and Nationalist Movements: The establishment of British colonial

control in India in the 18th century resulted in a substantial shift in the sociopolitical
environment. In order to keep control, the British used a policy of "divide and rule,"
deepening community tensions. This schism was most visible during the partition of
Bengal in 1905, which sparked significant communal feelings. As a result of these
division-based policies of the colonial government, a large number of groups emerged
that capitalised on these communal sentiments as a method of fight and dissent against
the colonial rule and foreign domination.1

Partition and the Emergence of Hindutva: The partition of India and Pakistan in 1947
was a watershed point in the historical history of religious nationalism in India. The
separation was mostly founded on religious lines, with Pakistan created as a Muslim
nation and India staying secular. Hindu Nationalism, known as Hindutva, emerged as a
result of this geographical division on religious grounds. Hindutva attempts to establish
Hindu cultural and religious identity as the core of Indian nationalism. The Ram
1
Deshpande, Anirudh, and Anirudh Despande. “COLONIAL MODERNITY AND HISTORICAL
IMAGINATION IN INDIA.” Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, vol. 72, 2011, pp. 1311–24. JSTOR,
https://www.jstor.org/stable/44145742?searchText=religious+nationalism+in+india&searchUri=%2Faction
%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dreligious%2Bnationalism%2Bin
%2Bindia&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default
%3A7216f0dd55d5c42b6eaffd2a6b9e7237 . Accessed 13 Oct. 2023.

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 Janmabhoomi Controversy, which attempted to recover a spot in Ayodhya considered to
be Lord Rama's birthplace, generated public support for Hindutva. The colonial
experience, the battle for independence, and the pain of partition all had a profound
impact on the historical growth of religious nationalism in India. With the advent of
Hindutva as a formidable political movement, these forces have influenced the contours
of contemporary religious nationalism. Understanding the complexity of religious
nationalism in the Indian context requires an understanding of this historical trajectory.

3.2 Rise of Hindutva Politics

With the rise of Hindutva as a driving and influencing force in Indian Politics, there has
been a fundamental shift in the Political Events as well. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak
Sangh (RSS), is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organisation formed in 1925, that has
played an important role in defining Hindutva's ideology in India. It emphasises Hindu
cultural and religious unity and envisions a community based on Religious Hindu ideals.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), formed in 1980, emerged as Hindutva's political face
and the successor of RSS.2 The BJP won several national elections, establishing a strong
foothold in the politics of India through figures such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and
Narendra Modi, who are considered as important figures. The BJP has championed the
cause of Hindutva and desire to advance Hindu nationalist goals.3

The Ram Janmabhoomi conflict was a watershed moment in the emergence of Hindutva
politics. This campaign centred on the disputed Babri Masjid location in Ayodhya, which
many Hindus believe to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The movement's goal was to
recapture the land and build a temple devoted to Lord Rama.4 The Babri Masjid
destruction in 1992 marked the culmination of the movement's widespread mobilisation,
which also lead to religion-based communal violence, aiding BJP's electoral ascension.

2
Supra Note 3
3
Vaishnav, Milan. “Religious Nationalism and India’s Future - the BJP in Power: Indian Democracy
and Religious Nationalism.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 4 Apr. 2019,
https://carnegieendowment.org/2019/04/04/religious-nationalism-and-india-s-future-pub-78703.
4
Shani, Ornit. “The Rise of Hindu Nationalism in India: The Case Study of Ahmedabad in the 1980s.” Modern
Asian Studies, vol. 39, no. 4, 2005, pp. 861–96. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3876565. Accessed 23 Oct.
2023.

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 Understanding these events is critical for understanding the advent of Religious
Nationalism in India while also discovering the dynamic nature of current Indian politics
and its many facets.

3.3 Electoral Dynamics and Religious Appeal

Election dynamics and religious appeal are inextricably intertwined in Indian politics,
with religious identity frequently functioning as a powerful instrument for political
mobilisation. The political rhetoric and deliberate appeal to the Hindu majority, which
has played a vital role in creating the electoral environment, is a significant feature of
this phenomena.

