I remember when I was in India some 20 years ago, I saw Modi on television. He was giving an interview and the reporter asked him about members of the Muslim community speaking out against some Hindu nationalist agendas. Modi’s response began with the phrase “no one is saying that …”. I remember thinking, here is a man of political power who so refuses to acknowledge even hearing the words and concerns of his opposition.

I love India, and the many sides of India, though all of this time later, hearing this man’s story, I cannot help but consider the course these past decades of history have taken.

Nationalism and failure to support the civilizing principles of law are a fatal combination anywhere for anyone.