This is a critique of the book, Blood and Belonging, by Michael Ignatieff. This paper will explain the subject of the book and its relevance, discuss Michael Ignatieff's methods and conclusions on the subject and finally include a personal critique of the book by the author of this paper.

The author of the book travels on what he terms "the six journeys." On these "journeys" he encounters different cultures, as he travels to six different coinciding areas of the world. He examines the unique expression of nationalism that each populace displays by interviewing various members of that particular society. The six areas that he travels to are specifically chosen for the clarity which nationalism is expressed in society. Nationalism is a factor contributing toward both present possible future instability in these areas.

These areas are former Yugoslavia (specifically Croatia and Serbia), Germany, Ukraine, Quebec, Kurdistan and Northern Ireland. According to Ignatieff, in Croatia and Serbia there is a desire for a separate identity between the two nations. The fear of losing one's national identity has caused ethnic hatred. A terror so strong and historically persistent, it has driven

2. "It Depends on Rabin." The Economist, 24th-30th September, 1994, pp. 42-43.

The method used by the author of the book was personal interviews with both prominent people and the normal everyday person in the areas visited. He also uses descriptions on the surrounding areas to accent the point of discussion. His intent was to objectively take the reader on a stroll through the areas he visited. Through his style of writing, he allows the reader to sit in on his interview by highlighting specific questions and the responses that take place in his conversations. Finally, he creates visual images that he had viewed as ironic and analogical in support of his observations.

In his travels in Germany, the author points out an important question. Does the nation make the state, or the state the nation? This question by far does not stop here, especially when Germany is the subject. The essence of the German people is seen by some as aggressive and offensive, thus the existence of the German problem. If the nation makes the state then Germany will always be a threat. If the state makes the nation, then the aggressive nature of the German nation, which lead the world into two global wars, can be harnessed and redirected. The question has its roots and answers in the recent reunification of Germany.

In conclusion, the subject of the book, Blood and Belonging, has been discussed. The relevance of the book's theme was examined along with the authors methods and style of writing. This critique also addressed the conclusions drawn by Michael Ignatieff concerning nationalism and its expressions in the world. Perhaps the world will allways have to deal with the dichotomy dicussed in this paper, however one can only hope that a long lasting solution will be found.

At the beginning of the book mentions that he is a liberal. The traveling and experiences did not change that at all. He notes the importance of "liberal virtues - tolerance, compromise, reason," but concludes in an observation about how these virtues are opposing human nature.

1. Ignatieff, Michael Blood and Belonging: Journeys into the New Nationalism. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1993.

Ignatieff addresses the violence factor that surrounds nationalism like a plague, concluding that, nationalist rhetoric is an excuse to commit acts of violence. He observed that most of the violence is performed by young men between the ages of 18 to 25. His explanation is that the liberal mind set forgets that not everyone hates violence. He also says that there exists in males a basic loathing of peace. Human nature is the reason for the violence or Ignatieff thinks that

Some common words found in the essay are:
Michael Ignatieff's, Russian Ignatieff, Serb Croat, Israel Syria, Croatia Serbia, Northern Ireland, Michael Ignatieff, Islam France, Blood Belonging, Israel Avoiding, blood belonging, michael ignatieff's, human nature, northern ireland, book blood belonging, style writing, croatia serbia, peace talks, nationalism federalism, german nation, author book,
Approximate Word count = 1782
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)