Igor Girkin, prominent pro-war Russian nationalist was detained in Moscow on Friday (July 22). Girkin has previously accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and army leaders of not conducting the Ukraine war harshly or effectively enough. He now faces charges of inciting extremism.

The move suggests authorities have wearied of his criticism of what they call Russia's "special military operation", and perhaps that of other loud nationalist voices who had appeared to have an exceptional licence to deride the war effort.

The action against Girkin has come weeks after a short-lived mutiny by another outspoken critic, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group chief. Progozhin is still free but now has sharply curtailed his verbal attacks.

Prosecutors from the Federal Security Service (FSB) security service asked Moscow's Meshchansky district court to remand Girkin in custody on a charge with a maximum sentence of five years in prison, state news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported.

Watch | Ukraine forces struggle to counter Russia's 'Oink' missile

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Girkin, who is a former battlefield commander is also known as Igor Strelkov. He was involved in Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. He then organised pro-Russian militias who have been instrumental in wresting part of eastern Ukraine out of Kyiv's control.

A Dutch court handed Girkin a life sentence in absentia in 2022 for his alleged role in shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, with the loss of 298 passengers and crew.

Girkin was seen standing almost motionless in a glass cage with arms folded, in footage from the court posted by the popular Telegram channel Shot.

He is regarded by many to be untouchable due to his ties with the authorities. But in recent months, he had become more outspoken in recent months.

Asked at the time if he was naive to think he could launch a political movement without the assent of the Kremlin, he said: "I hope you would not call me a naive person."

<h2>Attack on Putin</h2>

In one of his tirades on July 18, one of his most outspoken ones, Girkin made a post and peppered Putin with personal insults and urged&nbsp;him to transfer power "to someone truly capable and responsible". The post was read by over 760,000 people.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-warns-poland-will-act-to-agression-against-belarus-618183">Russian President Vladimir Putin warns Poland: ‘Will act to aggression against Belarus’</a>

In a message posted on Girkin's official Telegram account, his wife, Miroslava Reginskaya, said:&nbsp;"Today, at about 11:30 a.m., representatives of the Investigative Committee came to our house. I was not at home. Soon, according to the concierge, they took my husband out by his arms and in an unknown direction."

She further said that friends told her Girkin had been charged with extremism.

"I do not know anything about my husband's whereabouts, he has not contacted me," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Igor Girkin, prominent pro-war Russian nationalist was detained in Moscow on Friday (July 22). Girkin has previously accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and army leaders of not conducting the Ukraine war harshly or effectively enough.

Igor Girkin, prominent pro-war Russian nationalist was detained in Moscow on Friday (July 22). Girkin has previously accused Russian President Vladimir Putin and army leaders of not conducting the Ukraine war harshly or effectively enough. He now faces charges of inciting extremism. The move suggests authorities have wearied of his criticism of what they call Russia's "special military operation", and perhaps that of other loud nationalist voices who had appeared to have an exceptional licence to deride the war effort. The action against Girkin has come weeks after a short-lived mutiny by another outspoken critic, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group chief. Progozhin is still free but now has sharply curtailed his verbal attacks. Prosecutors from the Federal Security Service (FSB) security service asked Moscow's Meshchansky district court to remand Girkin in custody on a charge with a maximum sentence of five years in prison, state news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti reported. Watch | Ukraine forces struggle to counter Russia's 'Oink' missile × Girkin, who is a former battlefield commander is also known as Igor Strelkov. He was involved in Russian annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. He then organised pro-Russian militias who have been instrumental in wresting part of eastern Ukraine out of Kyiv's control. A Dutch court handed Girkin a life sentence in absentia in 2022 for his alleged role in shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014, with the loss of 298 passengers and crew. Girkin was seen standing almost motionless in a glass cage with arms folded, in footage from the court posted by the popular Telegram channel Shot. He is regarded by many to be untouchable due to his ties with the authorities. But in recent months, he had become more outspoken in recent months. Asked at the time if he was naive to think he could launch a political movement without the assent of the Kremlin, he said: "I hope you would not call me a naive person." Attack on Putin In one of his tirades on July 18, one of his most outspoken ones, Girkin made a post and peppered Putin with personal insults and urged him to transfer power "to someone truly capable and responsible". The post was read by over 760,000 people. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin warns Poland: ‘Will act to aggression against Belarus’ In a message posted on Girkin's official Telegram account, his wife, Miroslava Reginskaya, said: "Today, at about 11:30 a.m., representatives of the Investigative Committee came to our house. I was not at home. Soon, according to the concierge, they took my husband out by his arms and in an unknown direction." She further said that friends told her Girkin had been charged with extremism. "I do not know anything about my husband's whereabouts, he has not contacted me," she said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pro-war nationalist charged with inciting extremism after tirade against Putin

A video has resurfaced that featured Germany and Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer singing a Croatian song which has right-wing nationalist links during a holiday.

