Containing Nationalism
Containing Nationalism by Michael Hechter, published by Oxford University Press in 2000, explores the complexities of nationalism as a significant source of political conflict and violence globally. This 256-page work delves into the theoretical foundations of group formation and solidarity, providing a comprehensive analysis of nationalism’s dynamics throughout history and across various cultures.
Readers will find that Hechter examines the roots of nationalism, particularly in culturally diverse societies where direct rule is imposed. The book discusses how this imposition can foster national identity and mobilize opposition against central authorities, leading to increased demands for sovereignty. Hechter proposes that political institutions that reintroduce indirect rule may serve as effective strategies for leaders to mitigate nationalist violence, making this work relevant for those interested in political science, social science, and the study of political ideologies.
Official synopsis Publisher
Nationalism has become the most prevalent source of political conflict and violence in the world today. Scholarship has provided scant guidance for containing the dark side of nationalism–its widely publicized excesses of violence, such as ethnic cleansing and genocide. Based on fundamental theoretical ideas about the formation and solidarity of groups, Containing Nationalism offers a groundbreaking unified explanation of the dynamics of nationalism across the broad sweep of history and geography. Michael Hechter argues that the impetus for the most common type of nationalism arises from the imposition of direct rule in culturally heterogeneous societies–stimulating national identity, reducing the resources of local elites, motivating the mobilization of nationalist opposition to central authorities, and ultimately heightening the demand for sovereignty. Hechter suggests that political institutions that reintroduce indirect rule offer the leaders of modern countries the best available means of containing nationalist violence within their borders.
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