Originally published in 2003, this book addresses the rarely explored subject of the reciprocal relationships between nationalism, nation and state-building, and economic change. Analysis of the economic element in the building of nations and states cannot be confined to Europe, and therefore these diverse yet interlinked case-studies cover all continents. Authors come to contrasting conclusions, some regarding the economic factor as central, while others show that nation-states came into being before the constitution of a national market. The essays leave no doubt that the nation-state is an historical phenonemon and as such is liable to 'expiry' both through the process of globalisation and through the development of a 'cyber-society' which evades state control. By contrast, developments in southeastern Europe, the former USSR, and parts of Africa and the Far East show that building the nation-state has not run its course.

"...the editors and authors deserve praise for delivering a lively, clearly written discussion of an important theme, a significant addition to our understanding of fundamental social relationships and a model for future research." Business History Review

"In general, as the authors are eminent economic historians they are aware that economies change over time." Journal of World History, Frank B. Tipton, University of Sydney