A video has resurfaced that featured Germany and Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer singing a Croatian song which has right-wing nationalist links during a holiday. Also read: Tottenham Hotspur defender Serge Aurier's brother shot dead in Toulouse In the video, the 34-year-old is seen singing "Lijepa li si" (You are beautiful) by controversial Croatian singer Marko Perkovic, known as 'Thompson' near a beachside bar among a group of people. Manuel Neuer singing "Lijepa Li Si" is a unique thing to see. Maybe he's preparing for the Eternal Derby? 🤨 pic.twitter.com/rXbEnNMARQ — 🇭🇷Croatian Football🇭🇷 (@CroatiaFooty) July 12, 2020 × Marko Perkovic is known for sympathizing with Croatia's World War II pro-Nazi regime, earned the nickname 'Thompson' that was the brand of weapon he carried during the Croatian war of independence in the early 1990s. 'Lijepa li si' is a patriotic song that mentions Herceg-Bosnia, which Zagreb-backed Bosnian Croats self-proclaimed as a statelet during Bosnia's 1990s war and which they had hoped would eventually merge with Croatia. The world-class goalkeeper has not yet commented on the video but as per his personal manager, the player does not speak Croatian. Neuer is on a vacation with his friend and Bayern Munich goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalovic on the Dalmatian coast on the Adriatic Sea. A press officer from Bayern Munich declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Neuer's managers were not immediately available for comment. According to Magazine Focus, Neuer was "naive to think" the clip would not emerge in the media. At the same time, "assuming that with this song Neuer supports Croatian nationalist ideas would be a little too far-reaching", it said. (Inputs from AFP)

Watch: Germany captain Manuel Neuer filmed singing song by controversial Croatian nationalist

Twitter has suspended more than 50 white nationalist accounts for violating policies against violent extremism.

"The accounts in question were suspended for violating our policies in relation to violent extremism," a Twitter spokesman told AFP, confirming a report by NBC News.

The move came days after release of a report by nonprofit Global Project Against Hate and Extremism saying that propaganda pushed by white supremacist network Generation Identity is "rampant" on Twitter and YouTube.

The nonprofit contended that Generation Identity propaganda has "inspired" a half-dozen mass attacks since late 2018, including the mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Propaganda includes contending white people are being replaced in their home countries by immigrants, according to the report.

Research by the GPAHE found 67 Twitter accounts for Generation Identity chapters in 14 countries with nearly 140,000 followers.

That tally did not include accounts of individual "Identarians," such as unofficial leader Martin Sellner who heads an Austrian chapter, according to the nonprofit organisation.

On YouTube, GPAHE found at least 12 countries represented by 31 GI chapters with about 86,000 subscribers, the report indicated.

Twitter suspended the accounts for violating its policy against terrorist organisations or violent extremists who affiliate with or promote their "illicit activities," according to the San Francisco-based firm.

(with inputs from agencies)

Twitter has suspended more than 50 white nationalist accounts for violating policies against violent extremism. "The accounts in question were suspended for violating our policies in relation to violent extremism," a Twitter spokesman told AFP, confirming a report by NBC News.

Twitter has suspended more than 50 white nationalist accounts for violating policies against violent extremism. "The accounts in question were suspended for violating our policies in relation to violent extremism," a Twitter spokesman told AFP, confirming a report by NBC News. The move came days after release of a report by nonprofit Global Project Against Hate and Extremism saying that propaganda pushed by white supremacist network Generation Identity is "rampant" on Twitter and YouTube. The nonprofit contended that Generation Identity propaganda has "inspired" a half-dozen mass attacks since late 2018, including the mosque attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand. Propaganda includes contending white people are being replaced in their home countries by immigrants, according to the report. Research by the GPAHE found 67 Twitter accounts for Generation Identity chapters in 14 countries with nearly 140,000 followers. That tally did not include accounts of individual "Identarians," such as unofficial leader Martin Sellner who heads an Austrian chapter, according to the nonprofit organisation. On YouTube, GPAHE found at least 12 countries represented by 31 GI chapters with about 86,000 subscribers, the report indicated. Twitter suspended the accounts for violating its policy against terrorist organisations or violent extremists who affiliate with or promote their "illicit activities," according to the San Francisco-based firm. (with inputs from agencies)

Several white nationalist Twitter accounts suspended

As part of the British government's post-Brexit reformation, low-skilled workers in the country will no longer be able to obtain visas.

