Research Themes in Political Science

1. TAWHID AS A FOUNDATION FOR POLITICAL THOUGHT AND ACTION

Concepts of unity of God and unity of creation determine the parameters of defining relationship pattern of man with the Creator and total creation based on moral spiritual consciousness. All aspects related to the theme are covered under the heading.

2. ISLAMIZATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURAL RENEWAL

Political philosophy is an integral part of Islamic vision of reality. Knowledge has to be made relevant in terms of the Revealed knowledge and renewal of national parameters for cultural renewal.

3. CONCEPT OF PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS IN ISLAM

State is highly important and responsible institution for establishing a just and righteous society. It is not possible without fullest participation of individual in political processes. Established process like Shura may be examined afresh. Consensus model of state may be examined.

4. ISLAM AND POLITICAL CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Most of conflicts arise out of narrow political interests and faulty perspectives. Islamic Epistemology may be rigorously used for developing proper viewpoints. It would help in mitigating conflicts. Secondly, mechanism and processes of conflict resolution may be tried within these parameters.

5. DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY: AN ISLAMIC VIEW

Development is a recurrent theme in political thinking. Islam presents a comprehensive philosophical foundation and scheme of over all development of all sections of society. Balanced development strategy based on Islamic principles may be worked out.

6. ETHNICITY AND POLITICS

        Ethnicity has assured a distinct place as a factor of mobilization and political behavior in           present-day politics. Islam assigns an extremely limited role to ethnicity. It needs to have a           fresh look into theory of ethnicity and its possible relevance to politics.

2. PROBLEMS AND ISSUES CONCERNING MUSLIM UMMAH

1. POLITICAL PROBLEMS OF INDIAN MUSLIM

Indian Muslims have distinctly acquired an identity of their own. They are highly exposed community, and participate in political processes of the largest democracy of the world. Various kinds of their role perceptions and identification of their problems and analysis of concerned variables do require fresh look.

2. MUSLIM PARTICIPATION IN INDIAN POLITICS

Muslims are a bottom line community as supported by the statistical data. Can a backward community participate in political processes meaningfully? Are they being marginalized? A comprehensive research scheme is needed.

3. COMMUNALISM IN INDIAN POLITICS

Analysis of all concerned aspects of communalism in Indian politics is the need of the hour.

4. FACTORS POLITICAL MOBILIZATION IN INDIAN POLITICS

Factors of religion, caste, region, etc. are used for political mobilization. Analysis of role of Muslims in vote politics should be on cards.

5. POLITICS OF VIOLENCE
   There is numerous manifestation of designed political violence. Indian Muslim have faced a score of communal riots in independent India. Physical security has been a major problem to Muslims in India. Any aspect of these riots is important.

6. MUSLIMS AS A PRESSURE GROUP IN INDIAN POLITICS
   Muslims are important in Indian political system on their numerical strength (150 million in number). They are scattered almost in all parts of India. Questions of various kinds including the carving out of electoral constituencies need objective look and the quantum of share of Muslims in distribution of resources in a comparative perspective is important. Scores of questions based on mis-information like appeasement of Muslim community are floated. These need analysis.

7. PROBLEMS OF MUSLIM UMMAH IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
   In International arena, Muslim Ummah is supposed to be a threat to secular and Marxian models. A subservient community from military, economic, political power points of view is posing the threat. Is it reality or myth? Identification of problems of Muslim Ummah includes the questions of development of Muslim republics in Central Asia.

8. PATTERNS OF COLONIAL RULE: AN ISLAMIC VIEW POINT
   Islam is important in providing a sound frame of theory of establishing political rule in  Foreign lands and a practical example of being world power for nearly one thousand  years.European powers have provided a global strategy of exploiting resources of all continents  through colonial rule.A thorough examination of these patterns from Islamic theory viewpoint is highly desirable.

III.NATIONAL PROBLEMS

1. Theory and Practical of Hindutva and National Reconstruction,
2. Terrorism and Political Stability,
3. Regionalism in Indian Politics,
4. Pluralism in Indian Polity
5. Role of Minorities in Indian Politics,
6. Pluralism and Indian Cultural Tradition,

IV.PROBLEMS RELATING TO HUMANITY

• ISLAM AND WORLD PEACE

There is a rising trend of multiplication of conflict situation in international arena. The whole world civilisation is being pushed on competitive lines and politics is the game of struggle for power. The quantum and intensity of power to kill is tremendous. Human needs a framework for World Peace.

• POST DEMORATIC POLITY

There is a growing voice of dissatisfaction against Western model of democracy. Pressure groups reduce a tiny minority into ruling elite. Can there be alternate political institutions to establish an egalitarian society. Model of Islamic political foundation is the alternative.

• ISLAMIC THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Islam can provide a complete frame for conduct of international relations. Western thought and practice have failed to meet the demands of justice and peace in an increasingly chaotic and threatening world. There is a challenge to develop Islamic paradigm and methodology for conducting foreign relations. Tawhid, justice, peace, tolerance, unity, etc. are to be looked and developed in Islamic context.

• RACE AND COLOUR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

There are scores of examples of exploitation of communities on the basis of race and colour. Western civilisations have glaring examples in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in particular. These factors need to be examined and alternative to dependency syndrome may be suggested.

• CASE STUDIES OF REGIONAL GROUPINGS IN THIRD WORLD

        There is growing evidence that political and national boundaries are becoming redundant.Economic regional groups are coming up. These groupings in Asia and  Africa can provide  alternative to hegemony of advanced countries. An objective analysis and a multi-variant probe in these areas are to be taken up. SAARC, ASEAN, GCC, OPEC, etc. are important.