Available Formats
Paperback
Published: 20th February 2020
Hardback
Published: 20th February 2020
Paperback, 2nd edition
Published: 19th February 2026
Hardback, 2nd edition
Published: 19th February 2026
Debating Nationalism: The Global Spread of Nations
By (Author) Florian Bieber
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Bloomsbury Academic
19th February 2026
2nd edition
United Kingdom
Tertiary Education
Non Fiction
Nationalism and nationalist ideologies and movements
International relations
Hardback
320
Width 138mm, Height 216mm
This concise introduction offers an overview of the global rise and spread of nationalism since the late 18th century. Reflecting on key themes and scholarship it presents case studies and primary sources to track the emergence of the modern nation, and understand how nationalism has given rise to phenomena such as identity-based conflict, authoritarian politics and populist movements.
Debating Nationalism goes beyond a European focus to explore how nationalism has led to the emergence of nation states, ethnic conflict and how it is expressed everyday over the last 300 years. It engages with key debates such as the origins of nations and the dynamics of ethnic conflict and uses a historical lens to shed light on contemporary issues around migration, diversity and authoritarian politics.
This updated and revised edition includes updates on recent developments and the latest literature with additional material throughout, covering the rise of the far-right, Covid-19, Russian aggression against Ukraine and the war in Gaza, and topics including everyday nationalism, culture, minority nationalist politics, gender, and post-colonial authoritarianism. With new further reading sections, a dedicated chapter as a guide to key debates and a glossary of terms, this book offers students a holistic understanding of the history of nationalism.
The range, quantity, and quality of new material that the author has added to Debating Nationalism makes this revised version especially relevant. The book now explores key debates more deeply still, whether in relation to forms of nationalism or in regard to the populist turn and the dangers of nationalist authoritarianism. * Martin Thomas, Professor of Imperial History, University of Exeter, UK *
In a broad and deep sweep, Florian Bieber explores the historical processes that have shaped nations and nationalism from the 18th century to the present. The global approach is both impressive and urgent. A new chapter in this 2nd edition of the book covers the recent trend connecting nationalism, populism, and authoritarianism. * Bo Strth, Emeritus Professor of Nordic, European and World History, University of Helsinki, Finland *
Florian Bieber is Professor of Southeast European History and Politics at the University of Graz, Austria, where he is also Director of the Centre for Southeast European Studies.