The most interesting tenet, perhaps, of this provision is the curator. The idea was envisioned&nbsp;by Priti Patel, an Indian-origin British politician. She is a second-generation immigrant. Born in London, her parents emigrated to the UK from Tarapur in Gujarat.&nbsp;

The constitutional element of the new provision requests&nbsp;British employers to limit their dependence on cheap labour coming from Europe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwicobjvl93nAhWqzDgGHaDQDtUQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0sd6ERTqDMYP6a6tLWGao6" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242" target="_blank">United Kingdom's new government increases minimum wage&nbsp;to £8.72</a>

The&nbsp;key objectives of the&nbsp;move includes the retention of existing staff and to evolve and sustain automation technology that eliminates the need for physical dependence.&nbsp;

According to the Home Office of the UK, European Union and non-European Union citizens coming to the UK after December 31 would be treated in the same fashion. This basically implies that all EU privileges in terms of travel and citizenship will be effectively revoked.

The UK's Labour Party hit out at the move and claimed that it would lead to a ''hostile environment'' in the country, in terms of attracting labour.

However, the Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel claims that skilled and talented people will be able to come to the UK nevertheless.

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"The brightest and the best will be able to come to the United Kingdom", Patel said.

Patel has been a staunch critic of Theresa May and is the first Home Secretary of Indian origin in the British cabinet.&nbsp;

"It is important that the Cabinet should represent modern Britain as well as a modern Conservative Party", she had announced during the elections.

Priti Patel had also additionally steered the ''Vote Leave'' campaign which triggered a series of uncertain events for British polity until the recent elections. She became a member of the Conservative Party when she 15.

There are currently two other Indian-origin ministers in the UK cabinet: Rishi Sunak: Finance Minister, and Alok Sharma: &nbsp;Business Secretary.

This constitutes a part of the UK's bigger plan to reduce migration into the UK. To systematically tackle this, the government has curated a ''points-based'' immigration system, living up to the promise which was made in their election manifesto.

Here on, not only would potential immigrants and/or citizens need to speak impeccable English, but would need an ''approved sponsor'', someone who's already a British citizen and intends to hire the person intending to visit.&nbsp;On fulfilling this criterion, the person would be awarded 50 points.

However, it gets tricky for a potential worker would need at least 70 points to legally work in the country.

There are numerous number of points, ranging from educational qualifications to the salary on offer, and the nature of the profession.

If someone possesses a skill which is facing labour shortages in the country, they would be fast-tracked into migration.

According to the government's statements, businesses need to ''adapt and adjust''. In essence, the UK will no longer entertain the entry of "unskilled foreign labour"&nbsp;into their country, especially from Europe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-facts-about-priti-patel-uks-first-indian-origin-home-secretary-238292" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-facts-about-priti-patel-uks-first-indian-origin-home-secretary-238292&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGwsujl93nAhUnzTgGHWCBB3IQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GDr23WfWIzYUbaZeidnp2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-facts-about-priti-patel-uks-first-indian-origin-home-secretary-238292&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGwsujl93nAhUnzTgGHWCBB3IQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GDr23WfWIzYUbaZeidnp2" target="_blank">Five facts about Priti Patel,&nbsp;UK's first Indian-origin home secretary</a>

"It is important employers move away from a reliance on the UK's immigration system as an alternative to investment in staff retention, productivity and wider investment in technology and automation," the government statement said.

Instead of inducting more people in the British workforce, the government suggests employing the skills of 3.2 million European Union citizens who have applied for an extension on their stay.

To soften the blow, the government has also introduced sub-provisions, such as ''youth mobility arrangements'', that opens a window of 20,000 entries in the UK every year, but only for young people.

This clampdown on immigrants is no longer new, as countries have spent years imitating the divisive rhetoric of Trump that is based on border protectionism with traces of nationalist fervour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-new-fast-track-global-talent-visa-unveiled-by-united-kingdom-276861">After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom</a>

Patel has been staunchly criticised for her rhetoric during the Brexit uncertainty period, whereby she defended the alcohol and tobacco industries, and also threatened Ireland with food shortages.

As part of the British government's post-Brexit reformation, low-skilled workers in the country will no longer be able to obtain visas. The most interesting tenet, perhaps, of this provision is the curator.

