Nation Formation: Towards a Theory of Abstract Community (Politics and Culture series) - Hardcover

James, Paul W

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0761950729 ISBN 13: 9780761950721

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd, 1996

Synopsis

What is a nation and why is nationalism widespread in the world now? In this book Paul James argues that `nation′ and `nationalism′ are two of the most undertheorized and misunderstood concepts in the contemporary world.

The author guides the reader through the theoretical contributions of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Gellner, Nairn and Giddens, demonstrating the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments. This theoretical survey is threaded into a discussion of recent political crises such as the war in Bosnia and the genocide in Rwanda. Throughout, the aim is not to rediscover the concepts of `nation′ and `nationalism′ but to use classical and contemporary approaches to offer a new way of theorizing. James argues that the n

About this title

About the Author:

Paul James, Professor of Globalization at the University of Western Sydney, is an editor of Arena Journal, and on the Council of the Institute of Postcolonial Studies. He has received a number of awards including the Japan-Australia Foundation Fellowship, an Australian Research Council Fellowship, and the Crisp Medal by the Australasian Political Studies Association for the best book in the field of political studies. He is author/editor of many books including, most importantly, Nation Formation: Towards a Theory of Abstract Community (Sage Publications, 1996), Global Matrix: Nationalism, Globalism and State-Terrorism (Pluto, 2005), and Globalism, Nationalism, Tribalism: Bringing Theory Back In (Sage Publications, 2006). His interests are threefold: first, globalism, nationalism and localism, including the changing nature of the nation-state and the effects of an emergent level of global integration; second, social theory with a concentration on theories of culture, community and social formation; and third, contemporary politics and society with an emphasis on debates over technology and social change.

Review:

`Paul James makes an impressive effort to analyze both the classical theories by Marx and Engels, Durkheim and Weber and the contemporary theories concerning nation, nationalism and nation-states. Anyone who wants a balanced overview of the present debate on these concepts should do well to read this book′ - New Routes

`Much of what James says is perceptive and persuasive, making his book indispensible for students of nationalism′ - Nations and Nationalism

`Nation Formation is comprehensive in its critical engagement with the principal theories of nationalism and unusually rich in its use of historical illustration′ - Andrew Linklater, Keele University

`Well structured, clear and engaging - it builds on and moves beyond a critique of other texts. It is in many ways the kind of book a reviewer dreads - there is very little left to say!′ - Keith Tester, University of Portsmouth

`Paul James has written an interesting book about one of the most contested issues in contemporary social theory.... The book is certainly recommended to any student or scholar interested in the area. Especially the analysis and criticism of Nairn, Gellner and Giddens. It is excellent!′ - European Journal of Development Research

About this edition

• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0761950729
• ISBN 13: 9780761950721
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256