Nations Out of Empires: European Nationalism and the Transformation of Asia

by H. Gelber

Overview

In this book, Harry Gelber examines centuries of colonial interaction and argues for a close link between revolution in 18th century Europe and the development of Asian nationalism from the 19th Century onwards. The author reviews how adoption of European industrial and financial practices encouraged an adoption of European ideologies in general. Asia became attracted by liberal principles particularly that of national self-determination and decolonization. The effect was to change the future balance of international power.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333921494
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	06/04/2001
Edition description:	2001
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.04(d)
Lexile:	1250L (what's this?)

About the Author

HARRY GELBER is a Professor of History and Political Science and Visiting Research Fellow at the Asian Research Centre, London School of Economics. His publications include Australia, Britain and the EEC, 1961-1963; National Power, Security and Economic Uncertainty and Sovereignty Through Interdependence.

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction The Asian Order Explorers, Soldiers, Priests and Traders Nationalism and Revolution in Europe From Trade to Empire Imperial Apotheosis Imitation and Rejection Decolonization as Aftermath Concluding Ironies Bibliography Endnotes Index

Editorial Reviews

'...a work of commanding historical synthesis...it will serve well the concerns of general reader and academic...' - Fred Halliday, International History Review

From the Publisher

According to Gelber (visiting fellow, London Sch. of Economics), the 18th-century and 19th-century revolutions in Europe changed the definition of nationalism from allegiance to an ethnic group to allegiance to a political state. At the same time, the Industrial Revolution and changes in administrative organization allowed Europeans to dominate the Asian cultures with which they had trade relations. Eventually, contact with the Europeans sparked nationalist feelings in the colonies and, in turn, led to their independence. The author's concentration on sovereignty and the nation-state follows on his previous work, including Sovereignty Through Interdependence. This new survey, which is suitable for undergraduates, ranges from 1500 to 1970 and concentrates on the empires of Great Britain, France, and the Netherlands. The surfeit of detail and a presentation that skims lightly over the surface make it hard to follow the main themes and appreciate the patterns that the author proposes. Consequently, this work is most appropriate for small collections that may need a survey of the imperial period. Marcia L. Sprules, Council on Foreign Relations Lib., New York Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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