Political Rhetoric and Mobilisation: Religious rhetoric is commonly used in Indian

electoral politics, with political leaders and parties using religious feelings to garner
voter support. In order to engage with the electorate, this practise entails using religious
symbols, historical tales, and cultural customs. These political campaigns appeal to
people’s religious and cultural beliefs thus constituting as a major driving force for
influencing their decisions. These activities have mastered by political parties such as the
RSS and BJP, which continue to use public demonstrations and religious congregations
in their electoral campaigns. This appeal to religious identification extends beyond
electoral campaigns and into larger political debate.

Appeal to the Hindu Majority: Strategic targeting of the Hindu majority, who make up a
sizable section of the voters, is one of the distinguishing elements of religious appeal in
Indian politics. The RSS and the BJP's Hindutva ideology are based on the claim of
Hindu identity as the cornerstone of Indian nationality.5 This involves presenting
religious and cultural heritage problems, like as the construction of a Ram temple in
Ayodhya, as significant electoral subjects.

The Hindu majority is frequently courted with pledges to safeguard and promote Hindu
interests, cultural heritage, and religious practises. Leaders emphasise the defence of
Hindu traditions, rituals, and symbols in election campaigns, presenting themselves as
defenders of these causes. This appeal to the Hindu majority strikes a chord with a part of

5
Hansen, Thomas Blom, and Christophe Jaffrelot. The BJP and the Compulsions of Politics in India.
Oxford UP, USA, 2001.

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 the voter who regards its cultural and religious identity as fundamental to the national
narrative.6

While appealing to the Hindu majority has helped some political parties and individuals
win elections, it has also generated concerns about the secular ideals contained in India's
constitution. The complications of combining religious identity and inclusive
government within the setting of electoral dynamics highlight the importance of this
aspect of Indian politics, making it a topic of ongoing scholarly and political discussion.

3.4 Challenges to Secularism

Secularism, a key value in India's constitution, has faced considerable hurdles in the face
of religious nationalism and the Hindu majority's appeal. These issues appear as stressed
minority rights, communal conflicts, and substantial ramifications for the country's
government.

Minorities' Rights: The apparent loss of minority rights, particularly among religious and
ethnic minorities such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and others, is one of the
fundamental obstacles to secularism in India. The political discourse frequently
concentrates upon the Hindu majority's interests, possibly marginalising the concerns of
these minority groups. Minority rights are frequently argued and challenged in areas such
as personal legislation, religious practises, and access to education and economic
opportunities.

Communal conflicts: The interaction between religious identity and politics has
exacerbated communal conflicts. There have been matters concerning religious violence
over places of worship which have disturbed the overall peace and feeling of
brotherhood in the country. The Ram Janmabhoomi campaign, is the most notable event
as afar as religious violence in the country is concerned, which resulted in a large number
of casualties and disturbed the already intense Hindu-Muslim relations.

Ramifications for Governance: These challenges to secularism have far reaching

consequences for Indian governance and policymaking. The emphasis on religious
identity and the appeal to the Hindu majority may lead to a prioritisation of religious

6
“Religious Nationalism in India.” Economic and Political Weekly, 23 Jan. 2023,
https://www.epw.in/journal/2023/3/book-reviews/religious-nationalism-india.html.

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heritage concerns above others. This has an impact not just on resource allocation but
also on the legislative agenda. Furthermore, the necessity to handle ethnic conflicts and
minority concerns diverts attention and resources away from more serious governance
challenges.

The challenges to secularism highlight the difficult balancing act that the Indian
government must do. Maintaining minority rights while meeting the aspirations of the
Hindu majority is a perennial struggle. The question of whether secularism and religious
nationalism can coexist peacefully remains crucial to Indian political debate. As it faces
these issues, India is shaping the parameters of its secular democracy and the delicate
balance between religious identity and inclusive government. Understanding these
difficulties is critical for political scientists attempting to grasp the intricacies of current
Indian politics.

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3. RELIGIOUS NATIONALISM IN ISRAEL
4.1 Historical Background
The history of religious nationalism in Israel has a long drawn and complicated history
that is intricately linked to the Zionist Movement and the Jewish Identity, which may be
traced back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.7 This time period and
events that took place sought to build a Jewish homeland.

