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The Racial State

Understanding the Role of Race in Political Formation

David Theo Goldberg author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Published:29th Nov '01

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The Racial State cover

This book examines the essential role of race in shaping modern nation-states and their governance, revealing complex political dynamics.

In The Racial State, the author explores the deep connections between race and the formation of modern nation-states. The book argues that race is not merely a social construct but a fundamental aspect of the conceptual, philosophical, and material emergence of these political entities. Through a comprehensive analysis, the author illustrates how race influences the very fabric of political identity and national governance.

The text delves into various societies, showcasing how debates and struggles surrounding race are often reflections of broader issues related to political constitution and community. By examining historical and contemporary examples, The Racial State reveals the complexities of race in shaping national narratives and identities. The author emphasizes that these discussions are not isolated; they resonate globally and affect the ways in which communities are formed and managed.

Ultimately, The Racial State challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of race and its implications for political power and social cohesion. It invites a critical examination of how race intersects with issues of citizenship, belonging, and governance, making it a vital read for those interested in political theory, sociology, and race studies.

"Goldberg offers a compelling, historically grounded and powerful set of analytic tools to understand the pernicious synergy on which racisms and modern states have thrived. The Racial State offers that rare form of engaged scholarship speaks to the theoretical and the everyday, that joins analytic innovation and nuance, political commitment, and historical breadth." (Ann Laura Stoler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor)

"The Racial State is a worthy contribution, following Omi and Winant's theory, to our understanding of modern racial formation. Commanding the canon of political philosophy and legal theory, Goldberg provides us with a thorough account of how racial distinction, exclusion, management and terror have been historically the reason and practice of the modern state." (Lisa Lowe, University of California, San Diego)

ISBN: 9780631199199

Dimensions: 236mm x 158mm x 31mm

Weight: 590g

336 pages