Divided Loyalties : Nationalism and Mass Politics in Syria at the Close of Empire / James L. Gelvin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gelvin, James L., 1951- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Elite (Social sciences).

Mandates--Syria.

Mandates.

Syria--History--20th century.

Syria.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (352 p.) : 1 map

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Columbia University Press, [1997]

Language Note:

English

Summary:

James L. Gelvin brings a new and distinctive perspective to the perennially fascinating topic of nationalism in the Arab Middle East. Unlike previous historians who have focused on the activities and ideas of a small group of elites, Gelvin details the role played by non-elites in nationalist politics during the early part of the twentieth century. Drawing from previously untapped sources, he documents the appearance of a new form of political organization—the popular committee—that sprang up in cities and villages throughout greater Syria in the immediate aftermath of the First World War. These committees empowered a new type of nationalist leadership, made nationalist politics a mass phenomenon for the first time, and articulated a view of nation and nationalism that continues to inform the politics of the region today.Gelvin does more than recount an episode in the history of nationalism in the Arab Middle East. His examination of leaflets, graffiti, speeches, rumors, and editorials offers fresh insights into the symbolic construction of national communities. His analysis of ceremonies—national celebrations, demonstrations, theater—contributes to our understanding of the emergence of mass politics. By situating his study within a broader historical context, Gelvin has written a book that will be of interest to all who wish to understand nationalism in the region and beyond.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Introduction

1. From "Patriotic Agitation" to the Advent of Mass Politics

2. The Popular Committees

3. The Symbolic Component of Rival Nationalist Discursive Fields

4. The Integrative and Prescriptive Powers of Rival Nationalist Discursive Fields

5. Mobilization from Above and the Invention of Traditions

6. Demonstrating Communities

Conclusions

Bibliography

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9780520919839

0520919831

9780585098340

0585098344

OCLC:

1153529854