Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Theoretical Explorations: 1. Compromise and closure: a theory of social dynamics; 2. The making of modern communities; Part II. State Building and Ethnic Conflict: 3. Who owns the state? Ethnic conflicts after the end of empires; 4. Nationalism and ethnic mobilisation in Mexico; 5. From empire to ethnocracy. Iraq since the Ottomans; Part III. The Politics of Exclusion in Nationalised States: 6. Racism and xenophobia; 7. Nationalising multi-ethnic Switzerland.

Promotional Information

This book argues that nationalist exclusion and ethnic conflict are characteristic of a modern society that is fragmented into nation states.

About the Author

Andreas Wimmer is Professor of Political and Cultural Change and Director at the Center for Development Studies of the University of Bonn.

Reviews

'... complex and thought-provoking.' Contemporary Political Theory '... subtle ... theoretically rich ... an extremely valuable resource for students of participation and democracy.' Political Studies Review 'Wimmer's knowledge of the relevant historical and social science literature is always impressive ... this expansion of political anthropology beyond the level of the microstudy has to be welcomed.' Anthropos 'Wimmer's book is learned and theoretically wide-ranging, and his perspectives on social closure (Weber's concept) are based on a reformulation of the concept of culture. ... Wimmer's book is ... a stimulating addition to the interdisciplinary literature on nationalism.' Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute