This highly original contribution to studies of nationalism focuses on its ideological foundations, tracing its historical beginnings and charting its varied manifestations in world politics today. Its broad theoretical and empirical inquiry explores the dynamics of nationalism and its theories and also considers the role of 'the nation' in political processes taking place beyond states. In addition to a wide-ranging review of traditional approaches to nationalism, this book is unique in its broad geographic and historical scope and in the appraisal of these approaches in contemporary international politics, including developments such as the increased role of non-state actors, regional integration, trans-national movements and diasporas. A key element of the book is its case studies which range from the rise of national movements within the old Empires to contemporary ethnic conflicts, and which allow for a clearer understanding of the politics of nationalism, how its theories can be applied and which urge some searching questions about 'new' forms of ethno-national mobilization. Key Features *Only book to cover both historical and contemporary theories of nationalism *Reviews classical theories of nationalism *Shows nationalism to be integral to all political changes and demonstrates its relevance to democracy and globalisation *Uses examples and case studies to demonstrate application of theories of nationalism in world politics *Links classical and 'new' nationalism - continuities and discontinuities between the 'old' and current understandings of nationalism are highlighted

About the Author
Erika Harris is a Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Liverpool. She is author of Nationalism and Democratisation Politics of Slovakia and Slovenia (2002) and Democracy in the New Europe (2006, with Christopher Lord).

Reviews
A major contribution to the growing literature on nations and nationalism. Seeking to look beyond the primordial/modernist debate and to expand the discussion beyond the boundaries of the state, Harris emphasizes that the functions performed by nationalism have changed over time. Harris's Nationalism is an imaginative treatment of an important subject, and full of insights. It should prove useful for both specialists and students alike. -- Sabrina P. Ramet, Norwegian University of Science & Technology This valuable work helps to stimulate our inquiry on nationalism in terms of wider-ranging research (past, present, future), and ... provides important insights to search for new perceptions and definitions in exploring the relationship between nationalism and democracy in our world. -- N. P. Sreejesh, Jawaharlal Nehru University Political Studies Review A major contribution to the growing literature on nations and nationalism. Seeking to look beyond the primordial/modernist debate and to expand the discussion beyond the boundaries of the state, Harris emphasizes that the functions performed by nationalism have changed over time. Harris's Nationalism is an imaginative treatment of an important subject, and full of insights. It should prove useful for both specialists and students alike. This valuable work helps to stimulate our inquiry on nationalism in terms of wider-ranging research (past, present, future), and ... provides important insights to search for new perceptions and definitions in exploring the relationship between nationalism and democracy in our world.



Book Information
ISBN 9780748615599
Author Erika Harris
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press
Weight(grams) 346g