Democratic Radicalism in MohsinHamidꞌsThe Reluctant Fundamentalist

Abstract

This thesis entitled Democratic Radicalism in Mohsin Hamidꞌs The Reluctant Fundamentalist explores, how Changez, the protagonist, embodies the principles of Democratic Radicalism through his evolving identity and critique of American imperialism. This study applies theoretical insights from Hegemony and Socialist Strategy by Ernesto and Chantal Mouffe. The main aim of this study is to illustrate Changezꞌs shift from embracing American ideals to opposing hegemonic power. This study concludes that The Reluctant Fundamentalist illustrates how personal and political identities can be reshaped through opposition to prevailing systems, embodying the principles of Democratic Radicalism. By demonstrating that social identities are dynamic and can be transformed through individual experiences and shifting political contexts, the novel advocates a more equitable and thoughtful perspective on socio-political issues. It exemplifies how identities are fluid and can be contested through acts of resistance. Keywords: Identity articulation, Empty, Open-ended, Critique Imperialism, Democracy