Nationalism And The International Labor Movement

Explores the idea of the nation among internationalist thinkers, suggesting that major figures associated with international labor organizations never underestimated the attraction of nationalism. Each chapter begins with a discussion of main issues that framed the international labor movement's concern with the nation in different periods, then analyzes the ideas of major thinkers who stand for the main trends at each point. Coverage includes the International Working Men's Association of the mid-19th century, the apogee of the Second International between 1895 and the onset of WWI, the Third International, the Comintern--1919-43, and the influence of Stalin and Lenin. Paper edition (unseen), $17.95. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Nationalism and internationalism have always been powerful forces in the labour movements of the world. From the First to the Fourth International, from the International Labour Organization to the many international federations of trade unions, historians have studied both of these great forces for more than a hundred years. Interest in working-class nationalism and internationalism has also increased since the growth of global labour history, on the one hand, and the study of nationalism as a historically constructed phenomenon on the other. This volume is a part of this great upsurge in interest in working-class nationalism and internationalism. It brings together the work of postgraduate and postdoctoral scholars who have approached these two themes in their research. Covering subjects as diverse as the political instruction of Soviet sailors, the early and forgotten years of Chinese socialism, and debates within the socialist movement about Labour Zionism, this book represents an important contribution to labour, social and global history and helps us to understand the roads down which labour movements around the world have travelled to get where they are today.

DIVExploration of the development of national and class identities among Shanghai workers, claiming that nationalism had a greater hold on working-class identity between 1895 and 1927 than class consciousness./div

This text looks at the inter-relationships between labour, nationalist movements and ethnicity during the Age of Imperialism. Two of the most debated contemporary issues focus on the decline of labour, particularly socialist ideologies, and the rise of nationalism. It is sometimes assumed that the demise of one led to the triumph of the other. It is also thought that labour as an internationalist movement underestimated and misunderstood the power of nationalism. This text links these historical phenomena and sets the debate in more accurate historical context.

Study of the ILO - covers the role of the international organizations, the evolution of nationalism and internationalism after the first World War, and the philosophy of international labour standards; comments on the ILO Constitution, the ativities of the International Labour Conferences held from 1919 to 1926; points out the weaknesses of the ILO and explains the relationship between the ILO and the USA; in an annex gives the text of the ILO Constitution in the Peace Treaty of 1919.

Study of historical political theory and social theory, with particular reference to late 19th-century and early 20th-century nationalist, socialist and communist ideology - covers the theory of hegel, marx, engels, bakunin, lassalle and others, and refers to political party and trade union activities, labour movements and other social movements, national level and international aspects, social leadership, political leadership, etc. Bibliography pp. 237 to 243, and references.

In this intellectually ambitious study, Elizabeth McKillen explores the significance of Wilsonian internationalism for workers and the influence of American labor in both shaping and undermining the foreign policies and war mobilization efforts of Woodrow Wilson's administration. McKillen highlights the major fault lines and conflicts that emerged within labor circles as Wilson pursued his agenda in the context of Mexican and European revolutions, World War I, and the Versailles Peace Conference. As McKillen shows, the choice to collaborate with or resist U.S. foreign policy remained an important one for labor throughout the twentieth century. In fact, it continues to resonate today in debates over the global economy, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the impact of U.S. policies on workers at home and abroad.