Multiculturalism and the Nation in Germany

Reviews / Votes

"Paul Carls casts a spotlight on the reappearance of militant antagonisms between neo-nationalist movements and their opponents in the context of the world refugee crisis. Adapting Durkheim's sociology of religion, Carls shows how collective representations, such as cultural images of the Nazi and anti-Nazi past, multiply social mobilization over and above economic issues and class locations. A work of dramatic impact with strong theoretical underpinnings." - Randall Collins, author of Explosive Conflict: Time-Dynamics of Violence

"This is an exceptionally interesting examination of the moral dimension of political life. Drawing on a deep and extensive knowledge of the thought of Durkheim and his followers, Carls reveals its surprising power to illuminate conflicts in Germany generated by the 2015 refugee crisis, by focusing on what the contending social and political movements held to be sacred in their idealized visions of community." - Steven Lukes, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, New York University

" ... an important contribution in the field of comparative extremism research." - Uwe Backes, Politics, Religion & Ideology

" ... for anyone interested in knowing why questions surrounding German identity are now emboldening a growing far right, Carls' book will no doubt be a useful resource." - Omran Shroufi, German Politics

"Paul Carls' work touches on a key question: how do Germans define what it means to be German? Should the definition of "German" include migrants or not? Carls examines the views of German groups from across the political spectrum to this vital question. [It is] rooted in Emile Durkheim's concept of "Moral Facts" [and] rich in useful insights." - Randall Newnham, Penn State University, USA