The Literature Times: What inspired you to write this book on the political systems of these six countries?
Debarshi Khamrui: Actually, it’s fascinating to know the political system of different countries. I have been teaching political systems for many years and found it interesting. So, my interest in knowing the political systems of other countries motivated me in writing down this book.
The Literature Times: How did you conduct research for this book?
Debarshi Khamrui: I have consulted several standard books and reference books, which helped me a lot in conducting my research.
The Literature Times: What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
Debarshi Khamrui: Most challenging aspect was to write a comparative discussion of the judicial systems of different countries and some aspects of the Russian political system and also get information.
The Literature Times: What do you hope readers will gain from reading this book?
Debarshi Khamrui: Readers will clearly understand the mentioned political system by reading this book as it is written in such a manner that it will ignite interest in them.
The Literature Times: Which of the six political systems did you find the most interesting to research and why?
Debarshi Khamrui: I found the Chinese political system most interesting to research because both India and China share similar geographical environments and both are Asian countries and the most populous countries in the world, while the Chinese political system is sturdy and led by a single political party, that is the Chinese Communist Party. A multi-party system prevails in India and this gives rise to political instability and rampant corruption in every branch of administration. Owing to the majority support behind every policy Union Government in India most times fails to pass public interest-oriented bills. Post-poll violence is a major shortcoming of the Indian system. As the single-party system prevails in China, policies can be easily implemented and are free from post-poll violence. Different regional political parties, interest groups, and individuals are always clamoring for rights in India. Personally, I feel that Indian people enjoy more rights compared to other countries. Indian citizens have no sense of fundamental duties, though the same is incorporated in the constitution. While an equal emphasis is placed on both rights and duties of the citizens in China.
The Literature Times: Can you share an example of a political difference between two countries that surprised you during your research?
Debarshi Khamrui: Council of Ministers is a large body and the cabinet or Council of cabinet is a small body in the UK, while the Cabinet/Council of Cabinet is a large body and the Council of Ministers is a small body in the French system. This difference is quite baffling and can surprise anyone.
The Literature Times: In your opinion, which country has the most effective political system and why?
Debarshi Khamrui: I strongly feel China has a most effective political system because this system is free from the drawbacks, and procrastination that marred other systems especially multiparty-led Indian political and French systems. Owing to the supremacy of the Communist Party Chinese leaders can take and implement any policies having national interest. Stringent punishment is given for corruption which is usually missing from the Indian system due to the supremacy of citizens’ rights and Supreme Court that can declare any policies null and void. So many restrictions are placed on the Indian system.
The Literature Times: Were there any significant differences in the way you approached the research and writing of this book compared to your previous works?
Debarshi Khamrui: No
The Literature Times: In your opinion, what role do citizens play in the political systems you analyzed?
Debarshi Khamrui: Citizens can play a very positive role (though limited) in different political systems. For instance, citizens in the Swiss political system can use direct democratic devices in controlling the representatives. They can recall political representatives if they are dissatisfied with their functioning. In other advanced democratic countries like UK and USA citizens play an important role in shaping different policies of the government. But still, the fact is only a handful of citizens called elites play a positive role in influencing the policies of the government and the majority of them are indolent and incapable of having a grasp of intricate issues in governance.
The Literature Times: Do you have any plans to expand on this book or write a similar comparative analysis of different countries in the future?
Debarshi Khamrui: Yes, I have a plan for the future.
