Palestinian Identity | Rashid Khalidi

Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness

Extended Synopsis

Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness is a foundational historical study that rigorously examines the development and evolution of Palestinian national identity. Rather than viewing this identity as a static construct or a mere reactive byproduct of external conflicts, author Rashid Khalidi demonstrates how it was actively forged through complex interactions with competing political forces, colonial legacies, and local cultural dynamics.

By analyzing cultural, political, and social developments from the late Ottoman period through the twentieth century, the text provides a comprehensive scholarly framework for understanding the forces that shaped modern Palestinian consciousness. This updated edition features a new introduction by Khalidi, in which he reflects on the significance of his work over the past decade, assessing the enduring strength of Palestinian social solidarity and casting a critical eye toward the future prospects of statehood and independence.

Author Biography

Rashid Khalidi is a prominent Palestinian-American historian and a leading intellectual authority on Middle Eastern history. As the Edward Said Professor of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University, his extensive body of work focuses on the historical realities, political sociology, and national identity of the Palestinian people, making him one of the most cited scholars in contemporary Middle Eastern historiography.

Reader Targeting

• Historians and scholars specializing in Middle Eastern politics, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and regional historiography.
• University students and academic researchers focusing on ethnic studies, political sociology, and the mechanics of nationalism.
• Readers seeking a rigorous, academically grounded perspective on the historical development of Palestinian identity and statehood efforts.

Accolades & Awards

• Widely regarded as a seminal text in Middle Eastern studies and the academic discourse on modern nationalism.
• Published by Columbia University Press, reflecting top-tier academic peer review and scholarly merit.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main thesis of Palestinian Identity?
Khalidi argues that modern Palestinian national consciousness is an independent, deeply rooted identity that developed through a complex matrix of local patriotism, Arabism, and religious affiliation. It is not merely a reactive response to Zionism, but a distinct socio-political evolution shaped significantly by the late Ottoman period and subsequent colonial legacies.

What time period does this historical study cover?
The book focuses heavily on the formative years preceding World War I during the late Ottoman period, carrying its analysis through the British Mandate era, the creation of the State of Israel, and up to the modern geopolitical landscape.

What new material is included in this specific edition?
This updated edition features a substantial new introduction by Rashid Khalidi. In it, he reflects on the decade following the book's initial publication, evaluating the enduring strength of Palestinian social solidarity and discussing contemporary trends that may influence future prospects for statehood and independence.

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