As part of the British government's post-Brexit reformation, low-skilled workers in the country will no longer be able to obtain visas. The most interesting tenet, perhaps, of this provision is the curator. The idea was envisioned by Priti Patel, an Indian-origin British politician. She is a second-generation immigrant. Born in London, her parents emigrated to the UK from Tarapur in Gujarat. The constitutional element of the new provision requests British employers to limit their dependence on cheap labour coming from Europe. Also read: United Kingdom's new government increases minimum wage to £8.72 The key objectives of the move includes the retention of existing staff and to evolve and sustain automation technology that eliminates the need for physical dependence. According to the Home Office of the UK, European Union and non-European Union citizens coming to the UK after December 31 would be treated in the same fashion. This basically implies that all EU privileges in terms of travel and citizenship will be effectively revoked. The UK's Labour Party hit out at the move and claimed that it would lead to a ''hostile environment'' in the country, in terms of attracting labour. However, the Indian-origin Home Secretary Priti Patel claims that skilled and talented people will be able to come to the UK nevertheless. "The brightest and the best will be able to come to the United Kingdom", Patel said. Patel has been a staunch critic of Theresa May and is the first Home Secretary of Indian origin in the British cabinet. "It is important that the Cabinet should represent modern Britain as well as a modern Conservative Party", she had announced during the elections. Priti Patel had also additionally steered the ''Vote Leave'' campaign which triggered a series of uncertain events for British polity until the recent elections. She became a member of the Conservative Party when she 15. There are currently two other Indian-origin ministers in the UK cabinet: Rishi Sunak: Finance Minister, and Alok Sharma: Business Secretary. This constitutes a part of the UK's bigger plan to reduce migration into the UK. To systematically tackle this, the government has curated a ''points-based'' immigration system, living up to the promise which was made in their election manifesto. Here on, not only would potential immigrants and/or citizens need to speak impeccable English, but would need an ''approved sponsor'', someone who's already a British citizen and intends to hire the person intending to visit. On fulfilling this criterion, the person would be awarded 50 points. However, it gets tricky for a potential worker would need at least 70 points to legally work in the country. There are numerous number of points, ranging from educational qualifications to the salary on offer, and the nature of the profession. If someone possesses a skill which is facing labour shortages in the country, they would be fast-tracked into migration. According to the government's statements, businesses need to ''adapt and adjust''. In essence, the UK will no longer entertain the entry of "unskilled foreign labour" into their country, especially from Europe. Also read: Five facts about Priti Patel, UK's first Indian-origin home secretary "It is important employers move away from a reliance on the UK's immigration system as an alternative to investment in staff retention, productivity and wider investment in technology and automation," the government statement said. Instead of inducting more people in the British workforce, the government suggests employing the skills of 3.2 million European Union citizens who have applied for an extension on their stay. To soften the blow, the government has also introduced sub-provisions, such as ''youth mobility arrangements'', that opens a window of 20,000 entries in the UK every year, but only for young people. This clampdown on immigrants is no longer new, as countries have spent years imitating the divisive rhetoric of Trump that is based on border protectionism with traces of nationalist fervour. Also read: After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom Patel has been staunchly criticised for her rhetoric during the Brexit uncertainty period, whereby she defended the alcohol and tobacco industries, and also threatened Ireland with food shortages.

Second generation immigrant Priti Patel introduces UK's anti-immigration visa guidelines

Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party won a majority in Sunday's parliamentary election, securing a second four-year term to continue reforms that have put it on a collision course with Brussels.

PiS secured 45.2% of votes, according to results from 83% of constituencies published by the electoral committee on Monday. The biggest opposition grouping Civic Coalition (KO), which comprises centrist and liberal parties, came second with 26.1%.

The win for PiS is likely to stoke concern about democratic standards in the largest former communist state of European Union, where the government has been accused of politicising the judiciary, turning state media into a mouthpiece and polarising society.

A second term for PiS could also bolster anti-immigration populists in the EU are who keen to scale back the bloc's liberal agenda.

The party cast the election as a choice between a society rooted in traditional Catholic values and a liberal order that promotes a chosen few and undermines family life.

Critics accused it of fomenting homophobia during the election campaign, with PiS officials calling lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights an invasive foreign influence that threatens Poland's national identity.

"We saved Poland. ... It is time to complete decommunisation. It is time to stop the LGBT dictate!," Deputy Digitalisation Minister Andrzej Andruszkiewicz seen as close to far-right politicians wrote in a tweet.

The leftist alliance, The Left, got 12.1%, while the bloc of agrarian PSL and anti-system Kukiz'15 was at 8.8%. The far-right Confederation has probably also passed the threshold and managed to get into parliament, scoring 6.7% based on partial results.

"The most important thing is that we achieved our aim - from the very beginning our plan was to get the majority," Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin told private broadcaster TVN24 on Monday.

According to Reuters calculations, PiS won 238 out of 460 seats in lower house, the Sejm, although this result is subject to change depending on the performance of other parties.

Poland's euro-denominated government bonds rallied on Monday after the results came out. The zloty started Monday trade at 4.3056 to euro, almost unchanged since late Sunday. Warsaw stock exchange started the day with a 0.4% slide.

Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party won a majority in Sunday's parliamentary election, securing a second four-year term to continue reforms that have put it on a collision course with Brussels.

Poland's ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party won a majority in Sunday's parliamentary election, securing a second four-year term to continue reforms that have put it on a collision course with Brussels. PiS secured 45.2% of votes, according to results from 83% of constituencies published by the electoral committee on Monday. The biggest opposition grouping Civic Coalition (KO), which comprises centrist and liberal parties, came second with 26.1%. The win for PiS is likely to stoke concern about democratic standards in the largest former communist state of European Union, where the government has been accused of politicising the judiciary, turning state media into a mouthpiece and polarising society. A second term for PiS could also bolster anti-immigration populists in the EU are who keen to scale back the bloc's liberal agenda. The party cast the election as a choice between a society rooted in traditional Catholic values and a liberal order that promotes a chosen few and undermines family life. Critics accused it of fomenting homophobia during the election campaign, with PiS officials calling lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights an invasive foreign influence that threatens Poland's national identity. "We saved Poland. ... It is time to complete decommunisation. It is time to stop the LGBT dictate!," Deputy Digitalisation Minister Andrzej Andruszkiewicz seen as close to far-right politicians wrote in a tweet. The leftist alliance, The Left, got 12.1%, while the bloc of agrarian PSL and anti-system Kukiz'15 was at 8.8%. The far-right Confederation has probably also passed the threshold and managed to get into parliament, scoring 6.7% based on partial results. "The most important thing is that we achieved our aim - from the very beginning our plan was to get the majority," Deputy Prime Minister Jacek Sasin told private broadcaster TVN24 on Monday. According to Reuters calculations, PiS won 238 out of 460 seats in lower house, the Sejm, although this result is subject to change depending on the performance of other parties. Poland's euro-denominated government bonds rallied on Monday after the results came out. The zloty started Monday trade at 4.3056 to euro, almost unchanged since late Sunday. Warsaw stock exchange started the day with a 0.4% slide.

Poland's ruling nationalists win majority in parliament

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to speak at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, the focus has swung back on the BJP’s core philosophy: nationalism. How valid is it today?&nbsp;

Mahatma Gandhi was a nationalist. So were Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Why then has nationalism acquired such odium in recent years? The short answer: the meaning of nationalism has been subverted.

This subversion leads even “public intellectuals” — a term that has fallen into some disrepute — like Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Ramachandra Guha to miss the finer nuances of nationalism.&nbsp;

Why do Indian Opposition leaders, historians and academics misinterpret the true meaning of nationalism? A part of the reason is ideological. They despise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and imbue him with their false interpretation of nationalism. They constantly seek a problem for every solution, not a solution for every problem. Their prognostications for India are invariably grim. The references to Kashmir in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and the UNGA, is played up by this cabal of India denigrators. The references these international bodies make are merely proforma. They carry no weight. The denigrators know this, but wilfully subvert the narrative.&nbsp;

The government deserves criticism across a host of issues. But such criticism — which should spare nobody, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi — loses credibility if it is built on prejudice. India doesn’t suffer from too much nationalism. It suffers from too little.&nbsp;

At a recent event, sociologist Ashish Nandy told the audience: “I’ve worked on nationalism, so I am telling you with some confidence. You read all the nationalist texts and you tell me if this nationalism is different from our nationalism, or that nationalism is distinct from other kinds of nationalism. You cannot find it, all nationalisms are the same, the texts are the same, only the names, only the minor, trivial details differ. There is no difference between nationalism anywhere. Psychologically speaking they are absolutely the same profile.”&nbsp;

Thus, in Nandy’s view, Mahatma Gandhi’s nationalism in the 1930s was the same as Adolf Hitler’s nationalism in the 1930s. Read the key part of Nandy’s comment again: “All nationalisms are the same. There is no difference between nationalism anywhere.”&nbsp;

But, of course, there is a difference — in both historical and contemporary terms. This is how, as I wrote elsewhere, the finer nuances of nationalism need to be understood: “One reason why the Congress and the Left have a poor understanding of nationalism is that they use European reference points. It is fashionable in the West and among India’s nouveau elite to say that patriots spread ‘love’ and nationalists spread ‘hate’. But that is a Western post-colonial construct based on European nationalism that led to World War II. Indian nationalism is very different.

“German nationalism in the 1930s, for example, sought to invade and conquer. Indian nationalism under Mahatma Gandhi, in sharp contrast, was non-violent and sought to free India from British colonial occupation which, like German ‘nationalism’, was invasive, violent and expansionary. German and British nationalism was not nationalism at all but jingoism. Employing a deliberate sleight of hand, the Left attempts to discredit Indian nationalism today by conflating it with European ‘nationalism’.

