Nations, Identity, Power - Softcover

Schopflin, George

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1850654107 ISBN 13: 9781850654100

Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd, 2000

Synopsis

Conceptions of nationalism as a historical and contemporary phenomenon remain fragmentary in the late-1990s. This text analyzes the contraditions inherent in the general understanding of nationalism in order to fashion a new intellectual synthesis. In particular George Schopflin questions why states in the West are able to live with the nation as the legitimate space for democratic institutions, wheras in the post-communist world, especially in Eastern Europe, ethnicity is pre-eminent. He argues that the nation is simultaneously ethnic, civic and structured by the state. Schopflin applies his understanding of nationalism to various East and Central European case studies, including the former Yugoslavia and Hungary. He also compares the role of ethnicity in other states, including Britain.

About this title

Review:

'a cornucopia of informed and detailed insight on the politics of identity. [A...] Schopflin's writing is lively and vigorous, if abrasive. Ethnicity, identity, nationalism and nationhood are intriguing topics for study and certainly inform European politics today. Schopflin has provided a fascinating book that deals with these issues in a thought-provoking, original and insightful manner. It is a great piece of erudite scholarship, which one will return to time and again.' -Times Higher Educational Supplement

About the Author:

George Schopflin is Jean Monnet Professor of Politics and Director of the Centre for the Study of Nationalism, S. S. E. E. S., University of London. His books include Politics in Eastern Europe, 1945-1992 and Myths and Nationhood (1997).

About this edition

• Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1850654107
• ISBN 13: 9781850654100
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 447