Reflections of a Veteran Pessimist

Contemplating Modern Europe, Russia, and Jewish History

Nonfiction, History
Cover of the book Reflections of a Veteran Pessimist by Walter Laqueur, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Walter Laqueur ISBN: 9781351295147
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: September 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Walter Laqueur
ISBN: 9781351295147
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: September 29, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Having been exposed early in life to the dangers of extreme nationalism, journalist and historian Walter Laqueur chose to align his thinking with Victor Hugo’s ideal of a “European Brotherhood” where the European nations would merge into a “superior unit” overcoming war and strife. However, as time wore on and consolidating national solidarities seemed ever more impossible, Laqueur became more of a pessimist. Today, he still hopes for unity, but doubts that it will ever come to pass.

This volume represents the culmination of thought of a most noteworthy, contemporary historian*. Reflections of a Veteran Pessimist* is divided into four sections: Europe in Decline, Jews in the Twentieth Century, Russia after the Soviet Union, and Observations. Having lived under the Nazi regime, Laqueur is keenly aware of the dangers posed by strident nationalism in Europe and rampant religious zealotry in the Middle East. Reflecting on the lingering financial crisis in Europe, Laqueur observes its serious consequences—populist movements and growing opposition to European integration. He notes that the influx of refugees resulting from Middle Eastern instability have sharpened the challenges facing Europe and weakened its unity. Laqueur also examines the growth of authoritarian nationalism in Russia and the de facto renewal of the Cold War with the West.

Offering fascinating insights into a range of themes across the period, this book is valuable reading for all those interested in twentieth-century European, Russian and Jewish history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Having been exposed early in life to the dangers of extreme nationalism, journalist and historian Walter Laqueur chose to align his thinking with Victor Hugo’s ideal of a “European Brotherhood” where the European nations would merge into a “superior unit” overcoming war and strife. However, as time wore on and consolidating national solidarities seemed ever more impossible, Laqueur became more of a pessimist. Today, he still hopes for unity, but doubts that it will ever come to pass.

This volume represents the culmination of thought of a most noteworthy, contemporary historian*. Reflections of a Veteran Pessimist* is divided into four sections: Europe in Decline, Jews in the Twentieth Century, Russia after the Soviet Union, and Observations. Having lived under the Nazi regime, Laqueur is keenly aware of the dangers posed by strident nationalism in Europe and rampant religious zealotry in the Middle East. Reflecting on the lingering financial crisis in Europe, Laqueur observes its serious consequences—populist movements and growing opposition to European integration. He notes that the influx of refugees resulting from Middle Eastern instability have sharpened the challenges facing Europe and weakened its unity. Laqueur also examines the growth of authoritarian nationalism in Russia and the de facto renewal of the Cold War with the West.

Offering fascinating insights into a range of themes across the period, this book is valuable reading for all those interested in twentieth-century European, Russian and Jewish history.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Routledge Philosophy GuideBook to Nietzsche on Art by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Divorce, Family Structure, and the Academic Success of Children by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Contemporary Consumer Culture Theory by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Women and the Family in Chinese History by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Routledge Handbook of NGOs and International Relations by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Handbook of Psychotropic Herbs by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book The French Revolution and Napoleon by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Setting Up and Running a Peer Listening Scheme by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Quality Matters by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Curating Oral Histories by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book The Church of England 1688-1832 by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book The Health Of Women by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Coleridge the Poet by Walter Laqueur
Cover of the book Long-Term Care: Matching Resources and Needs by Walter Laqueur
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy