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Exploring Nationalism (Hardback)

Identifying its forms, particularly those which lead to War and Mayhem

Military > By Century Military > Reference World History

By Andrew Sangster
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 208
ISBN: 9781036130916
Published: 3rd June 2025

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In a compelling exploration of nationalism's darker facets, this book delves into the aggressive, expansionist strain that has fueled conflict and suffering throughout human history. While nationalism is often linked to modernity, the author traces its roots back to humanity's earliest recorded eras, revealing how elements such as racialism, ethnicity, language, religion, and culture have historically ignited aggressive nationalism.

Drawing from a sweeping analysis of over 33 European countries, the book examines the common experiences of nations from their tribal beginnings to the current age of superpowers. While acknowledging that some forms of nationalism—like secessionism and irredentism—may serve as legitimate expressions of self-defense, the primary focus remains on the destructive impulse to invade and dominate neighbouring lands.

This work is not just a historical study; it serves as a cautionary tale for the present day. With 2024 as its backdrop, the author connects historical patterns to contemporary issues, warning of the resurgence of extreme right-wing ideologies across the globe. This thought-provoking examination urges readers to confront the past's lessons, emphasizing that history is not merely a record of what has been, but a vital lens through which to understand our present and shape a more peaceful future.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Andrew Sangster is an extraordinary individual. With numerous degrees and a wealth of lifetime experiences, he has written an amazing cannon of books, mainly focussed on the 20th century; people and wars. Exploring Nationalism is a step into a totally different world and one, I must confess, that I’ve given little thought to. He starts by exploring the nature of nationalism. Is it different to patriotism? This is a seemingly simple question, but it soon becomes clear that each have different bases and values. I’ve read this book over a couple of weeks, taking time to digest and consider the numerous challenging and thought provoking issues he raises. He sets out a complex world view, going back centuries to trace and I found the approach ingenious and compelling. This is an academic text in many ways; but he’s made the subject accessible to the lay reader. But more than that, it’s prescient in that it raises red flags about history repeating itself, not learning from mistakes of the last and gives an insight into some of the reasons for a seemingly unexpected resurgence of the far right. If you have even a passing interest in social history, this is an incredible look at past and present written by someone with intellect and knowledge. Powerful and occasionally frightening.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As an international political science major, EXPLORING NATIONALISM tackles a much-talked about subject in present times. Using history as a lens, the author gives a good introduction to the concept of nationalism and how it has evolved through time. As an academic, this would have been valuable to my own research. For the layman, this is still an approachable book as it lays down the many ways we understand elements of nationalism (language, ethnicity, religion) and how they interplay not just in the building of a nation, but also in going to war both internally and externally.

NetGalley, Ysabelle Santos

About Andrew Sangster

Andrew Sangster has six degrees, in Law, Theology and four in history including his doctorate. An ordained priest, he has trespassed away from the Church to teaching and the study of history. He has taught in grammar schools and at Eton College, was a headmaster for some nine years and has assisted post-graduate students of history. He has some twenty published history books to his credit both in the United Kingdom and overseas with one co-authored with Pier Paolo Battistelli, the well-known Italian historian. When not called for Church duties he studies the lesser-known aspects of modern history and plays chess for relaxation.

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