Walter Andersen

Walter Andersen is a prominent scholar of South Asian politics and religion, particularly known for his extensive work on political movements and religious nationalism in India. His research and writings have focused significantly on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the broader Hindu nationalist movement. As a professor at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Andersen has contributed substantially to the academic understanding of Indian politics and Hindu-Muslim relations. His book "The Brotherhood in Saffron: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Hindu Revivalism" (co-authored with Shridhar Damle) is considered a foundational text for understanding the RSS organization. Andersen's career has included positions as Chief of the U.S. State Department's South Asia Division in the Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia, demonstrating his practical expertise in South Asian affairs. His more recent work "The RSS: A View to the Inside" (2018), also co-authored with Damle, provides updated analysis of the organization's evolution and influence in contemporary Indian politics. During his academic career, Andersen has been associated with several prestigious institutions, including the University of Chicago and the College of Wooster, where he has contributed to South Asian studies programs. His analyses frequently appear in academic journals and international media outlets, where he provides insight into Indian political developments and Hindu nationalist movements.

Readers consistently note Andersen's thorough research and access to primary sources in his analyses of the RSS. His explanations of complex political movements and organizational structures receive particular praise. What readers liked: - Detailed documentation of RSS operations and structure - Balanced perspective on controversial topics - Clear writing style for academic content - Inclusion of first-hand interviews and internal documents What readers disliked: - Technical language can be dense for general readers - Some readers found certain sections repetitive - Updates needed for recent political developments Ratings: Goodreads: "The Brotherhood in Saffron" - 4.1/5 (87 ratings) "The RSS: A View to the Inside" - 3.9/5 (142 ratings) Amazon: "The RSS: A View to the Inside" - 4.3/5 (89 reviews) One reader noted: "Andersen provides unprecedented access to RSS leadership and internal workings." Another commented: "The historical analysis could benefit from more current context."

The Brotherhood In Saffron: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh And Hindu Revivalism (1987) A detailed study of the RSS organization, exploring its history, ideology, and influence on Indian politics.

Religion and Politics in India (1997) An analysis of the relationship between religious movements and political processes in modern India.

The BJP: From Ram to Hindutva and Back (2004) An examination of the Bharatiya Janata Party's evolution and its use of religious symbolism in Indian politics.

The Brotherhood in Saffron: RSS and the Making of the Hindu Nation (2018) A revised and updated exploration of the RSS's role in shaping contemporary Hindu nationalism in India.

Messengers of Hindu Nationalism: How the RSS Reshaped India (2019) A chronological analysis of the RSS's transformation from a marginal organization to a major force in Indian politics.

Richard Pipes wrote on Soviet and Russian politics with focus on institutional development and deep archival research. His analysis of power structures and long-term historical trajectories shares methodological similarities with Andersen's approach to studying Indian politics.

Paul Brass focused on ethnic conflict and political violence in South Asia, particularly North India. His work on elite competition and political mobilization complements Andersen's research on the BJP and Hindu nationalism.

Thomas Blom Hansen examines Hindu nationalism and urban politics in India through ethnographic fieldwork and political theory. His analysis of the Shiv Sena and Mumbai politics provides parallel insights to Andersen's work on religious nationalism.

Christophe Jaffrelot specializes in South Asian politics with emphasis on Hindu nationalist movements and Indian democracy. His research on the BJP and RSS overlaps with Andersen's focus areas while offering a French academic perspective.

Ashutosh Varshney studies ethnic conflict, civil society, and democracy in India through comparative analysis. His work on Hindu-Muslim relations and civil society engagement intersects with themes in Andersen's research on religious politics.