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Political Science Nationalism

The Shifting Foundations of Modern Nation-States

Realignments of Belonging

edited by Sima Godfrey & Frank Unger

Publisher
University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Initial publish date
Apr 2004
Category
Nationalism, General
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802083944
    Publish Date
    Apr 2004
    List Price
    $42.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802035011
    Publish Date
    Apr 2004
    List Price
    $63.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442682351
    Publish Date
    Apr 2004
    List Price
    $71.00

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Description

Nation-states today are under pressure from opposite directions. In Western Europe, they are being challenged by the call of assimilation into a larger supra-national polity. Elsewhere, as in Southeastern Europe, nation-states are being challenged by separatist forces from within, demanding independence or self-determination for particular ethnic groups. In either instance, the ultimate aim is not simply the breaking of bonds but rather a realignment of belonging.

When the prospect of prosperity and the good life requires an adjustment of national identities and alliances, old myths and new tales alike are mobilized in the effort. People's choices of belonging are flexible and often blatantly pragmatic. Some will never renounce their original 'nation,' while others gladly assume two or three national identities in a lifetime, all of them with a deeply felt commitment. In The Shifting Foundations of Modern Nation-States, Sima Godfrey and Frank Unger have gathered together a distinguished, multidisciplinary group of authors to discuss national myths from Europe, North America, and Asia. Just as the plurality of nations implies diverse voices and distinct narratives, the authors, coming from different disciplines and backgrounds, represent multiple discourses on the theme of nationhood.

About the authors

Sima Godfrey is the director if the Institute for European Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Sima Godfrey's profile page

Frank Unger is a professor with the Institute for European Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Frank Unger's profile page

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