National Identity and Globalization: Youth, State, and Society in Post-Soviet Eurasia

by Douglas W. Blum

• ISBN13: 9780521699631
• ISBN10: 0521699630
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-06-09
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Is globalization in danger of diluting national identities and 'transnationalizing' cultures? How can societies attempt to manage globalization and become developed while maintaining a viable national identity? In a study of three globalizing states and cities in post-Soviet Eurasia - Russia (Astrakhan), Kazakhstan (Almaty), and Azerbaijan (Baku) - Douglas W. Blum provides an empirical examination of national identity formation, exploring how cultures, particularly youth cultures, have been affected by global forces. Blum argues that social discourse regarding youth cultural trends - coupled with official and non-official approaches to youth policy - complement patterns of state-society relations and modes of response to globalization. His findings show that the nations studied have embraced certain aspects of modernity and liberalism, while rejecting others, but have also reasserted the place of national traditions.

Author Biography

Douglas W. Blum is Professor of Political Science at Providence College and Adjunct Professor of International Studies at the Thomas J. Watson, Jr. Institute of International Studies at Brown University.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Global responses to globalization; 2. Theoretical assumptions and methods; 3. The discourse of globalization and youth culture; 4. National youth identity policy; 5. Collaborative entrepreneurship; 6. Shaping national youth identity on the ground; 7. Conclusions.