Nationalism and Democratic Transition: The Politics of Citizenship and Language in Post-Soviet Latvia FROM THE PUBLISHER
Nationalism and Democratic Transition: The Politics of Citizenship and Language in Post-Soviet Latvia explores the impact of nationalism during Latvia's transition from communist rule (1988-1991) and examines the post-Soviet efforts of Latvia to construct a democratic nation-state in a multi-ethnic context. While most observers have labeled Latvia as a typical example of a state promoting an exclusive form of ethnic nationalism, the author argues that Latvia's path to independence was characterized by a moderate, non-violent form of nationalism which sought to include non-Latvian groups in the struggle against Soviet rule.
Author Biography: Mark A. Jubulis is Assistant Professor and Chair, Department of History, Political Science, and Legal Studies at Gannon University, Pennsylvania. He was a Fulbright scholar at the University of Latvia from 1994-1995.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
In this revised version of his dissertation (U. of Notre Dame, 1997), Jubulis examines the impact of nationalism on Latvia's transition from communist rule to democracy. He posits that "the specific type of nationalism that emerges in a given state has a direct impact on the nature of ethnic relations in that state, and hence has direct relevance for the prospects for democracy" (from the introduction). His analysis includes cultural nationalism in Latvia, the cultural and demographic legacy of Soviet rule, and Russians living in the Latvian nation-state. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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