Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Neo-Orientalism: How Global Indices Impact India's Image
Some reports say India's democracy is getting worse.
This article argues these reports are like an old way of thinking, similar to how people in the past from other countries wrongly described India to control it.
The author believes these reports use biased methods and don't tell the full story.
They also suggest that these reports want to make India look bad as it grows in power.
The author wants the reports to be fair and use better methods.
Global indices, such as those by Freedom House and the EIU, have downgraded India's democratic status.
The author argues that these downgrades are a form of neo-orientalism, echoing colonial-era narratives.
These indices are criticized for methodological flaws, subjective surveys, and ideological biases.
The author suggests these reports are part of a reputational containment strategy against India.
The author calls for consistent and fair critique, rejecting the resurfacing of colonial attitudes.
- Who
- Dr. Arunoday Majumder.
- What
- An opinion piece criticizing global indices that downgrade India's democratic status.
- When
- Published on June 25, 2025.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To highlight what the author perceives as neo-orientalism in the assessment of India's democracy and call for more fair and consistent critique.
Pro-Index Assessment
Anti-Index Assessment
Accuracy of Indices
Pro-Index Assessment
Indices accurately reflect democratic decline.
Anti-Index Assessment
Indices are methodologically flawed and biased.
Motives Behind the Indices
Pro-Index Assessment
Indices provide an objective assessment of India.
Anti-Index Assessment
Indices are a form of reputational containment.
- Author
- Dr. Arunoday Majumder
- Published by
- News18.com
- Topics
- Democracy, Global Indices, Neo-Orientalism
- Organizations Mentioned
- Freedom House, EIU, V-Dem project
- Academic References
- Edward Said, David Spurr, Nicholas Dirks, Salvatore Babones