Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Professor Uday Chandra’s journey to becoming a professor took an unexpected turn when he graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa, USA, with a BA in economics. His interest in understanding politics and society led him to pursue a PhD in political science at Yale University, where he began to explore the dynamics of power and resistance. His dissertation, which won the prestigious Sardar Patel Award, focused on the co-evolution of the notion of “tribe” with modern state-making processes in South Asia and beyond.
Professor Chandra’s research led him to rural eastern India to study youth in the growing Maoist movement, seeking to understand why marginalized rural communities were taking up arms against the government. Living among the Adivasi or tribal communities for thirty-six months, he immersed himself in their lives to gain a deep understanding of how they negotiate their rights with the state. This experience inspired his research approach, which he calls a “politics of listening,” emphasizing the voices and experiences of ordinary people in his work.
In his book, Resistance as Negotiation, Professor Chandra redefines resistance as negotiation with power, rather than mere opposition. He argues that resistance is a strategic tool for achieving meaningful change, transforming both the powerful and the powerless in the process. Through fifteen years of research, he reveals how modern Indian states and their tribal subjects have continuously shaped each other through negotiations over the past two centuries.
An intriguing aspect of Professor Chandra’s work is his exploration of the contemporary relevance of “tribalism.” He notes how the terms tribes and tribalism have been used to describe polarized support for various populist leaders, resonating with colonial connotations. His book examines how the notion of tribalism, once associated with primitive Indigenous communities, has resurfaced in Western political discourse, shaping debates over the future of Western democracies.
Since joining GU-Q in 2015, Professor Chandra has found a supportive academic environment that has shaped his work. A workshop hosted at GU-Q in 2016 was a turning point in his research, bringing together scholars from around the world to critique and refine his manuscript. This collaborative environment has allowed him to further develop his ideas and contribute to the field of political science.
In conclusion, Professor Uday Chandra’s research challenges traditional notions of resistance and state power, emphasizing the importance of negotiation in achieving meaningful change. His work sheds light on the interactions between modern states and tribal communities, providing a deeper understanding of how power dynamics shape society. Through his innovative research approach and collaborative efforts, Professor Chandra continues to make significant contributions to the field of political science.