“In India, ideologues on the Right, too, make a fatal error: they conflate nationalism with Hindu nationalism. It is not. In its truest form, nationalism is inclusive. To protect national interest means protecting every Indian’s national interest: Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Parsi, rich or poor, Brahmin or Dalit, Sunni or Shia, male, female or transgender. Nationalism seeks national advancement, but not at the cost of other nations, races or creeds. Real nationalism is fair, open and embraces diversity. It seeks to guard India from terror, promote the country’s economic interests by globalising the Indian economy and protect the rights of minorities by empowering them.”

Meanwhile, patriotism, we are told, is the antithesis of nationalism. In short, patriotism is selfless and good. Nationalism is selfish and bad. This is how Nandy frames it: “Old-fashioned patriotism was good enough for even Europe at one time, and in India today, it is by blurring old-style patriotism and love for the country — which is natural and biological — that we have tried to strengthen nationalism. Nationalism by itself does not make that much sense as old-fashioned patriotism. Every Indian, I should say, is patriotic by nature. You don’t have to teach them to be patriotic, but nationalism is an ideology. Nationalism is not only defined by the love of the country territorially where you were born, nationalism is defined by specific enemies and specific allies. Nationalism is built on that; patriotism doesn’t have that kind of responsibility, it doesn’t define your enemies or friends.” &nbsp;

To Nandy, therefore, “nationalism is defined by specific enemies” while “patriotism doesn’t define enemies or friends.”&nbsp;

He makes the same classical mistake others of his ilk do, conflating nationalism with aggressive intent.&nbsp;

Gandhiji, a consummate nationalist throughout his life, used ahimsa, non-violence, as his central credo. The enemy was specific — the British — but he advocated non-violent means to confront and defeat it. He was a patriot and a nationalist and showed how they were two sides of the same coin.&nbsp;

Left-leaning historians and academics strive to drive an artificial wedge between nationalism and patriotism. There isn’t one.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-subversion-of-nationalism-2792388">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to speak at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, the focus has swung back on the BJP’s core philosophy: nationalism.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to speak at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 27, the focus has swung back on the BJP’s core philosophy: nationalism. How valid is it today? Mahatma Gandhi was a nationalist. So were Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Why then has nationalism acquired such odium in recent years? The short answer: the meaning of nationalism has been subverted. This subversion leads even “public intellectuals” — a term that has fallen into some disrepute — like Pratap Bhanu Mehta and Ramachandra Guha to miss the finer nuances of nationalism. Why do Indian Opposition leaders, historians and academics misinterpret the true meaning of nationalism? A part of the reason is ideological. They despise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and imbue him with their false interpretation of nationalism. They constantly seek a problem for every solution, not a solution for every problem. Their prognostications for India are invariably grim. The references to Kashmir in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), and the UNGA, is played up by this cabal of India denigrators. The references these international bodies make are merely proforma. They carry no weight. The denigrators know this, but wilfully subvert the narrative. The government deserves criticism across a host of issues. But such criticism — which should spare nobody, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi — loses credibility if it is built on prejudice. India doesn’t suffer from too much nationalism. It suffers from too little. At a recent event, sociologist Ashish Nandy told the audience: “I’ve worked on nationalism, so I am telling you with some confidence. You read all the nationalist texts and you tell me if this nationalism is different from our nationalism, or that nationalism is distinct from other kinds of nationalism. You cannot find it, all nationalisms are the same, the texts are the same, only the names, only the minor, trivial details differ. There is no difference between nationalism anywhere. Psychologically speaking they are absolutely the same profile.” Thus, in Nandy’s view, Mahatma Gandhi’s nationalism in the 1930s was the same as Adolf Hitler’s nationalism in the 1930s. Read the key part of Nandy’s comment again: “All nationalisms are the same. There is no difference between nationalism anywhere.” But, of course, there is a difference — in both historical and contemporary terms. This is how, as I wrote elsewhere, the finer nuances of nationalism need to be understood: “One reason why the Congress and the Left have a poor understanding of nationalism is that they use European reference points. It is fashionable in the West and among India’s nouveau elite to say that patriots spread ‘love’ and nationalists spread ‘hate’. But that is a Western post-colonial construct based on European nationalism that led to World War II. Indian nationalism is very different. “German nationalism in the 1930s, for example, sought to invade and conquer. Indian nationalism under Mahatma Gandhi, in sharp contrast, was non-violent and sought to free India from British colonial occupation which, like German ‘nationalism’, was invasive, violent and expansionary. German and British nationalism was not nationalism at all but jingoism. Employing a deliberate sleight of hand, the Left attempts to discredit Indian nationalism today by conflating it with European ‘nationalism’. “In India, ideologues on the Right, too, make a fatal error: they conflate nationalism with Hindu nationalism. It is not. In its truest form, nationalism is inclusive. To protect national interest means protecting every Indian’s national interest: Hindu, Muslim, Christian or Parsi, rich or poor, Brahmin or Dalit, Sunni or Shia, male, female or transgender. Nationalism seeks national advancement, but not at the cost of other nations, races or creeds. Real nationalism is fair, open and embraces diversity. It seeks to guard India from terror, promote the country’s economic interests by globalising the Indian economy and protect the rights of minorities by empowering them.” Meanwhile, patriotism, we are told, is the antithesis of nationalism. In short, patriotism is selfless and good. Nationalism is selfish and bad. This is how Nandy frames it: “Old-fashioned patriotism was good enough for even Europe at one time, and in India today, it is by blurring old-style patriotism and love for the country — which is natural and biological — that we have tried to strengthen nationalism. Nationalism by itself does not make that much sense as old-fashioned patriotism. Every Indian, I should say, is patriotic by nature. You don’t have to teach them to be patriotic, but nationalism is an ideology. Nationalism is not only defined by the love of the country territorially where you were born, nationalism is defined by specific enemies and specific allies. Nationalism is built on that; patriotism doesn’t have that kind of responsibility, it doesn’t define your enemies or friends.” To Nandy, therefore, “nationalism is defined by specific enemies” while “patriotism doesn’t define enemies or friends.” He makes the same classical mistake others of his ilk do, conflating nationalism with aggressive intent. Gandhiji, a consummate nationalist throughout his life, used ahimsa, non-violence, as his central credo. The enemy was specific — the British — but he advocated non-violent means to confront and defeat it. He was a patriot and a nationalist and showed how they were two sides of the same coin. Left-leaning historians and academics strive to drive an artificial wedge between nationalism and patriotism. There isn’t one. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The meaning of nationalism has been subverted

