Where nation-states come from : institutional change in the age of nationalism / Philip G. Roeder.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Roeder, Philip G.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Nation-state.

Nationalism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (430 p.)

Edition:

Course Book

Other Title:

Institutional change in the age of nationalism

Place of Publication:

Princeton : Princeton University Press, 2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

To date, the world can lay claim to little more than 190 sovereign independent entities recognized as nation-states, while by some estimates there may be up to eight hundred more nation-state projects underway and seven to eight thousand potential projects. Why do a few such endeavors come to fruition while most fail? Standard explanations have pointed to national awakenings, nationalist mobilizations, economic efficiency, military prowess, or intervention by the great powers. Where Nation-States Come From provides a compelling alternative account, one that incorporates an in-depth examination of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and their successor states. Philip Roeder argues that almost all successful nation-state projects have been associated with a particular political institution prior to independence: the segment-state, a jurisdiction defined by both human and territorial boundaries. Independence represents an administrative upgrade of a segment-state. Before independence, segmental institutions shape politics on the periphery of an existing sovereign state. Leaders of segment-states are thus better positioned than other proponents of nation-state endeavors to forge locally hegemonic national identities. Before independence, segmental institutions also shape the politics between the periphery and center of existing states. Leaders of segment-states are hence also more able to challenge the status quo and to induce the leaders of the existing state to concede independence. Roeder clarifies the mechanisms that link such institutions to outcomes, and demonstrates that these relationships have prevailed around the world through most of the age of nationalism.

Contents:

pt. 1. The institutional origins of nation-states

pt. 2. Processes: forging political-identity hegemonies

pt. 3. Processes: escalation to nation-state crises

pt. 4. Outcomes: crises and independence.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [365]-401) and index.

ISBN:

9786613379931

9781283379939

1283379937

9781400842964

1400842964

OCLC:

741965209