Jewish Identity: The notion of Jewish identity is important to Israel's historical

development of religious nationalism. The return to the ancient homeland was extremely
significant for Jews all around the world.8

Statehood and Ethnic-Religious Dynamics: The establishment of Israel as a state in 1948

was a watershed point in the history of religious nationalism. The Arab inhabitants of
Israel, who included both Muslim and Christian groups, posed a demographic and
political challenge to the Jewish state. Managing the dynamics between the Jewish and
Arab populations became critical to national administration.

Religious nationalism's complications in Israel extend to the position of religious

minorities, particularly the interaction between secular and religious Jews. While
religious Jewish traditions are profoundly ingrained in the character of the state, there is
constant discussion concerning the impact of religious legislation on civil concerns and
the balance between secularism and religious adherence.

The historical growth of religious nationalism in Israel involves the obstacles of founding
and maintaining a Jewish state in a religiously and ethnically diverse region.9

4.2 Religion, Ethnicity, and Citizenship

There exists a complicated understanding of Jewish identity in India and creates a large
number of problems between secular and religious Jews. This complex dynamic is
important to the Israeli political and social scene.
7
---. “Religious Zionism.” Wikipedia, 30 Oct. 2023,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_Zionism#:~:text=Religious%20Zionism%20revolves
%20around%20three,more%20statist%20in%20its%20politics.
8
Gorenberg, Gershom. The Accidental Empire: Israel and the Birth of the Settlements, 1967-1977.
Macmillan, 2007.
9
Ram, Uri. “Why Secularism Fails? Secular Nationalism and Religious Revivalism in Israel.” International
Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society, vol. 21, no. 1/4, 2008, pp. 57–73. JSTOR,
http://www.jstor.org/stable/40206157. Accessed 17 Oct. 2023.

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 Jewish Citizenship and Identity: Israel is a Jewish-majority country, and its national
identity is historically linked to Judaism. There exists link between Jewish identity and
citizenship emphasises the state's ethno-religious basis, provided through the statute of
Return, providing Jews from all over the world the right to move to Israel and obtain
citizenship.

Religious Diversity and Tensions: There exists two diverse and contradictory sects within
the Jewish Religion. At one end there are ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredim), who closely
adhere to religious commandments, while at the other end, there are secular Jews, who
may observe religious laws to a lesser extent.10 These differing opinions between the
same religion has created conflicts in the past and some exist even today.

Implications for Policy: These disagreements have major policy ramifications. Political
parties, particularly those with religious or ultra-Orthodox ideologies, have frequently
played key roles in coalition politics.11 Negotiations about religious practises, such as
access to sacred locations, have occasionally caused social and political demonstrations.

Identity and Inclusivity: The complexity of Jewish identity, as well as conflicts between
secular and religious Jews, reflect a larger dispute over the character of the Israeli state.
The Arab inhabitants within the geographical territory of Israel continue to impact its
politics and culture, often leading to disputes.

Understanding these complexities is critical for political scientists hoping to gain insights
into the complex processes of Israeli politics, government, and society. It provides
insight into the long-standing importance of religion and ethnicity in Israeli national
identity, as well as the difficulties of balancing multiple worldviews and values in a
Jewish-majority state.

4.3 Geopolitical Consequences

Israel's geopolitical consequences extend well beyond its boundaries, having a
considerable influence on international relations and regional dynamics. The ongoing
10
Tessler, Mark. “Secularism in Israel: Religious and Sociological Dimensions.” Discourse, vol. 19, no. 1,
1996, pp. 160–78. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/41389436. Accessed 30 Oct. 2023.
11
Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs. Jewish Religious Nationalism in Israel and the
Racist Exclusion of Palestinians. https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/jewish-religious-
nationalism-in-israel-and-the-racist-exclusion-of-palestinians

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 war with Palestine, as well as Israel's strategic connections in the Middle East, are key to
these implications.

Palestinian conflict: The conflict between Israel and Palestine is a distinguishing aspect
of Israeli geopolitics. Israel's policy towards the occupied areas, particularly the West
Bank and Gaza Strip, have attracted worldwide criticism, influencing its ties with other
countries and organisations.