Nationalist Meral Aksener may have broken the mould by challenging Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the presidency barely eight months after creating a new party but she faces an uphill struggle to even be the top opposition candidate.

The first woman to stand for the presidency in Turkish history, Aksener, 61, broke away from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) that dominated nationalist politics for the last half-century and in October launched her own faction -- the Iyi Parti (Good Party).&nbsp;

While the MHP and its longstanding leader Devlet Bahceli, 70, formed an alliance with Erdogan for the&nbsp;June 24&nbsp;election, Aksener moved in outright opposition to the Turkish strongman.

The formation of the new party was seen as a tectonic shift in Turkish politics, given the importance of the nationalist electorate, with many analysts saying she has a decent chance of challenging Erdogan.

But with markedly little television airtime, Aksener faces a tough challenge to rally support especially with the other main opposition candidate, Muharrem Ince of the secular Republican People's Party (CHP), gaining momentum.

And her reputation as a diehard nationalist and her past as ex-interior minister means it is unlikely she will make inroads among the Kurdish minority who comprise around a fifth of the electorate.

"Looking at the election mathematics, Ince will most likely be the runner-up and Aksener will follow," said Fuat Keyman, director of the Istanbul Policy Centre think tank.

If no candidate wins 50 per cent in the first round, there will a run-off vote between the two frontrunners on&nbsp;July 8.

Odul Celep, associate professor of political science at Isik University in Istanbul, said it would likely be Ince rather than Aksener making it to a run-off.

Ince, he said, could both "solidify the party base but also rally more non-partisan, independent and floating voters around him".

Aksener defines herself as a nationalist and committed follower of Turkey's secular founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk yet also socially conservative and a practising Muslim. She shies away from comparisons to European far-right politicians such as Front National's Marine Le Pen in France.

She has also been challenged on her policy towards Syrian refugees in a country which is hosting some 3.5 million people who fled the Syrian civil war.

Aksener came under fire for saying that she would have an "iftar" meal which breaks the daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with Syrians in 2019 -- but only in their homeland.

Known for her fiery rhetoric and dubbed by some foreign media as Turkey's "iron lady", Aksener has denied suggesting refugees be thrown out.&nbsp;

As part of her campaign, she has promised to end a string of measures put in place by Erdogan, such as the state of emergency imposed after the failed coup of 2016, and the block on Wikipedia.&nbsp;

She has also pledged to scrap the presidential system due to take effect after the vote.&nbsp;

"She portrays herself as the antidote to the ills that are plaguing Turkey today and is focusing her campaign on rectified governance, justice and accountability," Anthony Skinner, MENA director at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft, told AFP.

According to Celep, Aksener has qualities that form a "unique combination" as an urban, secular, educated figure with her roots very much in the right wing of Turkish politics.

