Nationalism and the State - Hardcover

Breuilly, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0719006929 ISBN 13: 9780719006920

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 1982

Synopsis

Combining historical perspective and theoretical analysis, this book provides an overview of modern nationalism. The text explores the recent developments in eastern and central Europe that have given the subject of nationalism a new significance. The author also addresses many of the debates that have arisen in current historiography and re-evaluates his own position. The book considers nationalism as a form of politics which arises in opposition to the modern state. In this light it is revealed as an appropriate way of advancing the interests of elites, social groups and other governments against a modern state. The author asserts that rather than emerging from a cultural sense of national identity, nationalism creates a sense of identity. He supports his argument with a broad-ranging analysis of a variety of examples - national opposition in early modern Europe; the unification movement in Germany, Italy and Poland; separatism under the Hapsburg and Ottoman empires; fascism in Germany, Italy and Romania; post-war anti-colonialism and the nationalist resurgence following the breakdown of Soviet power.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

Since its original publication this important study has become established as a central work on the vast and contested subject of modern nationalism. Placing historical evidence within a general theoretical framework, John Breuilly argues that nationalism should be understood as a form of politics that arises in opposition to the modern state. In this updated and revised edition, he extends his analysis to the most recent developments in central Europe and the former Soviet Union. He also addresses the current debates over the meaning of nationalism and their implications for his position. Breuilly challenges the conventional view that nationalism emerges from a sense of cultural identity. Rather, he shows how elites, social groups, and foreign governments use nationalist appeals to mobilize popular support against the state. Nationalism, then, is a means of creating a sense of identity. This provocative argument is supported with a wide-ranging analysis of pertinent examples - national opposition in early modern Europe; the unification movement in Germany, Italy, and Poland; separatism under the Hapsburg and Ottoman empires; fascism in Germany, Italy, and Romania; post-war anti-colonialism and the nationalist resurgence following the breakdown of Soviet power. Still the most comprehensive and systematic historical comparison of nationalist politics, Nationalism and the State is an indispensable book for anyone seeking to understand modern politics.

About the Author:

John Breuilly is senior lecturer in history at the University of Manchester.

About this edition

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 1982
• ISBN 10: 0719006929
• ISBN 13: 9780719006920
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 431