Regional partnerships: To manage its difficult geopolitical environment, Israel has

carefully established partnerships throughout the Middle East. It maintains close ties with
Western nations, primarily the US, which offers military and diplomatic assistance.
Regional alliances with Israel are also important. Its peace deals with Egypt and Jordan
have been critical to the region's stability. In recent years, Israel has forged warmer
connections with Gulf states such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, owing to
similar fears about Iran and prospects for economic collaboration. These relationships
demonstrate Israel's adaptability to evolving geopolitical situations.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has serious implications for world affairs. It has been a
divisive subject in the UN, with resolutions and discussions centred on Israel's actions,
Palestinian rights, and the possibilities for a two-state solution. The dispute may damage
diplomatic relations between countries that support opposite sides. It has also
exacerbated larger regional tensions, with the Israeli-Arab conflict intertwining with
other regional conflicts, notably those involving Iran.

Israel's strategic partnerships and military capabilities have elevated it to the forefront of
the regional power balance. As a result, international dynamics and the strategies of both
state and non-state actors are influenced. Israel's status as a regional security partner,
counterterrorism partner, and technology pioneer influences its worldwide connections
even further.

4.4 Conflict Resolution and Peace Prospects

The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the world's longest and most complicated, with
religious components that dramatically impact the trajectory of peace possibilities.
Religious nationalism, a powerful element in both Israel and some Palestinian factions,
has shaped the conflict and the efforts to settle it.

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 Conflict's Religious Dimensions: The conflict between Israel and Palestine is profoundly
intertwined with religious symbolism, legacy, and sacred places. Jerusalem, in particular,
is deeply sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians.12 The issue frequently takes on a
religious context, heightening emotions and making talks more difficult.

Religious nationalism, particularly inside Israel, poses both hurdles and potential for
conflict settlement. The growth of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which is
frequently supported by religious nationalist parties, stymies efforts to form a contiguous
Palestinian state. The belief in a divinely promised territory, as well as the link to
religious tradition, contribute to the settlement issue's endurance.

Religious nationalism is widespread among various Palestinian factions, such as Hamas.

Religious identity is connected with resistance against perceived invaders for these
people. This hampers intra-Palestinian relations and the Palestinian approach to peace
talks.

Religious Nationalism and Peace Prospects: The influence of religious nationalism on the
Israel-Palestine conflict can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, religious actors
and institutions have the capacity to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation. Religious
leaders have sought to heal gaps and foster peaceful coexistence on occasion.

Religious nationalism, on the other hand, can jeopardise peace chances. Belief in
supernatural promises, holy territory, and religious purity might increase stubbornness
and diminish readiness to make concessions. Furthermore, the settlement industry, which
is frequently driven by religious nationalism, is a serious impediment to a two-state
solution.

Understanding the theological components and role of religious nationalism in the Israel-
Palestine conflict is critical as a topic of political science research. It illuminates the
intricacies of conflict resolution, the importance of sophisticated diplomacy, and the
delicate balance between religious identity, political ambitions, and peace endeavours.
Recognising the significance of religious actors and the impact of religious narratives is
critical for building effective measures for long-term peace in this region.

12
Supra Note 7

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5. CORRELATIONAL RESEARCH

In this section, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis of religious nationalism and

politics in India and Israel13. By examining the similarities and differences between these
two countries we can gain a deeper understanding of how religious identity and nationalist
legacies interact in different political contexts. This related study will further explore the
influence of rule and ageless child.

5.1 Shared patterns

5.1.1 Use of Actual Presentation

Both India and Israel have used rhetoric 14 to advance their religious nationalist
credentials. In India, the reinterpretation of history, especially the binding of ancient
looms and real numbers, has been used to support a legitimate Hindu nationalism This
real transformation is more representative of the sublime Hindu past to be redeemed, and
thereby arousing the sentiments of the majority of Hindus Furthermore, the relationship
between the Jewish people and the real motherland of Israel plays an important role in
the Zionist legacy. The real Jewish narrative has been used to highlight the rights of the
Jewish people in Israel, especially in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Both
literary narratives can be manipulated to aid these groups and support their individual
identity different types, and have ultimately influenced political geographies

5.1.2 Political Instruments in Religion

In India and Israel, religious nationalism has been sophisticatedly used for political gain.
Major political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party( BJP) 15 in India and religious
political parties in Israel have successfully used religious figures to gain their name base.
This politicization of religion takes colourful forms, including religious symbolism,
13
Ellis-Petersen, H. (2023, October 31). India takes strong pro-Israel stance under Modi in a departure from the
past. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/31/india-pro-israel-narendra-modi-bjp-
government
14
Sud, K. (n.d.). israel role in India China faceoff Archives » DefenceXP - Indian Defence Network. DefenceXP -
Indian Defence Network. https://www.defencexp.com/tag/israel-role-in-india-china-faceoff/
15
BJP News: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state wise seats in Lok Sabha elections results 2019, BJP election live
news and updates. (n.d.). The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/about/bjp/