But her biggest stumbling block may be winning over the Kurds, who are wary of her nationalism and have bitter memories of her 1996-7 stint as interior minister during the deadliest years of the Kurdish insurgency in the southeast.

During her campaign, Aksener called for the release of the jailed Selahattin Demirtas, the imprisoned candidate for the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and its former leader.

"How will Turkey account for this competitive inequality?" she said, insisting he should be free to campaign.

But HDP's co-leader has vowed Aksener would not win any Kurdish votes.&nbsp;

"Starting with me, no Kurd will give their vote to Mrs Aksener," Pervin Buldan told the Gazete Duvar news website. "This absolutely will not happen."

So far, Aksener has been "shy" to openly cite Turkey's Kurdish minority as "an issue" or make references to their identity or ethnicity, Celep said.&nbsp;

But among Kurds and some leftists there was a "negative perception" of Aksener, whose chances were likely to be affected by "her time as minister and because she is a Turkish nationalist," said Ozer Sencar, chairman of the Metropoll pollster.

The formation of the new party was seen as a tectonic shift in Turkish politics, given the importance of the nationalist electorate

Nationalist Meral Aksener may have broken the mould by challenging Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the presidency barely eight months after creating a new party but she faces an uphill struggle to even be the top opposition candidate. The first woman to stand for the presidency in Turkish history, Aksener, 61, broke away from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) that dominated nationalist politics for the last half-century and in October launched her own faction -- the Iyi Parti (Good Party). While the MHP and its longstanding leader Devlet Bahceli, 70, formed an alliance with Erdogan for the June 24 election, Aksener moved in outright opposition to the Turkish strongman. The formation of the new party was seen as a tectonic shift in Turkish politics, given the importance of the nationalist electorate, with many analysts saying she has a decent chance of challenging Erdogan. But with markedly little television airtime, Aksener faces a tough challenge to rally support especially with the other main opposition candidate, Muharrem Ince of the secular Republican People's Party (CHP), gaining momentum. And her reputation as a diehard nationalist and her past as ex-interior minister means it is unlikely she will make inroads among the Kurdish minority who comprise around a fifth of the electorate. "Looking at the election mathematics, Ince will most likely be the runner-up and Aksener will follow," said Fuat Keyman, director of the Istanbul Policy Centre think tank. If no candidate wins 50 per cent in the first round, there will a run-off vote between the two frontrunners on July 8. Odul Celep, associate professor of political science at Isik University in Istanbul, said it would likely be Ince rather than Aksener making it to a run-off. Ince, he said, could both "solidify the party base but also rally more non-partisan, independent and floating voters around him". Aksener defines herself as a nationalist and committed follower of Turkey's secular founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk yet also socially conservative and a practising Muslim. She shies away from comparisons to European far-right politicians such as Front National's Marine Le Pen in France. She has also been challenged on her policy towards Syrian refugees in a country which is hosting some 3.5 million people who fled the Syrian civil war. Aksener came under fire for saying that she would have an "iftar" meal which breaks the daily fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with Syrians in 2019 -- but only in their homeland. Known for her fiery rhetoric and dubbed by some foreign media as Turkey's "iron lady", Aksener has denied suggesting refugees be thrown out. As part of her campaign, she has promised to end a string of measures put in place by Erdogan, such as the state of emergency imposed after the failed coup of 2016, and the block on Wikipedia. She has also pledged to scrap the presidential system due to take effect after the vote. "She portrays herself as the antidote to the ills that are plaguing Turkey today and is focusing her campaign on rectified governance, justice and accountability," Anthony Skinner, MENA director at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft, told AFP. According to Celep, Aksener has qualities that form a "unique combination" as an urban, secular, educated figure with her roots very much in the right wing of Turkish politics. But her biggest stumbling block may be winning over the Kurds, who are wary of her nationalism and have bitter memories of her 1996-7 stint as interior minister during the deadliest years of the Kurdish insurgency in the southeast. During her campaign, Aksener called for the release of the jailed Selahattin Demirtas, the imprisoned candidate for the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and its former leader. "How will Turkey account for this competitive inequality?" she said, insisting he should be free to campaign. But HDP's co-leader has vowed Aksener would not win any Kurdish votes. "Starting with me, no Kurd will give their vote to Mrs Aksener," Pervin Buldan told the Gazete Duvar news website. "This absolutely will not happen." So far, Aksener has been "shy" to openly cite Turkey's Kurdish minority as "an issue" or make references to their identity or ethnicity, Celep said. But among Kurds and some leftists there was a "negative perception" of Aksener, whose chances were likely to be affected by "her time as minister and because she is a Turkish nationalist," said Ozer Sencar, chairman of the Metropoll pollster.

Erdogan's nationalist rival faces uphill struggle after breakthrough

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