Theories of the Austro-Marxist nation discussed by Mikhako Tsereteli ("Nation and Mankind“)

Abstract

The period 1893–1917 is significant in the formation of the modern Georgian nation, as it marks the transition from a cultural to a political phase. Focusing on European culture was an important way of forming national solidarity at the time. Even though Georgia was not an independent state, the Georgian intelligentsia saw continued cultural contact with the European world as a means of achieving independence. The first sociological study, "Nation and Mankind" published at the turn of the twentieth century, allows us to investigate European theories of the nation in Georgia. One of the book's chapters is entirely devoted to the theories of the nation. Knowing these theories gives us a clear picture of the thinkers on whom Mikhako Tsereteli relied and criticized to define the concept of nation and the national problem. The Austro-Marxist nation theories he discusses are especially noteworthy because the views of the Austro-Marxists were also popular among other supporters of the Georgian national position during the political phase of the nation's formation. Secondary research and content analysis are used in this qualitative research.