Postmodern Political Thought in the Age of Globalization: Indian and Global South Perspectives

Abstract Postmodern political thought emerged as a critical response to the epistemological and normative assumptions of modern political theory, particularly its claims to universalism, rationality, and linear progress. In the contemporary era, globalization has further destabilized traditional political categories such as sovereignty, citizenship, identity, and governance, making postmodern critiques increasingly relevant. This paper examines postmodern political thought in the context of globalization, with specific attention to India and the Global South. Drawing upon the works of Michel Foucault, Jean-François Lyotard, Jacques Derrida, and Jean Baudrillard, the study analyzes how globalization intensifies fragmentation, decentralizes power, reshapes political identities, and transforms political discourse. By integrating empirical illustrations from India and other Global South societies, the paper demonstrates that postmodern political thought offers valuable insights into postcolonial political realities often overlooked by Eurocentric theories. While acknowledging criticisms related to relativism and political agency, the paper argues that postmodernism remains an indispensable analytical framework for understanding contemporary global politics.