Nationalism, Myth, and the State in Russia and Serbia

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'In this much-needed study, Veljko Vujacic takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the comparative history of Serbia and Russia for the purpose of understanding the violent collapse of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s as counterposed to the relatively peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union. Along the way, he explores the theoretical contributions of Max Weber and other historical sociologists to understanding nationalism and its reliance on mythopoetic historical memory. An intriguing postscript about the Russian annexation of Crimea concludes this altogether highly illuminating and carefully argued book.' Norman Naimark, Stanford University, California 'Veljko Vujacic's deeply learned and lucidly argued study of the long-term legacies of nation- and state-formation in Russia and Serbia is a model of Weberian comparative historical sociology.' Rogers Brubaker, University of California, Los Angeles 'Totally contrary to the leader-focused explanation common in the early 1990s of why the Soviet Union disintegrated peacefully and Yugoslavia did not - Yeltsin versus Milosevic - this fascinating, richly documented, and utterly creative use of this paradox insists instead on the role of collective historical memory. It is a must-read for any student of nationalism, of the politics of state disintegration, and of secessionist movements anywhere, including those interested in the continuing conflicts with Kosovo and Ukraine.' Susan L. Woodward, Graduate Center, City University of New York 'This is a complex volume that will engage the reader on multiple levels: from controversial theoretical and methodological frameworks, to historical interpretations and assessments, to evaluations of literary works. ... One thing is certain, this volume will leave no one indifferent.' Gordanza Uzelac, Slavic Review