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 jokes, and promises to cover the interests of a mature religious group, be it the Hindus in
India or the Jews in Israel. These movements successfully combined religion and
politics, making religious nationalism a coherent and influential factor in both countries.
This tendency not only shaped domestic politics but also informed foreign policy
thinking.

5.2 Differences in context

5.2.1 Diversity of Religious16 Landscapes in India and Israel

The main difference between India and Israel is the former’s religious diversity and the
latter’s overall Jewish identity religious nationalism in India revolves primarily around
Hinduism, which is a mature religion, but the country also includes religious ethnic
groups of colour diversity such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists It poses
special challenges in terms of balancing the interests of coloured religious communities
within the nationalist framework.

As an anomaly, Israeli religious nationalism is inherently tied to Jewish identity, creating

a unique context in which religion and race often overlap. The distinction is important
because it describes the nature of religious nationalism in Israel, unlike India , it focuses
on a particular group of services.

5.2.2 Geopolitics and Regional Development

Another important difference is the geopolitical environment in which these two

countries operate. Located in the turbulent Middle East, Israel faces complex white
factors, including conflicts with Palestine, border states and white alliances. Israel’s
relations with the United States and its alliances with other countries in the Middle East
further complicate its geopolitical position

While India has its own domestic challenges, it is geographically insulated from violent
conflicts in the Middle East. His geopolitical projects are primarily concerned with
border states such as Pakistan and China, and aboriginal development within South Asia.
16
The Geopolitics of Religious Soft Power | Brookings. (2023, February 22). Brookings.
https://www.brookings.edu/collection/the-geopolitics-of-religious-soft-power/

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 In the absence of protracted and unexplained domestic conflicts similar to the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict, there is a specific indictment against the manifestation of religious
nationalism in each country

The preferences, strategies and diplomatic relations of these two countries and their
religious nationalist movements have a profound impact on the domestic environment in
terms of Israel’s proximity to conflict zones, and its role as a state the actor influences
the course of public security and its relations with other countries. The setting had been
constructed from the Middle East, and its participation in colorful multilateral forums.

5.3 Governance and Minorities

5.3.1 Impact on Minority Rights and Social Inclusion

The rise of religious nationalism in India and Israel gave rise to movements on the
protection of the rights of minors. In India this has been particularly true of Islam and
other religious and moral rights. Claims of Hindu nationalism have been associated with
collective oppression, boundary-drawing, and sometimes violence against these minority
groups. India’s popular religious and secular ethics clash with Hindu nationalist
hegemony, posing challenges for the protection of minors’ rights and the maintenance of
social cohesion.

Also, Israel has faced projects concerning the rights of non-Jewish children, including
Arab Israeli and Palestinian homeowners of interest. The tension between the nature of
Israeli Jewry and its popular principles manifested itself in policies and practices that
delayed scrutiny of the rights and representation of these minority groups. The Israeli-
Palestinian conflict, elaborated by religious and territorial boundaries, further
complicates the question of minority rights.

In both regimes, the impact of religious nationalism raised questions about the inclusion
and protection of minors’ rights, which in turn affected social cohesion and intergroup
relations These challenges gave debate and discussion emerged on the need to balance
religious identity with balanced governance.

5.3.2 Balancing Religious Identity with Inclusive Governance

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 India and Israel are grappling with the challenge of balancing religious identity with
inclusive governance. Both countries have populations with different religious beliefs
and practices. The contemporary reality of religious and multi-ethnic diversity in India
requires a fine balance to ensure support for the principles of denomination and minority
rights However, the rise of religious nationalism has challenged that balance this desire is
in many ways, especially among the mature.

