Transformation and Friction in Globalizing India

India, like China, is the other 'sleeping giant' that is rapidly globalizing. What are the consequences of the massive social transformations currently occurring within the economy and polity? Studies on globalization's effects on social conflict are mixe d. While some believe that greater exposure to global markets is beneficial for social harmony, others argue that rapid liberalization can promote social disarray. Given that India is an established democracy, understanding the nature of why violent socia l conflict occurs is extremely useful for theory and policy. We examine the nature of social conflict in India by approaching the issue from different angles through 4 integrated, interdisciplinary part projects, namely- (1) the effects of globalization o n environmental degradation and loss of rural livelihood (2) resistance to extractive activity led by large corporations and possible solutions to local prosperity (3) the grievance versus feasibility (opportunist) bases of Naxal violence and how it might be tackled (4) the possibility of social conflict due to migration and its governance in India. Our research will be aimed directly at policies targeting potentially harmful effects of rapid economic transformation, which some claim is a destabilizing fo rce under particular circumstances (Bhagwati 1968). While theories and empirical details in the globalization and conflict literature are vast, there are notable gaps, which we aim to address using the Indian case as an example. In fact, understanding the nature of social conflict within an established democracy potentially provides critical input for theory development in the social sciences broadly about governance and conflict but also serves policy aimed at successful Norwegian engagement in developme nt efforts in India.