Citizenship and Nationhood in France and Germany (review)

BOOK REVIEWS 159 From the vantage point of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, India is seen as a giant with a stronger economy and military, in addition to a bigger land mass and population. With respect to China and Pakistan, strained relations have largely been the product of security interests: China's nuclear arsenal; Pakistan's fierce efforts to produce nuclear weapons; and the association that the two states have sought with each other. "India's minorities have often had a political significance out of proportion to their numbers," states Bradnock. To prevent the "Balkanization" of India on the basis of religion or language, leaders often weigh the significance offoreign policy decisions on communal issues. The Sri Lankan episode was very much affected by the sentiments of those in Tamil Nadu. On Kashmir, the majority of muslims in India are opposed to ceding the territory to Pakistan. On an independent Punjab, leaders must look to its impact on the numerous Sikhs who serve in India's military. On the economic front, India, the tenth largest industrial economy, initiated a "subtle" shift from a highly centralized economy to a more liberal economy when Indira Gandhi returned to power as Prime Minister in 1980. When her son Rajiv Gandhi became Prime Minister, he advanced this policy more forcefully, leading to greater foreign investment and joint ventures in India in the 1980s. India has diversified both the products it trades and the countries with which it trades. In 1988 the share of European Community imports in India rose to over thirty-three percent. Imports from Japan increased twenty-fold between 1970 and 1986. The theme that Bradnock presents about the economy—even in the areas of foreign aid and oil acquisition—is that India has purposely sought a policy ofdiversification in order to prevent dependence on any one block. Bradnock proves to be a clear thinker and this is ultimately the strength of India's Foreign Policy Since 1971. Bradnock asserts what he believes to be the themes of India's foreign policy and draws conclusions that have the benefit of careful research. Interestingly, Bradnock repeatedly asks but does not answer why India's position is not perceived as more important by the West, or why it is not given the same attention as that of China. One answer could be the 'introspection' that India is given to because of communal and regional security issues. The globalization and interdependence of economies have forced India to liberalize its markets, which Bradnock views with optimism. Perhaps this is a vehicle by which India could play a greater role in world affairs. This may be true particularly in the absence of an Indian leader like Nehru, whose personality and ideas simply commanded greater attention on the world stage. Citizenship and Nationhood in France and Germany. By Rogers Brubaker. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1992. 270 pp. $35.00/Hardcover. Reviewed by Randy Arndt, MA. Candidate, SAIS. The nation-state's concept of its own identity (its "national self-understanding") determines its law of citizenship. These laws dictate who is to be included in the membership ofthe exclusive organ ofthe nation-state, and who will, as a member, perpetuate the identity of the nation-state. The above conclusion emerges from this book's examination of the citizenship laws of France and Germany. 160 SAIS REVIEW The author begins with a statement of the legal principles upon which each nation-state's citizenship laws are based, and then traces the historical evolution ofthese lawswithin each nation-state. France bases her citizenship on the principle ofjus soli, that is, territorial inclusion. Citizenship is bestowed upon those who reside on French territory. Germany follows the principle oíjus sanguinis, inclusion by descent. Citizenship belongs only to the descendants ofGerman citizens, whether they reside on German territory or not. In France's history, the event that most shaped modern citizenship laws was the Revolution. Citizenship became linked to the institutions of the State as a result of two transformations. First of all, every man became equal in the eyes of the law and man was entitled to certain rights guaranteed by the State. Secondly, political participation was expanded to include...