In Israel, the challenge lies in how it vocally declared itself for the Jewish people as a
nation-state in solidarity with privileged and representative non-Jewish minorities. His
dual commitment to popular Jewish identity and principles created a tension that has
echoed through his administration and policies

Balancing religious identity with balanced governance is a fundamental challenge in both

countries. There are broad accusations against their ability to meet and manage this
challenge and their social cohesion and political stability 17. Along the lines of India,
where religious diversity is infused into people's identities, Israel's challenge is to
reconcile Jewish identity with popular values, while dealing with the complex realities of
its geopolitics

This related study highlights the multifaceted nature of religious nationalism and its
impact on politics in India and Israel. While they have a common paradigm for the use of
history and the instrumentalization of religion for political ends, the contextual
differences regarding religious diversity and indigenous dynamics form their separate
circles the size of the. Understanding these modes of engagement and contextual
differences is important for understanding the broader counter-charges of religious
nationalism in political contexts and administrative relations between countries

17
Kohn, H. (2023, September 4). Nationalism | Definition, History, Examples, Principles, & Facts. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/nationalism

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6. COUNTER-CHARGES AND UNBORN POSSIBILITIES
The sixth section of this paper, examines the broader features of religious nationalism in
relation to political geography and diplomatic relations in India and Israel and explores
the impact of these developments’ social cohesion and inclusiveness. This phase is
important in light of the real-world ramifications of religious nationalism and political
relations in both countries.

6.1 Political Climate and Polarization

The role of religious nationalism in shaping political dialogue - This subsection examines
how the introduction of religious nationalism into politics affects the entire political
landscape. It examines the way in which religious discourse and symbolism is used in
political rhetoric, crusading tactics and policy discourse for example how the BJP in
India has used Hindu symbolism and literary narrative to maximize elections. It can
examine the political influence of religious groups in Israel.

Polarization on policy making and its baggage - Now, the paper can dissect the extent to
which religious nationalism contributes to political polarization. It can eliminate the
tendency of political parties using religious identity to concentrate society in one place,
which can lead to confusion and insecurity. Perhaps the polarization in India and Israel
has counter-charges in terms of policymaking, because getting ideas on controversial
issues is less easy Polarization can also shape how it can affect policy ideas that are
widely pursued for pursuit political gain rather than the common good.

Impact on Governance and Policy - This aspect can be extended to examine how
religious nationalism affects governance and policy making in India and Israel. It could
examine whether political leaders motivated by religious nationalist letters prioritize
policies that align with their ideological beliefs rather than with issues of broader social
wealth. This can lead to practical development, social enrichment and national service.

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6.2 International Relations

Regional Influences and Alliances - This section examines how religious nationalism
affects diplomatic relations between India and Israel. It can show whether these legacies
influence foreign policy attitudes, alliances with other countries and the role of each
country in domestic and global affairs while it can examine the impact of the formation
of Hindu nationalism in India India’s relations with neighbouring countries and global
superpowers. It could nail Israel’s inhabitation of Jewish identity affecting its relations
with the United States, the Arab world and European countries. This can extend to how
agreements with countries with corresponding religious and ideological foundations
affect their international currencies.

Sweat for conflict resolution and peace - tying religious nationalism to conflict resolution
and hope for peace is essential. Whether religious institutions complicate or facilitate
conflict can be explored in the paper. In India and Israel, for example, Bundy can show
how religious identities and discourses contribute to complex accommodations with
groups such as Muslims and Palestinians. Moreover, it can create these conflicts across
international borders, such as the intervention of external factors supporting or opposing
religious nationalist movements

Global understanding and soft power- Expanded research could consider how the rise of
religious nationalist values affects global perceptions of India and Israel. This could
include the impact of religious nationalism on the "soft power" of these countries,
including tourism, artistic talent, and the impact of transnational partnerships as well as
how religious nationalism affects immigrant communities and examining their formation
locations in transnational discourses.

6.3 Social Cohesion and Inclusion

Challenges to promoting stability in different countries - This subsection examines the

challenges posed by religious nationalism to social integration. It should eliminate how
these aspirations can lead to religious divisions and hinder social integration in pluralistic
societies. It can take examples of collective oppression and moral/religious differences in
India and Israel. Broader research can nail down the consequences of social

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fragmentation, such as potential violence, boundary establishment, and decreased social
trust

Strategies for dealing with religious diversity - Finally, this section provides the
underlying strategies for dealing with religious diversity in the context of religious
nationalism. The paper can list policies or initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and
easing oppression, such as initiatives for affirmative action or sweat lodge models of
interreligious dialogue. It can provide a comprehensive analysis of government policies,
public policies and international cooperation seeking to promote interfaith
rapprochement, understanding and peaceful consensus.

