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

By Paul W. James

What is a nation? Why is nationalism raging in the world now? In Nation Formation author Paul James argues that "nation" and "nationalism" are two of the most undertheorized and misunderstood concepts in the contemporary world. Guiding the reader through the theoretical contributions of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Gellner, Nain, and Giddens, this important volume demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of each theorist′s 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. The result is a powerful and accessible book that operates as an overview of the key writings in the field while giving a distinctive twist to the debate. Offering a fresh new approach to the work of classical and contemporary theorists, this volume is essential reading for academics and students in sociology, politics, and social theory. "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 little left to say " --Keith Tester, Reader in Sociology

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761950737
• ISBN13: 9780761950738
• Release Date: October 1996
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Limited
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.8" x 6.3"