Why Do People Discriminate against Jews?

Abstract

by events. Nevertheless, from time to time, there are passages of the book that still resonate. For example, while explaining the changes in the impact of nationalism in the third period, he writes: “This does not mean that individuals became in this period more outrageously nationalist in sentiment or more unwilling to co-operate with their fellow-men of other nations” (p.15) and “evil men will always be found to turn an unhealthy situation to account” (p.23). How changes in the wider international context shape the character of political movements remains an area that deserves more attention than it typically receives. Another example: “The movement which dismembered Austria-Hungary and created Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia was bound to be succeeded by movements for the dismemberment of Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia” (p.19). A critic might mutter that while events were ultimately to vindicate Carr’s judgment about the long-term future of these two countries, this was to take a number of generations. His postscript contains a statement that will raise a smile among readers; “It is conceivable that a shattered Europe, rising above the national hatreds and conflicts of the past, may throw up from within a new and unifying leadership which would enable her to develop and hold a position independent of both Britain and Russia” (p.59). Admittedly, both the “Britain” and “Russia” that Carr was envisaging when he wrote these words have long gone. Another part of the problem of the book, from the perspective of today’s readers, is that it advances propositions about the politically contingent nature of nationalism that have become so well established and so widely accepted that they do not require justification through reference to classic texts, whether by Carr or anyone else. Indeed, what most scholars of nationalism continue to grapple with is explaining the continuing potency of specific nationalisms, in spite of the debunking of nationalist myths of every kind. Included in the book are a series of endorsements of the new edition from leading scholars. Their warm welcome for its publication is primarily focused on Cox’s introduction. That is fully deserved. It may also be read as a suggestion to readers that they should not expect too much from Carr’s commentary itself.