By exploring these counter-charges and unborn possibilities in much more detail, the
paper offers a broader understanding of how religious nationalism not only affects, but
affects, domestic politics The transnational space and social fabric of India and Israel as
well. The volume also opens up avenues for policymakers, scholars, and interpreters to
consider strategies for addressing the challenges of religious nationalism in these two
countries and beyond.

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7. CONCLUSION
The findings of this comprehensive study of religious nationalism and politics in India
and Israel shed light on the nuances and depths of the complex relationship between
religious identity and nationalist legacies in these two countries. While we reiterate
important conclusions and insights, prompting charges against the realm of political
intelligence, important unexplained questions and unborn methods of analysis , these
conclusions are the final step in understanding the complexities of religious nationalism
in politics

7.1 Recompilation of Findings

The findings presented in this study yielded several important results:

In India

The actual expansion of religious nationalism is deeply embedded in the history of India,
including the pre-colonial period, the impact of British colonialism and the aftermath of
the legacy of Hindutva

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) emerge
as key actors in advancing the cause of Hindu nationalism and religious identity.

The electoral dynamics in India have witnessed an active political instrumentalization of

religious metaphors and identities, which are of special interest to Hindu maturity.

Challenges within the party continue in India, including initiatives on non-executive

rights and collective oppression with direct anti-governance and social cohesion charges

In Israel

Religious nationalism has played an important role in the organization of the Zionist
movement and the establishment of the State of Israel, with a strong Jewish identity in
the van

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 The tensions among secular religious Jews have added a new subspecies of strength to
the strength of Israeli religious nationalism.

Geopolitical counter-charges are important in Israel, where the Israeli-Palestinian

conflict serves as a focal point for domestic bargaining and diplomatic relations

Religious nationalism continues to play a central role in the colonization and peace
process, sometimes complicating decision-making sweat.

In related research

Despite sharing policies of practical realism and political instrumentalization of religion

in India and Israel, these approaches necessarily differ in the context of Indian religions
and Inspired by a strong Israeli Jewish identity. Geopolitical dynamics have different
effects, which are reflected in specific examples of religious nationalism in these two
countries. Common issues include accusations of religious nationalism against minors’
rights, social cohesion, and balancing religious identity and governance

7.2 Political Activities

This related study provides valuable work and insights into political intelligence

The complex relationship between religion and politics is highly dependent on particular
societal contexts. It is important for scholars to consider the unique words, art, and
indigenous elements that inspire religious nationalism in each case.

Religious identity can be an influential force in shaping political territory, dialogue, and
regime formation. Political scientists continue to examine its impact on electoral
performance, minority rights, and governance structures.

The role of religious nationalism in international relations, especially in conflict zones,

deserves further scrutiny. Understanding how religious identity influences domestic
alliances and peaceful accommodation is essential for further comprehensive global
politics.

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7.3 Unspecified Questions and Future Research Directions

Although this research has shed light on many aspects of religious nationalism and its
trade-offs with politics, it has also raised important questions and suggested directions
for examining the unborn as well.

The role of religion in identity politics is not limited to India and Israel; It is a worldwide
wonder. Further consideration of the incarnation of religious nationalism in global
contexts is needed to better understand the issue.

Shovelling deeper into social and artistic religious nationalism, including its impact on
social cohesion, intergroup relations, and artistic expression, offers a rich venue for
unborn research.

With the changing dynamics of the ultramodern world, including globalization,

technological advances, and changing demographics, examiners must continue to
examine the growing dimension and influence of religious nationalism on politics,
society, and diplomacy.

In conclusion, this related study provides a comprehensive analysis of religious

nationalism and politics in India and Israel, providing valuable insights into the complex
interplay between religion and political kingship. By examining terminological, social,
and political contexts, this study makes a significant contribution to our understanding of
the charges that religious nationalism makes against governance and transnational
relations. Our paused breath is that this study will stimulate further research and critical
discussion of these important phenomena in political science, and provide a global
context for the multidimensional relationship between religion and politics a deeper
understanding of the 19th century.

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