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Globalism, Nationalism, Tribalism
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Globalism, Nationalism, Tribalism
Bringing Theory Back in

  • Paul James - Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia

Other Titles in:
Globalization | Nationalism

May 2006 | 392 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
`Paul James has written a magnificent account of the world's current condition, one that highlights the complexities and contradictions with which people, communities, and nations must contend and that does so in a compelling and creative style. Stressing the interaction between global and local forces, his writing style is lively and compelling as well as peppered with a wide range of citations, from Woman's Day to the Cambodian Daily (on the same page!)' - James N Rosenau, University Professor of International Affairs, The George Washington University

Globalism, Nationalism, Tribalism establishes a new basis for understanding the changing nature of polity and community and offers unprecedented attention to these dominant trends. Paul James charts the contradictions and tensions we all encounter in an era of increasing globalization, from genocide and terrorism to television and finance capital.

Globalism is treated as an uneven and layered process of spatial expansion, not simply one of disorder, fragmentation or rupture. Nor is it simply a force of homogenization.

Nationalism is taken seriously as a continuing and important formation of contemporary identity and politics. James rewrites the modernism theories of the nation-state without devolving into the postmodernist assertion that all is invention or surface gloss.

Tribalism is given the attention it has long warranted and is analyzed as a continuing and changing formation of social life, from the villages of Rwanda to the cities of the West.

Theoretically adept and powerfully argued, this is the first comprehensive analysis that brings these crucial themes of contemporary life together.

 
PART ONE: RETURNING TO A THEORY OF SOCIAL FORMATION
 
Social Relations in Tension
 
Contending Approaches in Outline
 
Theory in the Shadow of Terror
 
PART TWO: RETHINKING FORMATIONS OF PRACTICE AND BEING
 
Constituting Customary Community
 
Communication and Exchange, Money and Writing
 
Time and Space, Calendars and Maps
 
Bodies and Symbols, Blood and Milk
 
PART THREE: REWRITING THE HISTORY OF THE PRESENT
 
State Formation
From Kingdoms and Empires to Nation-States

 
 
Nation Formation
From the Medieval to the Postmodern

 
 
Global Formation
From the Oecumene to Planet Exploitation

 
 
Conclusion
Principles for a Postnational World

 

"Drawing on sociology, political theory, anthropology, and history, James provides a compelling theoretical framework for understanding the current tension between polity and community. A significant contribution to the globalization literature. Good notes and references."

G. B. Osborne
University of Alberta

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter One PDF


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