Emilio Gentile; an internationally renowned authority on fascism and totalitarianism; argues that politics over the past two centuries has often taken on the features of religion; claiming as its own the prerogative of defining the fundamental purpose and meaning of human life. Secular political entities such as the nation; the state; race; class; and the party became the focus of myths; rituals; and commandments and gradually became objects of faith; loyalty; and reverence. Gentile examines this "sacralization of politics;" as he defines it; both historically and theoretically; seeking to identify the different ways in which political regimes as diverse as fascism; communism; and liberal democracy have ultimately depended; like religions; on faith; myths; rites; and symbols. Gentile maintains that the sacralization of politics as a modern phenomenon is distinct from the politicization of religion that has arisen from militant religious fundamentalism. Sacralized politics may be democratic; in the form of a civil religion; or it may be totalitarian; in the form of a political religion. Using this conceptual distinction; and moving from America to Europe; and from Africa to Asia; Gentile presents a unique comparative history of civil and political religions from the American and French Revolutions; through nationalism and socialism; democracy and totalitarianism; fascism and communism; up to the present day. It is also a fascinating book for understanding the sacralization of politics after 9/11.
#19557 in Books 1986-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 6.25 x 1.50l; 2.93 #File Name: 0691027641941 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent AnthologyBy C.P.M.In my experience; anthologies are always a sort of doing toss with essays being either very good or very bad; due to the fact that its a collection different authors with different ideas and different styles. It's rare to find one where all the essays are great and interesting reads; but this book is one of those. A collection of essays on military history; strategy; and strategies starting with Machiavelli in the 16th century all the way to the end of the Cold War. Every major military leader and thinker in Western history during this time period is there and topics are varied enough so that it is not always Army tactics that are covered. It also includes essays on the Navy and Air power that are fascinating. It even includes a chapter on modern revolutionary wars; or insurgencies as we would call them today; that is not to be missed. And; I have to say; there wasn't one essay that I felt was superfluous or boring.; an achievement for an anthology of this size. The only thing that I would say is that; since this was most recently updated in 1986; it does need to add a few new chapters on robotics and cyberwarfare. In spite of its age and length; this was a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the development of modern; Western military strategy over the centuries.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. OutstandingBy AlThis is an outstanding comparative analysis of Clausewitz; Sun Tzu and Mao; and is a great companion volume while reading any of these theorists; but especially Clausewitz. Handel clearly illustrates his analysis by using quotes from the works of the major theorists. The most rewarding parts of the book to me were the sections on the importance of politics to the military commander; moral forces in war as found in Clausewitz; and chapter 9: "The Supreme Act of Judgement: Understanding the Nature of War and the Trinitarian Analysis." This is an essential companion and well worth one's time to read in order to achieve a deeper understanding of Clausewitz beyond a few pithy quotes misapplied.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. "THE" Book on strategy (sorry Hart)By P. J. SNYDERIf you want a comprehensive; concise review of the major thinkers of military strategy; this is THE book to purchase. Each chapter provides a quick bio of the thinker; along with an explanation of the strategy. Chapters flow in chronological order; so you can understand how strategy; tactics and technology developed. Actually an enjoyable book to read; and has become a "ready reference" for me to keep handy.
