Theorizing Nationalism

Theorizing Nationalism provides a comprehensive and accessible review of the main theoretical approaches to understanding nations, nationalism and national identities. Its systematic and clearly structured approach makes it an ideal purchase for undergraduate students of Sociology, Politics and International Relations. Well illustrated with a variety of international examples, it gives a detailed insight into the contributions of key social theorists, including Anderson, Billig, Gellner, Hobshawn and Smith. It shows how the analysis of nationalism is linked to contemporary studies of gender, 'race' and ethnicity and it gives due consideration to important recent developments in the field, including liberal nationalism, globalization and the formation of national identities. Throughout the book, the authors place developments in the study of nationalism in the context of wider changes taking place in social theory, and show how shifting theoretical perspectives pose new questions about the meaning and importance of nations and nationalism. This is a balanced and wide-ranging text that opens up debates in a clear and helpful manner for students who are new to the field.