Within a few decades, India has become a key global actor. What explains this rise and what does it mean for the “world’s largest democracy” and the world?
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The aim of this course is to give students the key elements to understand the political, social and economic transformations experienced by India since independence, and the role it plays in the world. By studying its recent history, its politics and its foreign relations, students will gain a deeper knowledge of this varied and fascinating country.
What will we cover?
- From independence to Modi: a historical overview of India (two weeks) - The state of Indian democracy - India’s social, economic, and environmental challenges - India’s foreign policy.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify the key political actors that shaped India since independence - Analyse the different phases in the economic transformation of India - Discuss constructively the state of democracy in India - Assess the domestic issues India faces - Discuss constructively the relations of India with her neighbours and the rest of the world.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
A good standard of English is required. Some background knowledge about India and global affairs would be useful but is not essential. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and small groups. Handouts will be given in each class. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the course website.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish. This is not an exam course and there are no extra costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please explore our history and politics section for additional courses.
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/rising-powers-india-from-nehru-to-modi2491429Rising powers: India, from Nehru to Modihttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/r/i/rising-powers-india_-from-nehru-to-modi-hpc110_1.jpg269269GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics228511771677135421228511771677Within a few decades, India has become a key global actor. What explains this rise and what does it mean for the “world’s largest democracy” and the world?002998634Rising powers: India, from Nehru to Modi269269https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/r/i/rising-powers-india_-from-nehru-to-modi-hpc110_1_1.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-04-29T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC110269269Rising powers: India, from Nehru to Modi215175269Sebastien Ardouinrising-powers-india-from-nehru-to-modi/hpc110-2526Within a few decades, India has become a key global actor. What explains this rise and what does it mean for the “world’s largest democracy” and the world?0000-Available|2026-04-29 00:00:00The aim of this course is to give students the key elements to understand the political, social and economic transformations experienced by India since independence, and the role it plays in the world. By studying its recent history, its politics and its foreign relations, students will gain a deeper knowledge of this varied and fascinating country.Within a few decades, India has become a key global actor. What explains this rise and what does it mean for the “world’s largest democracy” and the world?- From independence to Modi: a historical overview of India (two weeks)<br/>- The state of Indian democracy<br/>- India’s social, economic, and environmental challenges<br/>- India’s foreign policy.- Identify the key political actors that shaped India since independence<br/>- Analyse the different phases in the economic transformation of India<br/>- Discuss constructively the state of democracy in India<br/>- Assess the domestic issues India faces<br/>- Discuss constructively the relations of India with her neighbours and the rest of the world.A good standard of English is required. Some background knowledge about India and global affairs would be useful but is not essential. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.The course will be a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and small groups. Handouts will be given in each class. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the course website.Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish. This is not an exam course and there are no extra costs.Please explore our history and politics section for additional courses.Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual215269175HPC110NONEWed29/04/26 - 15/07/2610:30 - 12:3010:3012:3011 sessions (over 12 weeks)1111 weeks or longerDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetSebastien ArdouinAvailable courses2026-04-29T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026Culture, history & humanities269269Rising powers: India, from Nehru to Modirising-powers-india-from-nehru-to-modi/hpc110-2526Within a few decades, India has become a key global actor. What explains this rise and what does it mean for the “world’s largest democracy” and the world?0000-Available|2026-04-29 00:00:00The aim of this course is to give students the key elements to understand the political, social and economic transformations experienced by India since independence, and the role it plays in the world. By studying its recent history, its politics and its foreign relations, students will gain a deeper knowledge of this varied and fascinating country.Within a few decades, India has become a key global actor. What explains this rise and what does it mean for the “world’s largest democracy” and the world?- From independence to Modi: a historical overview of India (two weeks)<br/>- The state of Indian democracy<br/>- India’s social, economic, and environmental challenges<br/>- India’s foreign policy.- Identify the key political actors that shaped India since independence<br/>- Analyse the different phases in the economic transformation of India<br/>- Discuss constructively the state of democracy in India<br/>- Assess the domestic issues India faces<br/>- Discuss constructively the relations of India with her neighbours and the rest of the world.A good standard of English is required. Some background knowledge about India and global affairs would be useful but is not essential. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.The course will be a combination of lectures, backed by PowerPoint presentations, and discussions in large and small groups. Handouts will be given in each class. Material to prepare the discussions will be available on the course website.Books will be recommended but students are not required to purchase them if they do not wish. This is not an exam course and there are no extra costs.Please explore our history and politics section for additional courses.Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
