Nationalist Myths and Modern Media: Cultural Identity in the Age of Globalisation

Does patriotic pride inevitably develop into nationalistic aggression? Is this exacerbated by the global reach of the media? And what is the relationship between mainstream politics and increasingly vocal anti-immigrant and far-right groups? This book tackles these thorny questions from a variety of angles, in Europe, the US and post-Soviet Russia, and probes the overlaps between national and racial pride, propaganda, political power and the press. Its findings are thought provoking and at times disturbing, as it challenges perceived wisdom of an ‘information society’ driven by democratic journalistic practices. It explores diverse topics that range from identity politics in modern Germany to the British far-right, from the ‘War on Terror’ to Holocaust denial, and from the ‘sanctity’ of Rasputin to the ‘martyrdom’ of Rudolf Hess. A valuable resource for students of politics, nationalism and identity, this book is also for anyone concerned by way the press can be used to propagate nationalist agendas and how old myths can gain new currency through modern forms of media.