Religion, Ethnonationalism, and Antisemitism in the Era of the Two World Wars

The aftermath of World War I saw the reconfiguration of the European continent, leading to new understandings of nation, state, and citizenship. Religion, ethnonationalism, and antisemitism became tools for politicians and church leaders to define national belonging, often at the detriment of those outside the faith tradition. Religion, Ethnonationalism, and Antisemitism in the Era of the Two World Wars explores the interaction between religion and ethnonationalism, offering a new lens to analyze how nationalism, ethnicity, and race became markers of inclusion and exclusion. The book highlights the ways in which individuals sought to critique religious ethnonationalism and the violence it inspired, with case studies from the United States, France, Italy, Germany, Finland, Croatia, Ukraine, and Romania. It challenges readers to identify and confront the dangers of narrowly defined ideologies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

In the aftermath of the catastrophic First World War, the victorious powers reshaped the European continent, leading to profound transformations in the understanding of nation, state, and citizenship. The religious identity, symbols, and practices became valuable tools in the hands of politicians and church leaders, who exploited them to define national belonging, often at the expense of those outside the faith tradition. This phenomenon, known as religious ethnonationalism, played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the interwar period.

Religion, Ethnonationalism, and Antisemitism in the Era of the Two World Wars delves into the intricate relationship between religion and ethnonationalism, offering a fresh perspective on how nationalism, ethnicity, and race became markers of inclusion and exclusion. The book explores how those who did not subscribe to the same ethnonationalist vision faced discrimination and persecution, particularly Jews who endured widespread exclusion and violence as centuries of antisemitic Christian rhetoric intertwined with right-wing nationalist extremism. Antisemitism serves as a thread that runs through each essay, highlighting how it manifested as a form of ethnonationalism. Moreover, the book examines the ways in which individuals sought to critique religious ethnonationalism and the violence it inspired.

To provide a comprehensive analysis, Religion, Ethnonationalism, and Antisemitism in the Era of the Two World Wars employs a range of case studies from various countries, including the United States, France, Italy, Germany, Finland, Croatia, Ukraine, and Romania. These case studies offer valuable insights into the complex interplay of religion, race, ethnicity, and antisemitism that contributed to the annihilative destruction of the Second World War and the Holocaust. By examining these cases, readers are challenged to identify and confront the inherent dangers of narrowly defined ideologies.

The book raises important questions about the relationship between religion, nationalism, and violence. It highlights how religious identity can be manipulated to serve political ends, leading to the marginalization and persecution of certain groups. It also emphasizes the role of ethnonationalism in perpetuating prejudice and discrimination, particularly against Jews. The book encourages readers to critically examine the historical and contemporary implications of these phenomena and to work towards promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society that values diversity and respects the rights of all individuals.

In conclusion, Religion, Ethnonationalism, and Antisemitism in the Era of the Two World Wars is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between religion, nationalism, and antisemitism. By examining the historical and contemporary implications of these phenomena, the book challenges readers to identify and confront the inherent dangers of narrowly defined ideologies. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and policymakers interested in understanding the origins.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228008903