Hindu Nationalism in the Indian Diaspora: Transnational Politics and British Multiculturalism

The transnational influence of right-wing nationalist authoritarians has become a major concern in Europe and North America. One puzzle is that diaspora communities often offer strong support to such figures. Turkish communities in Germany and the Netherlands, for instance, have offered vociferous support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This densely researched book focuses on backing for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brand of Hindu nationalism in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Thousands of expatriates are actively involved in its promotion, whether through funding, campaign work, or public advocacy. New media powers their connection to the ideology: the Indian diaspora is digitally adept, identity is increasingly divorced from geography, and disinformation is rampant. Institutional links to business interests may also play a role. Advocacy and fundraising for Hindu nationalism outside India date at least as far back as the 1960s, predating these more recent trends. For those interested in the role of diasporas in foreign policy today, this book is a useful source.