modern histories of Iran, Turkey and Western Europe, in order to ground analysis of their 20th century nation-making experiences within a common problematic. The central focus is upon the Indian National Independence movement under Gandhi, and its link to the post-independence Nehru period.  A history of ideas and practices, the book proposes a multi-centred and non-Eurocentric interpretation of the Enlightenment as a human heritage.  As a comparative study, it reconstructs how modernity was negotiated in different intellectual and political contexts as a national discourse within the broader heritage of Enlightenment.  The comparison juxtaposes an ethic of reconciliation and totalizing projects as means in nation-making.  The conclusion suggests the possibility of a new paradigm in non-violent conflict resolution for the modern context, with important theoretical and practical precedents.

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