Nationalism And Ethnosymbolism

Ethnosymbolism offers a distinct and innovative approach to the study of nations and nationalism. It focuses on the role of ethnic myths, historical memories, symbols and traditions in the creation and maintenance of the collective identity of modern nations. This book explores the different aspects of the ethnosymbolic approach to the study of ethnicity, nationality and nationalism. The book is divided into two parts. Part One is devoted to the main theoretical considerations that have arisen in nationality studies in the past two decades. Part Two provides case studies of particular nations and regions. The case studies include South Africa, Jewish nationalism, the European Union, Latin America, the ancient world, and Central and Eastern Europe. Overall the book offers a defence of the methodology of ethnosymbolism and a demonstration of its explanatory power.