Modernization

Let’s examine whether the theory of modernization has failed based on the increasing number of conflict based around ethnicity. The modernization theory promoted the principle that with greater political and economic interaction among people and the progressive growth of communication network, ethnic identities would be broken and replaced with loyalties to a larger political entity. However, since the end of the Cold War there has been a persisting re-emergence of identities and peoples within existing States. A primary reason for this emerging trend rests in the perception that peoples have been forced to live within artificial boundaries that were imposed by departing colonial powers. Unfortunately, the decolonization process failed to constructively address this.

All cultures, societies and nations have suffered from wounds that are deeply rooted within their own history of colonization and conquests. Ironically, these wounds will not begin to heal till they have been acknowledged. Time does not heal wounds, only healing can heal wounds and healing takes a long time. Consequently, it is essential to confront the history that has caused the wounds. It is imperative to recognize that human society can no longer follow a paradigm that only seeks to find solutions to symptoms without addressing the core causes which are responsible for so much of today’s human suffering.

Today, interactions between human beings in the global context have reached the point where no community can remain isolated even when it proposes to further isolate itself. This is a manifestation of the complex web of life based on human interdependence, interconnection and interrelationships. However, with greater human interaction, different aspirations are realized and incompatible goals emerge. While conflict is an inevitable and creative force for change, the violence that breeds war is horrific and destructive. In spite of seeking constructive ways of confronting differences and engaging the causes of the conflict, the present paradigms have only resulted in more conflict. 

There is an urgent need for existing world systems and paradigms to transcend the polity of ‘national security’ which is based on the concept of fear. Such paradigms have only succeeded in sustaining a negative trend of human association that evokes selective collective memories that feeds a people’s ‘chosen glories and chosen trauma.’ Consequently, the concept of ‘national security’ sustains a climate of fear which is intended to create internal defenses against the perceived external threat. In this manner, issues of internal importance are very often swept to the margins and kept out of any public discourse. The real politick of Statecraft has always been pragmatic in ensuring its control over people by denying paradigms of co-existence.    

The modernization theory has largely failed due to its inability to imagine and create human society beyond the State system. The Nagas, too, have much to learn from human history. If the Nagas are to have a respectful shared future, a respectful co-existence, it becomes imperative that the Nagas become empowered and develop. Ultimately, the people, and not the State should be the focal point of Naga politics.

 



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